Akash-NG

Flight trial of new generation Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Akash-NG was conducted against a Banshee target from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. It is meant for use by Indian Air Force (IAF) with the aim of intercepting high manoeuvring low RCS aerial threats. The system has been developed with better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterised launcher and much smaller ground system footprint.

ITCM Missile

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) is a new generation ‘Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile’ being developed for land and sea platforms. Flight trial was conducted on 21 Feb 2023 form the ITR Balasore, Odisha.

Maiden test of ASTRA BVRAAM Missile

ASTRA is a state-of-the-art Beyond Visual Range ‘Air-to-Air missile’ to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aerial targets. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, successfully fired the ASTRA indigenous BVR air-to-air missile.

Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile

MPATGM is a 3rd generation ATGM with ‘Fire & Forget’ and ‘Top Attack’ capabilities with day and night operational capability. Flight trials of MPATGM was conducted for a range of 2.5 Km at NOAR, Kurnool.

ALSO READ: Laser-guided anti-tank missile successfully tested from Arjun tank

Very Short Range Air Defence System

VSHORADS is a 4th generation Man Portable Air Defence Research & Development system. It employs state-of-the-art uncooled imaging infrared seeker. The missile was flight-tested against high speed unmanned aerial targets, simulating approaching and receding aircraft from ITR Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

Medium Range Surface to Air Missile for Indian Navy

MRSAM for the Indian Navy is a joint development programme of DRDO and Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel. The weapon system provides a point and area defence for P15A ships of the Indian Navy against a vast variety of aerial threats including fighter aircrafts, subsonic and supersonic missiles, etc. The Indian Navy successfully flight-tested MRSAM from Visakhapatnam.

Heavy Weight Torpedo

Indigenously Designed and Developed (IDD) Heavy Weight Torpedo ‘Varunastra’ was successfully test-fired with a live warhead against an undersea target by Indian Navy. ‘Varunastra’ is a ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo having low drift navigational systems, acoustic homing, advanced acoustic counter measure features, autonomous guidance algorithms, insensitive munitions warhead and a GPS-based recovery aid for practice torpedo.

Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile

VL-SRSAM is a vertical launch short range surface to air missile having a strike range upto 80 km for Fighters aircraft, helicopter, UAVs, etc. The missile has been developed for the Indian Navy for neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets. The missile was flight tested from ITR Chandipur.

BrahMos

BrahMos is a two stage precision strike supersonic cruise missile, operating on fire and forget principle, which can be launched from multiple platforms (at air, sea and ground) against land and sea targets. Indian Army test-fired land attack version of extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Indian Navy with DRDO test-fired two consecutive sea attack version of extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology

The state-of-the-art air-to-air missile powered with ‘SFDR’ propulsion for Air Launched Tactical Missiles (ALTM) enables the missiles to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds and is configured with nozzle-less booster, thrust modulation system and sustainer to deliver specific impulse in ramjet mode. The missile was flight tested in 2023.

ALSO READ: India tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology missile

Long Range – Anti Ship Missile

DRDO is engaged in development of technologies required for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile weapon systems capable of engaging a warship with a long range. The missile was flight-tested from ITR.

Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

DRDO has successfully carried out a flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga. With this flight in the tailless configuration, India has joined the elite club of countries to have mastered the controls for the flying wing technology. he aircraft prototype, with a complex arrowhead wing platform, is designed and manufactured with light-weight carbon composite material developed indigenously.

Integrated Life Support System

Indigenously designed and developed ILSS for pilot of LCA Tejas was flight-tested twice in February. The successful testing is an initial step to mark the country’s presence in elite club of four nations possessing the complex ILSS technology.

Military Combat Parachute System

A successful live parachute jump trial was conducted in April and September from 10,000 ft was successfully conducted at Drop Zone  Malpura, on indigenously-designed Military Combat Parachute System ‘HANS’ (High Altitude parachute with Navigation & advanced Sub-assemblies)’ to meet the military operational requirements of Indian Armed Forces. HANS enables Special Forces to undertake para jump along with all necessary combat sub-assemblies and will replace all existing systems for free fall operations.

