<–2/”>a >The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Republic of India, charged with the military’s research and development, headquartered in New Delhi, India. It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
DRDO has identified the following topics for future research & development.
Low Observable Technologies
The whole spectrum of techniques used to reduce electromagnetic signature, be it Infra red, electromagnetic emission, Radar or Sonar form a part of such technology, which encompasses materials, shapes or finishes for absorption, reflection and/or deflection of radar waves in directions other than the sensors etc.
GaN Devices
GaN being the most important Direct-bandgap semiconductor material, it is useful in Opto-electronic, higher frequency and high power devices.
SiC based Technology
Silicon carbide (SiC) a very hard and strong material, previously used as an excellent abrasive is now being developed as material because of its ability to function in high temperature, high frequency, high power and high radiation conditions which will enable large performance enhancements in a wide variety of systems and applications.
Technologies for Soldier support
Soldier modernization is a set of activities to enhance an Infantrymans lethality, survivability, tactical situational awareness, C4I, sustainability and mobility. To enhance the Infantrymans role as a platform and a system of systems of his own, expanding his capability to receive, send, analyse and display data is aimed at.
Nano science and Technology is an emerging field with scope for the advancement, upgradation and value addition of various defence systems.
TeraHertz
Terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum provides tangible solution to important practical problems such as concealed explosive detection, forgery and fake currency identification, non destructive testing on non metallic devices and many similar applications.
Sensors
Sensors are devices that receive and respond to a signal or stimulus, form an integral part of signal processing, Communication and control systems. Besides being rapidly deployable, self organizing and fault tolerant they should cater to a variety of requirements such as acoustic, seismic, IR, magnetometers, imagers, micro radars etc.
Laser
The unprecedented precision and speed of lasers make them an integral part of any system to provide dominance over adversary. Lasers have exceptional characteristics like low divergence, short pulse width and speed of Light which enable to intercept and interrogate the far off targets almost in real time. New technologies in material Growth and diode lasers produce high peak and Average power at various wavelength.
Functional materials
The functional materials are distinctly different from structural materials and their physical and chemical properties are sensitive to changes in the Environment such as pressure, temperature, electric and Magnetic Field, optical wavelength, adsorbed gas Molecules, pH value etc.
Solar Energy plays an important role towards achieving long lasting, sustainable, environment friendly RENEWABLE ENERGY resource to fulfill the energy needs for mankind. Multiband Conformal Antennas Miniature wireless communication devices operating in multiband/multimode, compact antenna for mobile satellite terminals require conformal antennas to enhance multiband performance in terms of impedence matching characteristics as well as radiation patterns, easy installation, providing wider bandwidth and eliminating visual signature.
Gasturbine Technologies
Design construct and operate reliable and efficient gas turbines to meet the needs and respect environment.
Hypersonics
The air-breathing hypersonic technologies and the development of hypersonic cruise vehicles are attracting the attention of the aerospace community all over the world because they have potential of application in the areas of space, civil and military sectors.In the military sector, the technologies would enable the development of hypersonic cruise missiles, which are ideal weapons against time critical targets and buried/hardened targets.
Nanophotonics
Utilizing light-matter interactions on the nanometer-scale, offers the ability to break through the diffraction limit of light and open the door to novel optical technologies. The unique nature of optical near-fields, allowing interactions at high density free from the classical diffraction limit, nanophotonics has enabled “miniaturization” of light-matter interactions, impacting various areas such as spectroscopy, optical memories, and so on. Nanophotonics can provide high bandwidth, high speed and ultra-small optoelectronic components.
High Energy Materials
The high energy materials have low calorific values compared to conventional fuels like coal or petrol; however, they release energy at millisecond (propellants) to microsecond (high explosives) scale.
High Power Microwave
High Power Microwaves (HPM) is a potential technology area that offers innovative approaches to existing defence applications. HPM means peak powers of the order or more of 100 MW, with typical values upto ten GWs, in the microwave frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Network Centric Operations
Technologies that support the new war-fighting doctrines that are emerging in the era of ubiquitous sensing, connectivity and computation form the backbone of NCO.
MEMS
These micro scale mechanics integrated on si-chip capabilities to work as a sensor & actuator coupled with C-Mos signal conditioning circuits to be studied for their use in control, guidance, telemetry, radar, acoustics etc.
High Efficiency Aerodynamics
Design to improve high cruise efficiency, low-speed performance and safety and impeccable handling characteristics for near ideal aerodynamics
India’s Missile program
Introduction
- India’s missile programme took a shot from space programme, beginning 1967.
- In 1972, Rohini- a 560 two-stage, solid propulsion sounding rocket was developed and test fired
- India first launched its small 17-tonne SLV-3 space booster in 1979
- India successfully injected the 35 kg Rohini I satellite into near-earth orbit in 1980.
- In 1987, an augmented booster, the 35-tonne ASLV had begun flight testing.
