DRDO is making very Impressive Progress

DRDO admin is doing a good job and orientating DRDO towards futuristic technologies

"DRDO has been spending 20-25% of the budget on R&D expenditure like critical equipment, testing platforms and project development (excluding staff & establishment costs). With an 8% increase in DRDO budget this year, there is less likelihood of major shortage of funds for critical equipment. Human Resources are also important and adequately funded. "DRDO has optimally deployed its scientific manpower on important projects. Scientists are working in niche defence technology areas which will be required for building next generation systems, weapons and platforms. They are collaborating extensively with academia in the blue-sky research and with industry to develop defence systems in the shortest time frame. "DRDO's aim is to respond ably to future war fighting requirements of the tri-services with advanced (futuristic) technologies. DRDO with its existing capabilities has taken up systems development in the emerging dimensions of warfare (such as space and cyber-security in a big way), and has expanded in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum technology, asymmetric technologies, advanced materials, sensors, photonics, cyber technology, etc. DRDO allows as much as 20% of each laboratory budget to be spent on pure research in futuristic technologies." Development milestones 1. DRDO was very busy with missile trials and with great success incl. Akash NG MRSAM, HSTDV, Dhruvastra, QRSAM, Rudram, SMART, BrahMos, SANT, Prithvi-2, Nirbhaya CM. It follows the landmark demonstration of ASAT (anti-satellite weapon) capability in 2019. 2. User trials were completed for Nirbhay CM, Nag and MPATGM (man-portable anti-tank guided missile) and JVPC (modern sub machine carbine). Indigenous AIP (air-independent propulsion systems) for IN submarines is a landmark achievement. They are ready for induction or deployment. "Fuel cell-based AIP of NMRL laboratory is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. The technology has been successfully developed with the support of industry partners L&T and Thermax. It has now reached the stage of maturity for fitment into target vessels." 3. Phased deliveries commenced for Astra missiles to IAF, 10m Short Span Bridging system to IA, and Indian Maritime Situational Awareness and Varunastra (heavy weight torpedo) to IN. 4. DRDO schedule for 2021 trials includes whole/parts of AEW&C, AMCA, Guided Pinaka (rocket artillery), Radar systems, Missile systems, and Underwater Unmanned Systems. Design work on a high-attitude operable Light tank for the IA has commenced. Work on a 1000hp power pack (Engine + Transmission) for the same has been taken up. 5. Aerospace developments (very high-value) 5a. Tejas MK-II program is progressing fast. Manufacture of long-lead parts has started. Detailed design for other parts is near completion so the first prototype (series production variant) is on schedule for rollout in August 2022. 5b. Preliminary design review (PDR) of AMCA is also completed. The detailed design has commenced and rollout of the first prototype is planned in first half of 2024. 5c. While GE 414 (a bigger US engine) is selected for Tejas MK-II and early version of AMCA, Indigenous Engine development will happen parallelly and is targeted for AMCA Mk-2. It will replace GE 414 in older fighters and is designed to slot in with minimal changes. "Kaveri engine design has given enormous experience in various aspects of engine development. We are working out a collaboration with foreign engine houses having complementary capabilities, for making the new engine within the country. We are getting closer to achieving the desired technology." 5d. Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Navy, is being developed to replace the Russian-made MiG-29K fighters. It will be designed to operate on current and future aircraft carriers. TEDBF is planned to be inducted by 2032. 5e. MALE UAV TAPAS BH-201 (Rustom II) has an operational range of 1000 km, 350 kg payload with an endurance of 24 hours at 30,000 ft altitude. Payloads will vary depending on ISR mission requirement and incl. Long Range Electro Optic (LREO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) MPAR, ELINT, COMINT, IFF, TCAS, UCR. 5f. DRDO is prepared for the fast growing requirement for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) through a dedicated Aeronautical Test Range at Chirtradurga, Kar, a dedicated design lab (ADE), Autonomous and Robotic technology labs and DRDO Young Scientist labs.

Indigenous Akash NG - Improved MRSAM that could be the weapon of choice

Akash NG successfully conducted its maiden trials in January 2021. Remarkably in a very short time, DRDO has come up with a home-grown alternative to the recently co-developed MRSAM (equivalent to Israeli Barak-8). Akash NG uses Indian subsystems (eg. radar and seeker), so it is cheaper and import requirement is much lower; and developers can make changes to subsystems at any time and integrate it with existing inventory without external help.

◙ Dual pulse rocket motor - useful for intercepting highly manoeuvring targets at a longer range.

◙ Powerful seeker - useful for targeting low-visible targets and faster targets up to the category of SRBM. As such, it can neutralise short-range ballistic missiles that are ever-present threat to forward IAF bases. (NB. Barak-8 is able to stop SRBM from 150km)

◙ Slated launch system - useful as it does not need additional thrust component, so missiles are lighter, longer-ranged and cheaper. It will respond faster if oriented in the right direction.

◙ Combined ASEA Radar and Launcher setup - useful as it becomes a mobile, stand-alone system. Radar can also support nearby missile launchers if required.

◙ Choice of detection system (eg radar, thermal, laser, TV) - useful as it can remain hidden from enemy fighters that don't have the right warning equipment.