DRDO Tests Ballistic Missile Defence and Anti-Ship Systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three consecutive missile flight tests on 10 and 11 June 2026. The trials included interceptor missiles for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR).

Ballistic Missile Defence System

Ballistic Missile Defence is a system designed to detect, track, intercept, and destroy ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. The DRDO trials involved interceptor missiles meant to neutralise Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), which have a range of 2,000 km to 5,000 km. These interceptor missiles can operate in exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric modes. Exo-atmospheric interception takes place outside the Earth’s atmosphere, while endo-atmospheric interception takes place within the atmosphere.

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles

IRBMs are a class of ballistic missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km. Ballistic missiles are generally classified by range into short-range, medium-range, intermediate-range, and intercontinental categories. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) have ranges above 5,500 km and form the longest-range class of ballistic missiles.

Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range

The Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range is an anti-ship missile developed for use against surface naval targets at medium ranges. Anti-ship missiles are guided weapons designed to strike ships and other maritime platforms. The maiden flight test of NASM-MR formed part of DRDO’s missile development programme for naval strike capability.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDO was established in 1958 and functions under the Ministry of Defence.
• Ballistic missile defence systems use layered interception to engage incoming missiles at different stages of flight.
• IRBMs are placed between medium-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles in range classification.
• NASM-MR belongs to the category of anti-ship missiles used for maritime warfare.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the missile tests. The tests placed India among a small group of countries with advanced ballistic missile defence capability.