DRDO Develops Next-Gen Shield to Counter Hypersonic Missiles at 10,000 Kmph

• DRDO is developing advanced interceptors (AD-AH and AD-AM) under the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program to counter hypersonic threats.
• These new interceptors are designed to neutralize hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and hypersonic cruise missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
• The AD-AH and AD-AM projects are part of the proposed Phase-III of India's BMD architecture, addressing highly maneuverable and ultra-fast aerial threats.
• Developmental flight trials for AD-AH and AD-AM are expected to commence after 2030, significantly enhancing India's strategic defense capabilities.
• This initiative builds on India's existing two-phase BMD system, which includes Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptors.

Why It Matters: DRDO is building advanced interceptors to create a robust shield against next-generation hypersonic missile threats.