The Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of a phase-II ballistic missile defense interceptor, in eastern India's Odisha.

The incident happened at the APJ Abdul Kalam island on November 2.

Visuals showed the missile zooming into the sky after it was launched. It left a thick trail of smoke after it was launched into the sky.

All ballistic missile defence weapon system elements, located at various locations, were used in this flight test. According to the Ministry of Defense, this AD-1 missile, which has a large kill altitude bracket, is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft.

A two-stage solid motor propels the interceptor, which is also equipped with an indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm, helping guide the vehicle to its target.

All the sub-systems reportedly functioned as per expectations during the flight test. The interceptor has the capability to engage different targets and will give great operational flexibility.