Supersonic interceptor missile successfully test-fired

Another milestone for DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a successful test of the supersonic endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheeler Island) Odisha.

Details of the test:

• The interceptor missile was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1,500 km class ballistic missile.
• The mission objectives of the test were successfully met.
• One of its target was selected on real time and the weapon system radars tracked the target and locked the missile on to it and intercepted it in mid-air on sea surface with high degree of accuracy.
• The complete test including engagement and interception was tracked by a number of electro-optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations.
• This test validated some improved features incorporated in the interceptor missile while its major health parameters including its ‘kill’ effect already have been validated in earlier tests.

About the Interceptor Missile:

• The endo-atmospheric interceptor missile is yet to get a formal name. 
• It has been developed as part of indegenous efforts to have multi-layer ballistic missile defence system, capable of destroying incoming hostile ballistic missiles.
• It is 7.5-metre long and is capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 km.
• It is a single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. 
• It is equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
• It has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.

Interesting to know:

• DRDO has spearheaded India’s double-layered interceptor ballistic missile defence (BMD) programme.
• It consists of two interceptor missiles, Advanced Area Defence (AAD) missile for endo-atmosphere or lower altitudes and Prithvi Defence Vehicle for exo-atmospheric ranges.
• DRDO expects the deployment of this indegenous BMD shield by 2022.
• It will make India the fourth country in the world after US, Russia and Israel to successfully build an effective anti-ballistic missile system.

Questions:

Q1. From where did the DRDO conducted a successful test of the supersonic endo-atmospheric interceptor missile?
a. Sena Parikshan Sthal
b. Abdul Kalam Island
c. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
d. Pokhran Test Range

Q2. Where is the test site located?
a. Rajasthan
b. West Bengal
c. Odisha
d. Kerela