Air Droppable Container

DRDO has designed and developed Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) with a pay load capacity of 150kg to enhance the naval operational logistic capabilities. ADC-150 will provide quick response to meet the requirement of critical engineering stores of ships under distress & far away from the coast. DRDO & Indian navy conducted the successful maiden test of ADC-150 dropped from IL38DF aircraft.

Crew Module Parachute System for Gaganyaan Programme

CMPS was successfully demonstrated In-flight Abort Demonstration of Crew Escape System with the newly developed Test Vehicle followed by Crew Module Separation & safe recovery using parachute system developed by DRDO.

Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range

NASM-SR missile is powered by two stage solid propulsion system with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. DRDO successfully flight tested the missile from ITR in November. The missile was tested for a range of 35 km, using an indigenous IR Seeker for its Terminal Guidance in ‘Lock-on after Launch’ mode.

Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system

The system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement was signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines. The AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance by several folds.

Technology Development Fund

The TDF scheme encourages participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs and start-ups, so as to create an eco-system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence application. Further, the Scheme funds industries up to an amount of Rs 50 crore per project for innovation, R&D of defence technologies in the field of defence and Aerospace.

Transfer of Technology

DRDO has carried out more than 1,600 ToTs to Indian Industry including both Private and public. ToT is being carried out as per the policy and procedure approved by   RM. DcPP/PA/DP of DRDO are given Technology free of cost i.e at “Nil ToT Fee”.

DRDO Patents

DRDO has a Policy for Free Access of DRDO Patents by Indian industries. This is likely to increase the technological capabilities of industries and enhance their competitiveness in global supply chain. 1,700 IPRs have been opened to Indian Industries.

Dare to Dream Innovation Contest

It aims to promote innovators and start-ups are being conducted. Three versions of contests have been concluded. Dare to Dream 4.0 was also launched in January for individual and Start-ups to unearth disruptive ideas and concepts in emerging technologies identified by DRDO for enhancing defence capabilities. Development cum Production Partner/ Production Agency identified for more than 105 systems.

Partnership with industry

DRDO has been partnering with industry for the realization of its systems. Collaborating with DRDO in the development of major weapon systems, the Indian industry has matured to a stage where they can develop systems on their own. Indian industry has progressed from a ‘build to print’ partner to ‘build to specification’ partner. DRDO test facilities have been opened to the industries for utilisation. Segments like Missiles, Bombs etc. have been opened to private industries for development.

Academia

DRDO provides support to academia to carry out directed research in the identified research areas through DRDO Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence to undertake translational  projects by providing direction, technical interactions and project funding. So far, 15 DIA-CoEs have been established. They are at IITs (BHU, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Roorkee, Kharagpur, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bombay, Madras), Gujarat University, IISC Bengaluru, Jammu University, Mizoram University, University of Hyderabad and  Bharathiar University.

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HSTDV is intended to attain autonomous scramjet flight for 20 seconds, using a solid rocket launch booster. The research will also inform India’s interest in reusable launch vehicles. The eventual target is to reach Mach 6 at an altitude of 32.5 km.

A mock-up of the HSTDV was shown at the Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru in February 2023.

Israel has provided some assistance on the HSTDV program, including wind tunnel testing, as has Cranfield University of the U.K. According to a report, Russia has provided critical help in the project. India’s main defence-industrial partner is Russia, which has carried out considerable research into hypersonic propulsion.

In the 12 June 2019 test, the cruise vehicle was mounted on an Agni-I solid rocket motor to take it to the required altitude. After the required altitude was reached and the Mach was achieved, the cruise vehicle was ejected out of the launch vehicle. Mid-air the scramjet engine was auto-ignited, and propelled the cruise vehicle at Mach 6.

Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

DRDO is developing a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) as part of its Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The HGV is a vehicle that is carried to high altitude by a rocket booster and then glides to its target at hypersonic speeds.

