---
title: "Ballistic Missile Defence (PAD/AAD): India's Shield"
description: "India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programme features a two-tier DRDO system with PAD and AAD interceptors, crucial for national security and UPSC relevance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ballistic-missile-defence-programme"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is a two-tiered DRDO system using the Prithvi Air Defence interceptor for exo-atmospheric and Advanced Air Defence for endo-atmospheric interception.
- What is the difference between PAD and AAD?
- Is India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programme constrained by the ABM Treaty?
- How does the BMD Programme relate to the S-400 and Project Kusha?
- What are the main limitations of the PAD/AAD system?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is a two-tiered DRDO system using the Prithvi Air Defence interceptor for exo-atmospheric and Advanced Air Defence for endo-atmospheric interception.

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In November 2022, DRDO successfully tested the Phase-II AD-1 interceptor from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha, demonstrating both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric ballistic-missile interception capability.

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