India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has entered the next stage of its Ballistic Missile Defence programme with the development of new interceptor systems designed to counter hypersonic weapons and MIRV-equipped ballistic missiles. The Phase-3 initiative introduces the AD-AH interceptor for hypersonic glide vehicles and the AD-AM interceptor for multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles and advanced cruise missiles, addressing some of the most challenging threats in modern warfare. Building upon the success of earlier BMD phases, the new programme focuses on high-speed interception, advanced target discrimination, and multi-layered defence against manoeuvring strategic weapons. The initiative represents a major technological milestone in strengthening India’s long-term strategic deterrence and national missile defence capability.
