NEW DELHI - India will perform tests of three new missile systems. The first test will involve an anti-ballistic missile defense system with a range of 100+ kilometers. This test will take place off the Odisha coast during the week of April 28. A missile threat will be fired from an Indian warship.
The next test will involve the Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile. The maiden test of this missile in March 2013 ended in failure. The Nirbhay (Fearless) is India's equivalent to the U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile.
A new test of the Astra medium-range air-to-air missile is scheduled for May. India's state-run Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is leading these projects. The 3.8-meter Astra is equipped with a single-stage solid-fuelled rocket motor and a 15-kg high-explosive warhead. The missile will be fired from an Indian Air Force Su-30 fighter aircraft.