📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Defence
Defence
DRDO to Establish Missile Test Ranges in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal for Phase‑II BMD
✍️ Defence.in
🗓 13 Sep 2026, 11:31 PM
👁 3
The Defence Research and Development Organisation announced plans to build new missile test facilities in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal to support Phase‑II Ballistic Missile Defence and other weapon trials.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has approved the creation of dedicated missile test ranges in the states of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The facilities are intended to provide a domestic platform for Phase‑II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) trials as well as a broader spectrum of weapon testing activities.
According to the announcement, each site will be equipped with launch pads, high‑precision tracking radars, telemetry stations and data‑acquisition systems required for modern missile validation. By situating the ranges within India, DRDO aims to reduce dependence on foreign test sites and accelerate the development timeline of indigenous defence systems.
The move aligns with the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" defence push, seeking to bolster self‑reliance and operational readiness. While detailed timelines and budget allocations were not disclosed, officials indicated that the projects will progress in tandem with ongoing BMD programme milestones.
Industry observers note that the new ranges could also serve as testing grounds for future hypersonic and directed‑energy weapons, expanding India's strategic testing infrastructure beyond its existing facilities in Odisha and Ladakh.
According to the announcement, each site will be equipped with launch pads, high‑precision tracking radars, telemetry stations and data‑acquisition systems required for modern missile validation. By situating the ranges within India, DRDO aims to reduce dependence on foreign test sites and accelerate the development timeline of indigenous defence systems.
The move aligns with the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" defence push, seeking to bolster self‑reliance and operational readiness. While detailed timelines and budget allocations were not disclosed, officials indicated that the projects will progress in tandem with ongoing BMD programme milestones.
Industry observers note that the new ranges could also serve as testing grounds for future hypersonic and directed‑energy weapons, expanding India's strategic testing infrastructure beyond its existing facilities in Odisha and Ladakh.