India's AD-1 Interceptor Shows Limited Anti-Hypersonic Capabilities in BMD Phase II Test, Paving Way for Hypersonic-Focused Phase III

India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program has achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of the AD-1 interceptor missile under Phase II, marking a critical advancement in the nation's defence capabilities.

This development not only strengthens India's ability to neutralize long-range ballistic missiles but also introduces a nascent capability against emerging hypersonic threats.

While Phase III will see the development of dedicated anti-hypersonic interceptors, the AD-1's current performance offers a preliminary defence against these advanced weapons, highlighting India's strategic approach to future warfare.

The AD-1, a long-range interceptor developed by DRDO, is designed to engage and neutralize ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km. The interceptor is equipped with a dual-stage solid rocket motor for extended range, an active radar seeker for precise target acquisition, and is also engineered to counter maneuvering glide vehicles.

According to public statements by DRDO officials, these features enable it to engage targets outside the Earth's atmosphere (exo-atmospheric) as well as within it (endo-atmospheric). This capability places the AD-1 as part of the crucial phase II of India's two-tiered BMD system.

Notably, while its primary role is to intercept ballistic missiles, the AD-1 has demonstrated a secondary capability against Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs). However, the DRDO has clarified that this capability is limited to addressing modest hypersonic threats, specifically during the terminal phase of flight. This is the stage when the speed and maneuverability of the HGV are somewhat diminished, presenting a brief window for interception.

HGVs represent a new generation of offensive weaponry, characterized by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), execute unpredictable maneuvers, and maintain atmospheric flight for prolonged periods. These characteristics, particularly their ability to alter trajectory at hypersonic speeds, pose significant challenges to traditional missile defence systems.

The development of HGVs by China has spurred a global arms race in hypersonic technology, prompting India to develop counter measures.

Phase III of India's ambitious BMD program is set to address the limitations of Phase II by focusing on the development of two new interceptor missiles specifically tailored for hypersonic threats.

While details about these new interceptors remain limited, analysts speculate that they will likely leverage advanced technologies such as hit-to-kill mechanisms, improved guidance systems and possibly directed energy weapons to effectively counter the speed and agility of HGVs.

The inclusion of even a limited anti-hypersonic capability in the AD-1 significantly bolsters India's strategic deterrence posture. It serves as a clear signal to potential adversaries that India is actively preparing to counter the next generation of missile threats.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, India's investment in advanced missile defence systems like the AD-1 and the upcoming Phase III interceptors will be crucial for national security.

 

[Shiva]

These kind of anti hypersonic (why not with limited capabilities) is an essential activitiy, especially when we see, already China has developed hypersonic aircrafts/UAVs with limited stealth. So, without these, it will make India to a situation how Pakistan is there with India because of Brahmos.

 

[Scronkfinkle]

We have a propensity to chest-thump small achievements, like we made a fifth-generation fighter on paper and design software, as in the case here. Since this is a colossal achievement, don't you think we should do a public demonstration like the ASAT so the world sits up and takes notice? Take due credit where it matters. Even the citizens of this country will be at ease that there is something protecting them other than chest-thumping words and mythological names and characters.

 

[Enforcer]

This is the biggest national security project currently, comparable to nuclear weapons. I hope the government provides the same amount of resources, attention and energy like they did with nukes.

 

[Enforcer]

Israel's entire existence is due to the iron done, arrow BMD and patriot missiles. And not only defensive importance, they are able to fire at their enemies without being hit themselves. Very Very impressive and critical technology.

 

[shekhar]

MIRV, HGV and FOBS are the biggest threat

 

[Sandeep]

We have a propensity to chest-thump small achievements, like we made a fifth-generation fighter on paper and design software, as in the case here. Since this is a colossal achievement, don't you think we should do a public demonstration like the ASAT so the world sits up and takes notice? Take due credit where it matters. Even the citizens of this country will be at ease that there is something protecting them other than chest-thumping words and mythological names and characters.

The problem with that is that your then sharing its capabilities and the type of technology your using to your enemies. It’s better to carry out the tests, distort the information and true capabilities like we do with our current amount and type of nuclear weapons and missiles we really have. This will then make it even harder for your enemies to develop a weapon or system that can counteract any type of defence or advantage you may have.

 

[Sandeep]

Our ballistic missiles interceptor can be used to destroy an incoming and high speed hypersonic missile so we do have a capable and reliable defence from all types of aerial attack. However it’s very expensive to manufacture and it requires a lot of advanced and expensive technology which are mainly to tackle any nuclear or ballistic missiles fired at you.

What we need to do is 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture a new missile interceptor that’s specifically designed to tackle hypersonic missiles. We should develop a new parallel project that can work alongside our new Project Kusha air defence system that we are currently developing. This unified air defence system will then allow us to choose the appropriate missile based on the incoming threat.

 

[sanket]

BMD is going play big role as a Shield for emerging new Threas called Hypersonic Glide Vehicles Good Going by DRDO , Hope In Future more Refined & advanced Anti hypersonic system will b developed by DRDO

 

[The Presence]

For countering Hypersonic MIRVs, we need a single ABM deploying multiple Mini-KVs.

Significant miniaturisation is required to accomplish this feat.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

MIRV, HGV and FOBS are the biggest threat

FOBS can be neutralized by ASAT weapon. BMD should neutralize the final stage of the missile before MIRVs have separated from it. HGV should also be neutralized before it enters it's unpredictable path.It is near impossible to hit a mach 3-5 missile.

 

[JaiBharat]

India should explore the possibility of discreetly deploying some of its anti-missile systems in friendly countries, utilizing them to test and counter Houthi missile threats. This would not only enhance operational readiness but also help refine and fine-tune the effectiveness of India's missile defense capabilities in real-world scenarios. It also create a huge export opportunities to fund most advanced weapons.