Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test, under Mission Shakti from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile, Defence Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a Hit to Kill mode.

The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite on a Low Earth Orbit.

Mr Modi said, an Anti-Satellite Missile (A-SAT) destroyed the live satellite within three minutes. He said, with this, India has registered herself as a space power and till now only the US, Russia and China have achieved this.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have congratulated Indian space scientists for Mission Shakti. Mr Kovind said, Mission Shakti represents a watershed moment for the country.