The DRDO has officially entered Phase-III of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program after successfully completing the first two phases, introducing a new generation of missile defense systems designed to counter hypersonic glide vehicles and MIRV-based missile threats. The initiative represents a major technological leap as India prepares its air and missile defense network for increasingly advanced strategic challenges.
While Phase-I and Phase-II concentrated on intercepting ballistic missiles following relatively predictable trajectories, the new phase addresses far more complex threats capable of flying at extreme speeds while executing evasive maneuvers. To meet these requirements, DRDO is developing two specialized interceptor systems: the AD-AH (Anti-Hypersonic) and the AD-AM (Anti-Missile/Anti-MIRV).
Earlier phases of the BMD program provided India with the capability to engage short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles, including those approaching ICBM capabilities. Phase-III expands this protection to include advanced strategic weapons that combine high velocity, maneuverability, and multiple independently targeted warheads.
The AD-AH interceptor is being engineered to defeat Hypersonic Glide Vehicles, one of the most difficult aerial threats to intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow predictable ballistic trajectories, HGVs remain within the atmosphere while traveling at speeds above Mach 5, frequently changing direction through lateral maneuvers and atmospheric gliding. The interceptor is expected to incorporate cutting-edge propulsion systems, advanced guidance technology, and highly maneuverable terminal seekers capable of engaging these fast-moving targets.
Meanwhile, the AD-AM interceptor is designed to address the growing threat posed by Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) and advanced cruise missiles. Since MIRV-equipped missiles deploy several independently guided warheads, missile defense systems must identify and engage multiple targets simultaneously. The AD-AM aims to significantly strengthen India’s ability to defend against such saturation attacks while also enhancing protection against modern low-altitude, maneuvering cruise missiles.
India’s missile defense architecture has steadily evolved through three distinct phases. Phase-I introduced foundational capabilities through systems such as PAD and AAD for intercepting short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Phase-II extended coverage with advanced interceptors like AD-1 and AD-2, capable of exo-atmospheric interception against long-range ballistic missile threats. Phase-III now focuses on defending against the latest generation of offensive systems, including hypersonic weapons and MIRV-equipped missiles, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence and future air defense capabilities.
