DRDO

The flight-test was carried out with participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations. The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.

This year, several technologies developed for land based, Naval and air-based systems will be showcased through experience zones -- a closed room immersive cinematic experience. In a first, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) simulator will also be made available to experience, among other augmented and virtual reality Naval, Land and Air product simulators.

The flight-tests were carried out against high-speed aerial targets mimicking various types of threats to evaluate the capability of the weapon systems under different scenarios, including long range medium altitude, short range, high altitude manoeuvring target, low radar signature with receding & crossing target and salvo launch with two missiles fired in quick succession, it said.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Kamat as Secretary, Defence Research and Development, and DRDO Charman, from the date of his joining till he reaches the age of 60, or till further orders, whichever is earlier, and also the appointment of Reddy as Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister.

The flight test was carried out from an Indian Naval Ship against a high-speed unmanned aerial target for demonstration of vertical launch capability. The missiles, equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, intercepted the target with high accuracy, the defence ministry said in a statement. The VL-SRSAM system has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.

The performance of the aerial target, at low altitude including sustained level and high manoeuvrability, was demonstrated during the test flight. ABHYAS was flown from a ground-based controller in a pre-designated low altitude flight path, which was monitored by various tracking sensors deployed by ITR, including radar and electro-optical targeting system.

The VL-SRSAM is a ship-borne weapon system which works for neutralising various aerial threats at close range including sea-skimming targets. The launch was conducted against a high-speed aerial target mimicking an aircraft, which was successfully engaged, said the Ministry of Defence in a statement.

ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the staff requirements issued by the IAF catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement reducing the dependency on foreign sources. Until now, the technology to manufacture missiles of this class indigenously was not available.