The Interceptor missile is an anti- ballistic missile designed to counter the ballistic missile like intermediate range and intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from any country. A ballistic missile is used to deliver nuclear, chemical, biological or conventional warheads in a ballistic flight trajectory. United States safeguard system has utilized LIM-49A Spartan and sprint missiles while the Russian A- 35 antiballistic missile system which used the Galosh interceptor, each with a nuclear warhead themselves. The short range tactical anti ballistic missile systems currently operational are-U.S. Army Patriot, U.S. Navy Aegis combat system and the Israel Arrow.

India has also taken a significant step towards Ballistic Missile Defence system and joined the elite club of USA, Russia and Israel when an interceptor missile successfully targeted the hostile missile off the Orissa coast in December 2007. In the test an interceptor missile was test fired from the Wheeler Island which intercepted the target missile at an altitude of 15 km from launch surface at supersonic speed. India is developing an indigenous ballistic missile defence system with a robust anti-missile defence system that will have high-speed interceptions for engaging ballistic missiles in the 5000 km class and above. India has also shown that it is able to handle targets in the class upto 2000-2500 kilometers. The country is also expected to join Israel, Russia and the USA in developing and possessing such technology once the system is rolled out. The trajectory of the interceptor missile is programmed to intercept the incoming missile in the mid air.

The on going project of interceptor missile in India would be named as Pradyumna. The phase one of the Interceptor missile programme was expected to complete by 2009 while its secure operational clearance by 2012- 13. Defence Research and Development Organization has stated that its missile system is comparable to the Israeli Arrow system and American Patriot system. DRDO expects ballistic missile shield to take care of threats from existing Chinese and Pakistani missiles. Prithvi Air Defence Missile would be developed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles outside atmosphere i.e. Exoatmosphere. Based on the Prithvi missile, this interceptor missile would be of two stages with a maximum interception altitude 80 km. Its first stage is a liquid fuelled motor that uses two propellant and oxidizers while second stage is solid fuelled. The guidance to this missile would be provided by intertial navigation system, mid- course updates from long range tracking radar and active radar horming in the terminal phase.