- In 1983 a decisive shift took place in India’s missile program with the launch of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) The principal aim was to develop a family of strategic and tactical guided missiles based on local design and development for three defence Services.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was conceived by renowned scientist DR.A P J Abdul Kalam to enable Indian Attain self-sufficiency in the filed of Missile Technology.
Prithvi
- The Prithvi missile is a family of tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles(SRBM) and is
- India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile.
- it was first test-fired on 25 February 1988 from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre,
- It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km.
- The land variant is called Prithvi while the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class missiles are code named Dhanush(meaning Bow).
Agni
Surface to surface intercontinetal ballistic missile.
Agni-I is a single stage, solid fuel, road and rail mobile, medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM) This shorter ranger missile is specially designed to strike targets in Pakistan.
Agni II is an operational version of Agni I and is an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) test-fired in April 1999.
The range for Agni II is more than 2000 km.
Agni III, an intermediate-range ballistic missile was developed by India as the successor to Agni II. Intended to be a two-stage ballistic missile capable of nuclear weapons delivery, it is touted as India’s nuclear deterrent against China. The missile is likely to support a wide range of warhead configurations, with a 3,500 km range and a total payload weight of 2490 kg.
Agni V, believed to be an upgraded version of the Agni III The inter-continental ballistic missile have a range of about 5000-6000 km . Agni V will be able to carry multiple warheads and would also display countermeasures against anti-ballistic missile systems.
Trishul
Trishul is the name of a short range surface-to-air missile developed by India as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It has a range of 9 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg warhead. Designed to be used against low-level (sea skimming) targets at short range, the system has been developed to defend naval vessels against missiles and also as a short-range surface-to-air missile on land.
Akash
Akash is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles. It is the most expensive missile project ever undertaken by the Union Government in the 20th century.
Nag
Nag is India’s third generation “Fire-and-forget” anti-tank missile. It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 3 to 7 km.
Other Missiles
Significant additions also include
PINAKA– the Multi-Barrel Rocket System , an area weapon system to supplement the existing artillery gun at ranges beyond 30 km, having quick reaction time and high rate of fire has been accepted by the user after extensive trials.
BrahMos- being jointly developed with Russia, is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.
BrahMos is among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world, at speeds ranging between Mach 2.5 to 2.8, being about three and a half times faster than the American subsonic Tomahawk cruise missile. Although BrahMos is primarily an anti-ship missile, it is also capable of engaging land-based targets.
Nirbhay- cruise missile was announced in 2007—a subsonic missile with a range of 1000 km. Capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air. Nirbhay will supplement BrahMos in the sense that it would enable delivery of warheads farther than the 300 km range of BrahMos.
In 2008, New Delhi announced the end of the IGMDP with the focus now shifting towards serial production of missiles developed under this programme.
Shaurya– a landbased variant of the K-15 Sagarika which can be stored in underground silos for longer time and can be launched using gas canisters as booster was successfully test-fired in November 2008. This nuclear-capable missile aims to enhance India’s second-strike Sagarika missile is being integrated with India’s nuclearpowered Arihant class submarine that began sea trials in July 2009.
Dhanush– which has been tested several times in recent years believed to be a short-range, sea-based, liquid-propellant ballistic missile—perhaps a naval variant of the Prithvi series, with a maximum range of approximately 300 km.
Air-to-air missile Astra– It is an air to air missile Beyond Range (BVR). This is the first indigenous air-to-air missile developed by India. The range of this missile is 80 km in head-on chase and 15 km in tail chase.
Ballistic Missile Defence system
Two interceptor missiles, the Prithivi air defence missile and the Advanced Air Defence (Ashwin) missile are designed to provide a high-low cover against incoming ballistic missiles. Prithivi is reported to be capable of intercepting missiles at exo-atmospheric altitudes of 50 – 80km, while the AAD is designed to operate at endo-atmospheric altitudes of upto 30kms.
It would be apposite to conclude by stating that India’s missile programme represents an iconic image demonstrating Sovereignty and self-reliance vis-à-vis its technological achievements. Resultant of nearly three decades of research, India’s guided missile programme has assumed a self-sustaining character and become fundamentally crucial to New Delhi’s proposed minimal deterrent.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India that is responsible for the development and production of military equipment and systems. It was established in 1958 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
The DRDO has a wide range of research and development facilities across India. It also has a number of production facilities, which are responsible for the manufacture of military equipment and systems.
The DRDO has developed a number of important military technologies, including the Prithvi missile, the Agni missile, and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). It is also working on a number of other projects, including the development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft and a long-range ballistic missile.
The DRDO is a key player in India’s defence sector. It has played a major role in the development of India’s military capabilities. The DRDO is also a major employer in India, with a workforce of over 50,000 people.
The DRDO is a well-respected organization in the international defence community. It has a number of partnerships with foreign defence organizations, and its technologies are used by militaries around the world.
The DRDO is a vital part of India’s defence establishment. It is responsible for the development and production of military equipment and systems, and it plays a major role in India’s defence capabilities. The DRDO is a well-respected organization in the international defence community, and its technologies are used by militaries around the world.
