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DRDO conducts three ballistic missile defence tests in two days

Saturday, 13 June 2026· 5 min read·Source: The Hindu

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight tests on June 10 and 11, 2026, demonstrating a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system against long-range ballistic missiles. The tests also validated anti-ship strike capability at medium range through the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) system. The achievement, announced on June 13 with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulating the team, marks completion of the second phase of India's BMD programme and places India among an elite group of nations with such a layered missile shield.

Key Facts & Details

8 points

1
DRDO conducted three flight tests on June 10-11, 2026.
2
The tests demonstrated a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
3
They included the maiden test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR).
4
It marks the completion of the second phase of India's BMD programme.
5
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the milestone.

Deep Dive

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A multi-layered BMD means multiple interception layers, so if one layer misses an incoming missile, another can engage it.
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The capability is likened to a 'sky shield' or Iron Dome-style layered air-defence architecture.
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Successful interception of long-range ballistic missiles places India in a small club of nations with such systems.

Exam Focus

Which organisation conducted India's multi-layered ballistic missile defence tests in June 2026, and which naval missile was test-fired?

Exam Relevance & Angle

DRDO missile achievements are flagship defence/science GA, testing the developing agency, the system name (BMD, NASM-MR) and the significance of a layered missile shield.

Target Exams

SBI POSBI ClerkIBPS POIBPS ClerkIBPS RRB OfficerIBPS RRB AssistantRBI Grade BRBI AssistantNABARD Grade ASSC CGLSSC CHSLSSC CPORRB NTPCLIC AAONIACL AOUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), founded in 1958 and functioning under the Ministry of Defence, is India's premier agency for military research and development. Its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme aims to build a two-layered shield to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at high altitude (exo-atmospheric) and lower altitude (endo-atmospheric). A ballistic missile follows a high, arching trajectory powered only at launch, while an anti-ship missile is designed to strike naval vessels. India has steadily indigenised missile technology under programmes such as the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.