Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India has demonstrated anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

“Our scientists, a little while ago, have targeted a live satellite in space 300 km away in low earth orbit. The pre-fixed target was destroyed by the A-SAT in just three minutes,” he said in a nationally televised speech.

India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. “The entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power. It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” he said.

Modi said the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a predetermined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km. He added that India does not breach any international laws or treaties.

Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was aimed at strengthening India’s overall security, he said in his address.

DRDO conducted the missile test from Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) 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, the defence ministry said in a statement.

“Mission Shakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision. It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme. Shooting down a low earth orbit satellite is a rare achievement for the country,” the PM said.