The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on a journey to empower India with the cutting-edge defence technologies. The mission is to be self-reliant in critical defence technologies and systems by indigenisation in order to equip the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art weapons system and equipment.

The DRDO executes various research and development projects through a network of 51 laboratories spread across India. The department has a technical work force comprising 6000 scientists, engineers and 35000 office personnel. DRDO’s initiatives are aimed at minimising the dependence on imports that come with unacceptable conditions.

The DRDO has accorded top priority to the development of critical technologies. Some notable achievements include the Gallium Arsenide and Silicon Foundries; Monolithic Micro Wave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Parallel Processing and Super Computer; Titanium Sponge and Aerospace Application Materials; Semi-Conductor Materials and their Substate Materials; Digital Flight Control and Avionics; High Power Lasers and Phase Shifter.

Some of the systems developed by DRDO that have either entered the production phase or are under production for delivery to the Armed Forces include Agni-II missle, pilot-less target aircraft, Lakshya, bridge layer tank on T-72 chassis, multi-span bridge-Sarvatra, hull-mounted sonar system-Hamsa, submarine sonar-system-Ushus and Panchendriya.

Both the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have now inducted Lakshya. Five Lakshya with control equipment are under manufacture for the Army. Consequent upon the interest evinced by Israel, the demonstration flights of Lakshya have successfully been conducted in that country. Nishant is an unmanned aircraft developed for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance of the battlefield. Its development has been completed and its reliability and consistence in performance have been established. Nishant’s production is likely to begin shortly.

The supersonic missile-Brahmos-is the outcome of a joint venture between India and Russia. It has been flight-tested twice in India and both times it met all mission objectives. Both Indian and Russian navies are preparing for trials of Brahmos on various platforms to induct it in their missile systems. The production facilities have also been geared up in both the countries to meet the orders.

The first technology demonstrator was flight-tested on January 4, 2001. The second technology demonstrator made its maiden flight on June 6, 2002. Till now, 33 test flights have taken place. To accelerate the pace of development and flight trials, five more prototype vehicles, PV1-PV5, are being built. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is planned to be inducted into Air Force after the initial operational clearance in 2005-06. Agni-I, a single stage solid propelled missile having a range of 800 kms, was test-fired in January this year and also last year. The range fills the gap between Prithvi and the intermediate range ballistic missile. This missile can be fired from both rail or road missile launchers.

In developing tanks, the DRDO’s role has been commendable. One example is main battle tank, Arjun. The Army has ordered 124 state-of-the-art Arjun developed indigenously by the DRDO. Tank-Ex, which integrated the turret of Arjun with the lightweight chassis of T-72, has been evaluated successfully in-house and was on display during Defexpo-2002.

Another success story is the Pinaka, an area weapon system. It has undergone user trials successfully in July last year. The system has met users’ requirements for accuracy and consistency. Pinaka has the capability of firing in a single salvo 12 rockets in less than 40 seconds with a range of 38 kms.

DRDO puts thrust on developing a high power propulsion system, high speed torpedo system, underwater ranges, naval stealth technology and self-propelled mine and mobile decoys. Due emphasis will be given to developing protective equipment for the Army at high altitude, anti-G suit, aircrew ensemble for nuclear, biological and chemical protection, ready-to-eat food etc.

One major concern of DRDO has been the shortage of scientific talent. In the recent past, certain initiatives have been taken in this direction. The DRDO has undertaken a recruitment drive through the newly adopted talent search scheme and campus interviews. The results have been fairly encouraging. The department has been successful in drawing fresh graduates from IITs and RECs. The total intake during last year has almost doubled at 771 as compared to 437 in 2000 and 431 in 2001. To extend more research opportunities to young scientists and researchers under the Extra-Mural Research Scheme, 60 new projects worth over Rs 25 crore have been approved this year.