Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully demonstrates Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), conducted on June 10 and 11.
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ANI
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability, placing India into an exclusive group of nations capable of intercepting and neutralising long-range threat profiles up to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
Though the DRDO did not share much details on the trials, sources said the BMD is said to have successfully engaged and destroyed incoming targets in both endo-atmospheric (within Earth’s atmosphere) and exo-atmospheric (outer space) layers. Only a few countries like the United States, Russia, and Israel possess an anti-ballistic missile system.
The architecture relies heavily on next-gen, completely indigenous components, including high-power, long-range tracking radars, ultra-low latency network communication links and advanced “kill vehicles” designed to take down threats at hypersonic speeds. The development of BMD programme by the DRDO officially began in November 2006, with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile to intercepted a modified Prithvi-II ballistic missile.
This is part of three crucial technologies tested over two days from June 10 to demonstrate not only multi-layered defence against long range ballistic missiles and but also anti-ship capability at medium range, as per the Ministry of Defence.
The maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) was also carried out successfully which is meant to provide cover to Indian Navy ships, having ranges of 300 to 350 km and travels at high-subsonic speed with reduced thermal signatures.
The NASM-MR is designed to be an all-weather, over-the-horizon, subsonic anti-ship cruise missile meant to engage small- to medium-sized surface warships like frigates, corvettes, and destroyers. It provides a stealthier, cost-effective alternative to supersonic missiles like the BrahMos, effectively filling the gap for mid-range naval precision strikes.
The flight-tests were witnessed by senior officials of DRDO and defence forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO on successfully demonstrating these crucial technologies. While defence secretary RK Singh, who is handling additional charge of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, closely monitored the trials and applauded the combined efforts of DRDO and industry.
Published on June 13, 2026
