First Phase of India's Ballistic Missile Defence System Nearing Operational Deployment After Two Decades of Development

After over two decades of dedicated research and development, India is on the cusp of operationalizing the first phase of its indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.

This significant milestone in India's strategic defense initiatives comes as missile threats continue to evolve, making the capability to intercept and neutralize incoming ballistic missiles a critical priority.

Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the BMD program represents a major step towards enhancing India's national security.

The Indian BMD system is structured in two layers. The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) system provides exo-atmospheric interception, engaging threats outside the Earth's atmosphere at altitudes up to 80 kilometers. This system utilizes the Prithvi Defense Vehicle (PDV) interceptor, equipped with advanced seeker technologies and high-speed propulsion to destroy incoming missiles in their mid-course phase.

Complementing the PAD, the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) system handles endo-atmospheric interception, targeting missiles within the atmosphere at altitudes of 15-25 kilometers during their terminal phase. Both systems are supported by sophisticated radars, including the Swordfish long-range tracking radar, derived from the Israeli Green Pine radar.

India has conducted a series of successful tests for both PAD and AAD interceptors, demonstrating the technological capability of these systems. In 2019, DRDO achieved a significant breakthrough with "Mission Shakti," showcasing India's anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities and further validating its missile interception technologies.

However, operational deployment requires more than successful tests. The BMD system must demonstrate consistent reliability under various conditions, integrate seamlessly with other defense mechanisms, and adapt to evolving threats.

Operationalizing the BMD system presents several challenges. Tracking and neutralizing multiple incoming warheads, especially those with decoys or advanced maneuvering capabilities, is a complex task.

Integrating the BMD system with India's existing air defense network requires sophisticated communication systems and real-time data processing. Geopolitical implications must also be considered, as deploying a BMD system can influence regional dynamics and potentially trigger arms races.

Despite these challenges, India's BMD program is steadily progressing. Reports indicate that the first phase, designed to counter short and medium-range missile threats, is nearing operational deployment.

The second phase, aimed at intercepting ICBMs and more advanced threats, is under active development, with DRDO focusing on interceptors capable of engaging targets at altitudes beyond 150 kilometers.

Deploying an indigenous BMD system will significantly enhance India's defense capabilities. It will provide a vital layer of protection for major cities and strategic assets, strengthening India's deterrence posture.

Furthermore, mastering BMD technology places India in an elite group of nations with advanced missile defense systems, solidifying its position as a major power.

 

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[Mayank393]

Great 👍

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Israel also uses stunner missile with three pulse engine. Its speed is about 7.5 mach. We have developed dual pulse motor. We should pursue three pulse motor base missiles. Israel is also making a long range air to air variant of stunner missile.

 

[M S ChatterjiVerified member]

The key question is that …. Can it intercept and destroy the incoming Pakistani missiles?

If it can then India has succeeded. Now comes the question of destroying it over the Pakistani territory so that their bomb falls over Lahore.

 

[Kira]

The key question is that …. Can it intercept and destroy the incoming Pakistani missiles?

If it can then India has succeeded. Now comes the question of destroying it over the Pakistani territory so that their bomb falls over Lahore.

No missile defence system no matter how advanced is full proof, just that it provides some deterrence and defence depending on the quality and quantity of the munitions launched at target.

 

[beencensured]

Israel also uses stunner missile with three pulse engine. Its speed is about 7.5 mach. We have developed dual pulse motor. We should pursue three pulse motor base missiles. Israel is also making a long range air to air variant of stunner missile.

For the Barak 8missile, India had provided the propulsion( the dual pulse motor), so it seems they mastered and made more advance missile three pulse motor..

 

[desigandu]

No BMD can fully defend against a saturation attack, but we must have nation/IOR wide - land, sea, air and space based sensors for continuous and early tracking, backed up with land based but augmented with sea based interceptors, hopefully about 12 P18 destroyers with interceptors and advanced aegis type sensors will help…Offensive defense with long range hypersonic missiles - HGVs and HCMs with capability to launch from land, air, sea and sub-sea can also be an active deterrent…
GOI should think of a Joint Missile Defense agency like the Space Agency and Cyber agaency, to consolidate efforts…

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Desperately need an OTH radar and a deep upgrade to the Swordfish radar which has already been operational for a while now.

 

[Sandeep]

India has already operationalised our phase 1 BMD which can intercept any type of missile, drones or jets in the intermediate range. We are currently developing a longer range phase 2 BMD so that we can intercept ICBM before they cross into our border. We need to make sure it’s all connected with our other SAM, radars, satellite etc so that we have a comprehensive and overlapping air defence across the country.

 

[PKPRS]

Israel also uses stunner missile with three pulse engine. Its speed is about 7.5 mach. We have developed dual pulse motor. We should pursue three pulse motor base missiles. Israel is also making a long range air to air variant of stunner missile.

Russia collected an un exploded Stunner missile as is from Syria and reverse engineered already, similarly in Ukraine they collected an unexploded Scalp/Storm Shadow missile, Stunner tech is already applied in their KH-69 and KH-59MK2 and have bern successfully used in Ukraine to evade western defense systems.

 

[PKPRS]

Desperately need an OTH radar and a deep upgrade to the Swordfish radar which has already been operational for a while now.

Swordfish radar is already upgraded to super Swordfish, a new upgraded 1,500 km range Super Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar or LRTR-II was developed since 2011 by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) to handle multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capable missiles.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Russia collected an un exploded Stunner missile as is from Syria and reverse engineered already, similarly in Ukraine they collected an unexploded Scalp/Storm Shadow missile, Stunner tech is already applied in their KH-69 and KH-59MK2 and have bern successfully used in Ukraine to evade western defense systems.

KH-69 is subsonic whereas stunner is supersonic.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Swordfish radar is already upgraded to super Swordfish, a new upgraded 1,500 km range Super Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar or LRTR-II was developed since 2011 by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) to handle multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capable missiles.

In that sense we're already using VLRTR which has twice the detection range of Super Swordfish radar. However, what we need is a true blue OTH radar of our own and a very powerful GaN long range tracking radar that can pick up ballistic rounds etc 5000 km away or further. Jai Hind.