During Operation Sindoor, weapons developed by India’s premier defence research agency, the DRDO, helped secure our borders. These included the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Other examples are MRSAMs (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles) like Akash and LRSAMs (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles). Additionally, the D4 anti-drone system was used.
Currently, DRDO is developing several next-generation weapon systems, including hypersonic missiles, anti-drone systems, and enhanced strike capabilities. In an interview DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat explained the state-of-the-art weapons DRDO is working on.
The Future of Brahmos
The world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, was developed by DRDO in partnership with Russia’s NPOM.
- Speed- Mach 2.8 to 3
- Range- 400-500 km
- It can be launched from air, land and sea platforms.
- It was used in Operation Sindoor to target fortified terror bases.
Developments are ongoing in the BrahMos programme to make BrahMos-NG (Next Generation). Scientists are working to extend its range. They aim to have a smaller version that can be attached to fighter jets other than Su-30MKI.
“Today’s BrahMos can be mounted only on the Sukhoi 30. We are making a smaller version of BrahMos. We are calling it BrahMos-NG. Then it can be mounted on any of our platforms,” Dr Kamat said.
Also read: DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI
Hypersonic Missiles
Supersonic missiles travel between the speed of Mach 1 and Mach 5. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5.
Brazil, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran, Japan, South Korea and North Korea all have hypersonic weapons programs. Recently, Iran used the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile in its conflict with Israel.
India has also been working on developing hypersonics. Last year, DRDO successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island near Odisha.
The agency is developing Hypersonic Cruise Missiles* and Hypersonic Glide Missiles or Vehicles (HVGs)**.
“The hypersonic glide missile is in a much more advanced stage. We have completed one development trial. We expect it will be inducted in the next two to three years,” the DRDO chief said.
DRDO has also tested scramjet propulsion for more than 1000 seconds***. This is a major breakthrough because sustaining scramjet propulsion at hypersonic speeds for this long is very challenging. The government may sanction a program to convert this scramjet propulsion into a hypersonic cruise missile weapon system. If sanctioned, it may be inducted in about five to seven years.
[*These are Hypersonic Missiles that can consistently travel at hypersonic speeds.
** This weapon system combines hypersonic speed with the maneuverability of a glider, making them difficult for air defences to neutralise.
***Scramjet engine is an upgraded version of Ramjet engine that compresses air without moving parts. Combustion takes place in supersonic airflow enabling higher speeds.]
Air to Air Missiles
DRDO is looking to increase the range of air-to-air missile Astra, developing Astra Mark 2 and Astra Mark 3. Rudram 2, 3 and 4 are air-to-ground missiles under development, with increasing ranges. Under the program KUSHA, long-range SAMs are being worked upon. To strengthen anti-drone systems, DRDO is developing a directed energy weapon system. This system will include laser technology. It will also incorporate high power microwave technology.
Indigenous Stealth Fighter Jet
India is also making progress in building an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution mode for AMCA. This stands for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. It is to be developed by ADA – Aeronautical Development Agency. ADA has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for developing prototypes of the aircraft. There is a possibility of partnership with HAL, or even private sector ventures for this project.
AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force.
Zorawar Light Tank
The Zorawar Light Tank was developed by DRDO in record time. These are intended for areas of high-altitude and rugged terrain, like Ladakh and Sikkim. Their development trials have been completed and user trials will commence soon.
Relating to lessons learnt in Operation Sindoor, Dr. Kamat said, “It is very clear to us now.” All our weapon systems have to work in an electronically denied environment. For this, completely autonomous systems will have to be developed.
DRDO will, thus, continue to empower India with state-of-the-art weapon systems that dominate in the battlefield.
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