INDIA’S BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE PROGRAM

• BMD systems are designed to protect against aerial threats, such as drones, fighter jets, and ballistic and cruise missiles, by launching interceptors to neutralize these threats. 
• These systems are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of nations against missile attacks.

Notable BMD Systems Worldwide

• THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence): A US-based system that intercepts short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.
• Iron Dome (Israel): A mobile defence system designed to intercept and destroy short-range threats, such as rockets and artillery shells.
• Patriot Missile System (USA): Used for intercepting tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft in the terminal phase.
• S-400 Triumph (Russia): A multi-role missile defence system capable of intercepting ballistic and air-based threats.

India’s BMD Program

• India's BMD program was sanctioned in 2000 in response to growing missile threats from neighbouring countries, especially China and Pakistan.
• The program was initiated to enhance India's defence capability, particularly in the context of strategic missile threats.

Phases of India’s BMD Program

Phase I (Short to Medium-Range Missiles - up to 2000 km):

• Objective: 
  • To intercept and destroy ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km.
• Components:
  • Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): A missile defence system designed to intercept short-range ballistic missiles.
  • Ashwin Advanced Air Defence (AAD): A missile interceptor designed for higher altitudes to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.
  • Swordfish RADAR: A long-range tracking radar developed to detect and track ballistic missiles for effective interception.
• Deployment: Phase I has been successfully deployed, with these systems operational and integrated into India’s defence infrastructure.

Phase II (Long-Range Missiles - up to 5000 km):

• Objective: 
  • To enhance interception capabilities and defend against long-range missile threats with ranges between 2,000 and 5,000 km.
• Components:
  • AD-1: A long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric (outside the Earth's atmosphere) and endo-atmospheric (within the Earth's atmosphere) interception. It is capable of intercepting long-range ballistic missiles and aircraft.
  • AD-2: Designed specifically for intercepting intermediate-range ballistic missile targets with ranges between 3,000 to 5,500 km.
• Status: Phase II is under development, with AD-1 and AD-2 expected to significantly enhance India's missile defense capabilities.