The following are some of the sub topics of The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
- Aeronautical Systems
The Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) of the DRDO is responsible for the development of aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ASD has developed a number of important aircraft, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and the Rustom UAV.
- Armaments
The Armaments Division (AD) of the DRDO is responsible for the development of guns, ammunition, and other weapons systems. The AD has developed a number of important weapons systems, including the INSAS rifle, the Akash missile, and the Nag missile.
- Electronics & Radar
The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of the DRDO is responsible for the development of radar, electronic warfare systems, and other electronic systems. The LRDE has developed a number of important radar systems, including the Rajendra radar and the Swordfish radar.
- Defence Life Sciences
The Defence Life Sciences (DLS) Division of the DRDO is responsible for the development of medical equipment, drugs, and other life sciences technologies. The DLS has developed a number of important medical technologies, including the Arjun battle tank and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
- Defence Materials & Technology
The Defence Materials & Technology (DMT) Division of the DRDO is responsible for the development of materials and technologies for defence applications. The DMT has developed a number of important materials, including the DRDO-developed Kevlar and the DRDO-developed titanium Alloy.
- Defence Vehicles
The Defence Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (DRDO) is responsible for the development of armoured vehicles, combat vehicles, and other vehicles for defence applications. The DRDO has developed a number of important armoured vehicles, including the Arjun battle tank and the BMP-II infantry fighting vehicle.
- Indigenisation
The Indigenisation Division of the DRDO is responsible for the development of indigenous technologies for defence applications. The Indigenisation Division has developed a number of important indigenous technologies, including the DRDO-developed radar and the DRDO-developed missile.
- Missiles
The Missiles Division of the DRDO is responsible for the development of missiles for defence applications. The Missiles Division has developed a number of important missiles, including the Prithvi missile, the Agni missile, and the Brahmos missile.
- Naval Systems
The Naval Systems & Materials (NSM) Division of the DRDO is responsible for the development of naval systems and materials for defence applications. The NSM Division has developed a number of important naval systems, including the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier and the INS Arihant nuclear-powered submarine.
- Space
The Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the DRDO is responsible for the development of space technologies for defence applications. The SAC has developed a number of important space technologies, including the INSAT satellite series and the GSAT satellite series.
- Strategic Systems
The Strategic Systems Division (SSD) of the DRDO is responsible for the development of strategic systems for defence applications. The SSD has developed a number of important strategic systems, including the Agni missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Indian government responsible for the development and production of military hardware and technology. It is one of the largest research and development organisations in the world, with over 50,000 employees.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the DRDO:
-
What is the DRDO?
The DRDO is the Defence Research and Development Organisation, an agency of the Indian government responsible for the development and production of military hardware and technology. -
What does the DRDO do?
The DRDO is responsible for the development and production of a wide range of military hardware and technology, including missiles, aircraft, submarines, and tanks. It also conducts research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, and Space Technology. -
How big is the DRDO?
The DRDO has over 50,000 employees and is one of the largest research and development organisations in the world. -
What are some of the DRDO’s most successful projects?
Some of the DRDO’s most successful projects include the Agni missile, the Tejas fighter jet, and the Arjun tank. -
What are some of the DRDO’s challenges?
The DRDO faces a number of challenges, including the need to keep up with the latest technological developments, the need to improve its efficiency, and the need to reduce its costs. -
What is the future of the DRDO?
The DRDO is expected to continue to play a major role in the development of India’s military capabilities. It is likely to focus on developing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cyber security, and on improving its efficiency and reducing its costs.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier agency for research and development in the Indian Armed Forces. It was established in 1958 with the objective of developing indigenous defence technologies.
The DRDO has a wide range of research and development activities, including the development of weapons, systems, and equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. It also has a number of laboratories and test facilities, which are used to carry out research and development activities.
The DRDO has made significant contributions to the development of indigenous defence technologies. Some of its notable achievements include the development of the Prithvi missile, the Agni missile, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and the Akash missile.
The DRDO is a key player in India’s defence sector. It is playing a vital role in the development of indigenous defence technologies, which will help India to achieve self-reliance in defence.
Here are some MCQs on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in:
(A) 1947
(B) 1950
(C) 1958
(D) 1962 -
The DRDO has a wide range of research and development activities, including the development of:
(A) Weapons
(B) Systems
(C) Equipment
(D) All of the above -
The DRDO has a number of laboratories and test facilities, which are used to carry out:
(A) Research
(B) Development
(C) Both research and development
(D) None of the above -
The DRDO has made significant contributions to the development of indigenous defence technologies. Some of its notable achievements include the development of:
(A) The Prithvi missile
(B) The Agni missile
(C) The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
(D) All of the above -
The DRDO is a key player in India’s defence sector. It is playing a vital role in the development of indigenous defence technologies, which will help India to achieve:
(A) Self-reliance in defence
(B) Economic growth
(C) Technological advancement
(D) All of the above