Pranab Mukherjee congratulates DRDO for Prithvi test

India now joins a select group of nations having an effective Ballistic Missile Defence System.

New Delhi, Feb 12: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday congratulated DRDO and its scientists for the successful test firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Interceptor Missile.

"I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Interceptor Missile," Mukherjee said in a message to Defence Research & Development Organisation Chairman S. Christopher.

"The nation is proud of this accomplishment made by DRDO. This is a significant milestone in boosting India's defence capabilities and will provide enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats," he said.

"Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission. I wish the DRDO continued success in the coming years," the President added.

The test took place at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday, when an incoming missile was successfully intercepted at a height of 100 km with a direct hit by an interceptor missile.

The two-stage PDV missile is part of the two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by DRDO and its interception window ranges from 80 to 120 km.

With this, India now joins a select group of nations having an effective Ballistic Missile Defence System.

IANS