GPI Programme

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Context:

• Amid growing concerns over rivals deploying advanced weapons like hypersonic missiles, Japan is investing in the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Project under joint development with the US.

GPI Programme:

• It is part of missile defense system aimed at countering ballistic missile threats during their glide phase.
• It involves the development of advanced interceptor missiles capable of engaging and destroying incoming ballistic missiles.
• The Programme is under joint development by the US and Japan.
• By the end of 2032, Washington and Tokyo aim to achieve full operational capability for the system.

Glide Phase of Ballistic Missiles:

• With a traditional Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the warhead separates from its booster and continues on a parabolic, gravity-driven trajectory to its target.
• A hypersonic weapon, by contrast, separates from its booster after the peak of its trajectory and accelerates toward the Earth using gravity. It then performs a pitch manoeuvre to begin a flatter trajectory called the glide phase.
• Unlike typical ballistic missiles, the hypersonic and glide vehicles travel at five times (or more) the speed of sound on an unpredictable trajectory.

What is the project all about?

• Hypersonic weapons or missiles pose a unique challenge due to their blinding speeds and relatively low altitudes (20 to 80 km) during the glide phase.
• These characteristics make it particularly challenging for ground-based radar systems to track them effectively.
• The GPI project aims to provide regional hypersonic missile defence.
• It will achieve this by launching specially modified missiles from surface warships.
• These missiles will engage and destroy incoming hypersonic missiles as they glide through the boundary between space and Earth’s atmosphere.
• The “glide” phase of the missile’s trajectory provides the best opportunityto intercept it before it enters its last high-speed drop.

Significance:

• The Programme signifies advancements in missile defense technology, including the development of high-speed interceptors, advanced sensors, and real-time targeting systems.
• These technological enhancements enable precise and timely interception of ballistic missiles during their most vulnerable phase.
• The development of effective glide phase interceptors is strategically important for India's national security, especially in countering potential missile threats from adversarial nations.
• It adds a layer of defense capability by targeting missiles earlier in their trajectory.
• Deployment of GPI interceptors at strategic locations will further strengthen India's defense capabilities.

Read about India missiles:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/indian-missiles-an-overview

Source:

https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/what-is-the-glide-phase-interceptor-gpi-programme-2529244

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about “The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Programme” recently developed in India: It is part of India's missile defense system aimed at countering ballistic missile threats during their glide phase. The Programme involves the development of advanced interceptor missiles capable of engaging and destroying incoming ballistic missiles. The glide phase of ballistic missiles is a critical stage where the missile re-enters the atmosphere and glides towards its target, making it less vulnerable to interception. The main objective of the GPI Programme is to intercept ballistic missiles during their boost phase. How many of the above statements is/are correct? A. Only one B.Only two C.Only three D. All Four Answer: B