Successful test of ‘Prithvi’ Advanced Air Defense Supersonic Interceptor Missile

Successful test of 'Prithvi' Advanced Air Defense Supersonic Interceptor Missile

Question: From where DRDO successfully tested the indigenously built ‘Prithvi’ Advanced Air Defense Supersonic Interceptor Missile?
(a) Pokhran
(b) Jaisalmer
(c) Balasore
(d) Visakhapatnam
Answer: (c) 
Related Facts:

  • On December 28th, 2017, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested ‘Prithvi’ Advanced Air Defense (AAD) supersonic interceptor missile from Dr Abdul Kalam Island about 100 km away from Balasore coast of Odisha.
  • The interceptor directly hit the target at an altitude of about 15 kilometres and destroyed it into fragments.
  • The spectacular success puts India in the league of a very few select nations world over in the arena of critical defence technology.
  • It is worth mentioning that this is the third supersonic interceptor test carried out this year in which an incoming ballistic missile target was successfully intercepted, within 30 km altitude of the earth’s atmosphere by an interceptor.
  • Earlier, two successful tests were conducted on 11th February and 1st March, 2017.
  • This missile is part of the multi-level ballistic missile defense system.
  • It has been developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
  • A 7.5 meter long single phase solid fuel guided missile is equipped with a directive system, high-tech computer and electro-mechanical activator.

Reference:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-successfully-test-fires-supersonic-interceptor-missile/articleshow/62280037.cms
http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1514567