India to develop interceptor to handle cruise missiles

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today said it would be able to develop within three years a high supersonic interceptor missile called 'Pradyumana', capable of taking on long-range threats such as cruise missiles.

It will be part of the ballistic missile defence, which will integrate technologies of two current interceptors--AAD missile and PAD missile.

''But before that we need more flight trials-- three to four trials of AAD and four to five trials of PAD,'' Dr V K Saraswat, Chief Controller- R and D (Missile and Strategic System), DRDO, on Ballistic Missile Defence, told a press conference.

Two flight trials of AAD were conducted on December 2 and 6.

Dr Saraswat said ''It will take three years' time to develop the intergrated interceptor, capable of engaging cruise missiles.'' The interceptor's high velocity and manoeuverability would also ensure that it would be able to intercept aircraft at more than 80 km of range, he said.

The weapon system components such as radars, thermal batteries, software and launch control centre would be manufactured indigeniously, he added.

''It would have a wider area interception than the Patriot missile of the US.'' He said the integrated interceptor technology would lead to the development of a satellite to detect long-range missiles.

''It will be complementary to the interceptor. It will not be a spy satellite, but will carry infra-red telescope to track the plume of smoke of the target missile,'' Dr Saraswat said.

UNI