India joins elite group as DRDO showcases BMD, NASM-MR tests
New Delhi, June 13
The Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully demonstrated multiple critical technologies aimed at significantly enhancing India's defence capabilities against a range of emerging aerial and maritime threats, including long-range ballistic missiles and medium-range anti-ship targets.
According to official details, three consecutive flight tests were conducted on June 10 and 11, 2026, showcasing a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. During these trials, interceptors successfully engaged their respective targets, validating the effectiveness of the layered defence architecture developed with advanced and emerging technologies designed to counter evolving missile threats.
The successful demonstration has positioned India among an elite group of nations possessing operational-level Ballistic Missile Defence capability, with the ability to intercept and neutralise ballistic missiles, including threats up to Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) class.
In addition to the BMD validation, the maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) was also successfully carried out, marking a major milestone in strengthening India's maritime strike and defensive capabilities.
The flight tests were closely witnessed by senior officials from DRDO and the Armed Forces. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, closely monitored the trials and appreciated the coordinated efforts of DRDO and industry partners involved in the development process and execution of the tests.
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful demonstration of these crucial technologies, stating that such advancements will further strengthen India's national security preparedness and technological self-reliance in critical defence domains.
DRDO stated that the systems have been designed and developed using the latest indigenous technologies to address emerging and future threat scenarios across domains. The successful trials underscore continued progress in India's self-reliance in advanced missile defence and maritime strike capabilities, reflecting a strong push towards indigenous innovation in defence research and development.
Earlier, India successfully flight-tested the Phase-II of the Ballistic Missile Defence System. Under the test done by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Target Missile was launched from LC-IV Dhamra, mimicking an adversary Ballistic Missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea and activated the AD Interceptor system.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a defence enthusiast, this is huge! India now joins US, Russia, Israel in elite club of BMD nations. But we must ensure these systems are also cost-effective and can be mass-produced. Our armed forces need these in large numbers.
Impressive achievement. India's defence R&D is really coming of age. The NASM-MR will be critical for securing our maritime interests in Indian Ocean. Good to see indigenous solutions instead of relying on imports.
Very proud moment for every Indian. Two days, three tests - that's efficiency! But I hope DRDO also focuses on timely delivery. We have seen many projects delayed for years. Mass production should start soon.
This is a game changer for our national security. China and Pakistan must be taking note. But more importantly, we need to test these systems under realistic combat conditions with proper user trials by the armed forces.
Great to see India making strides in defence technology. The combination of BMD for aerial threats and NASM-MR for naval threats shows comprehensive thinking. This is how you build a truly multi-domain defence capability.
Shameless self-promotion by DRDO! Meanwhile our soldiers are still using
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