The HGV is still in the development stage, but it has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2020, the DRDO successfully tested a scramjet engine that could be used to power the HGV. The engine was tested at speeds of up to Mach 5.

The DRDO is also developing a number of other technologies that will be needed for the HGV, including:

• A guidance system that will allow the HGV to hit its target with precision.

• A thermal protection system that will protect the HGV from the heat of hypersonic flight.

• A control system that will allow the HGV to manoeuvre during flight.

The DRDO expects to complete the development of the HGV in the next few years. Once the HGV is developed, it will be a major addition to India’s arsenal of strategic weapons.

The HGV is expected to have a range of up to 3,000 kilometers. It is expected to be able to fly at speeds of up to Mach 10 and be capable of carrying a conventional or nuclear warhead.

Scramjet Engine

The DRDO is developing an actively cooled scramjet engine for a long duration propulsion system for hypersonic vehicles.

The actively cooled scramjet engine is a significant improvement over conventional scramjet engines. It uses a system of internal and external cooling to prevent the engine from overheating at hypersonic speeds. This allows the engine to operate for longer periods of time, which is essential for long-range hypersonic weapons and vehicles.

The DRDO’s actively cooled scramjet engine is still in the development stage, but it has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2021, the engine successfully completed a series of ground tests at DRDL. The engine is expected to be flight tested in the near future.

The scramjet engine is being designed to operate at speeds of up to Mach 5. It is being cooled by a system of internal and external cooling channels. It is being made from high-temperature materials that can withstand the heat of hypersonic flight. The engine is being designed to be modular, so that it can be easily adapted to different hypersonic vehicles.

Scramjet Testing

On 7 September 2020 DRDO successfully tested the scramjet powered Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). At 30 km altitude payload fairing separated, followed by separation of HSTDV cruise vehicle, air-intake opening, fuel injection and auto-ignition. After sustaining hypersonic combustion for 20 seconds, cruise vehicle achieved velocity of nearly 2 km per second. This test flight validated aerodynamic configuration of vehicle, ignition and sustained combustion of scramjet engine at hypersonic flow, separation mechanisms and characterised thermo-structural materials.

Fuels for Hypersonic Applications

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is developing endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications. Endothermic fuels are those that absorb heat during combustion, which can help to improve the performance of hypersonic vehicles.

DRDO is working on a number of different endothermic fuel concepts, including:

Fuels that use metal hydrides as the fuel source. Metal hydrides are compounds that release hydrogen gas when they are heated, which can then be burned to provide thrust.

Fuels that use ammonia as the fuel source. Ammonia is a relatively safe and easy-to-handle fuel that can also be used in endothermic combustion.

Fuels that use a combination of metal hydrides and ammonia. This approach could offer the best of both worlds, combining the high energy density of metal hydrides with the safety and handling characteristics of ammonia.

DRDO is still in the early stages of developing endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications, but the organization has made significant progress in recent years. If successful, these fuels could revolutionize the design and performance of hypersonic vehicles.

The research is being conducted at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, India. The project is being led by Dr. K. Sivan, the former director of DRDL. It is expected to be completed in the next few years.

Endothermic fuels have the potential to offer a number of advantages over traditional hypersonic fuels, including:

• Increased specific impulse, which means that the vehicle can travel farther on a given amount of fuel.

• Reduced thermal management requirements, as the fuel absorbs heat during combustion.

• Improved safety, as endothermic fuels are less likely to explode than traditional fuels.

Comments

The DRDO’s hypersonic glide vehicle is a major technological achievement. If it is successful, it could revolutionize the way that India fights wars.

If the DRDO’s actively cooled scramjet engine is successful, it could have a major impact on the future of hypersonic weapons and vehicles. These engines could make hypersonic weapons more powerful and longer-range, and they could also make hypersonic vehicles safer and easier to operate.

The actively cooled scramjet engine could change the design and performance of hypersonic weapons and vehicles. Endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications could make hypersonic weapons more powerful and longer-range, and they could also make hypersonic vehicles safer and easier to operate.

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iDEX-DIO signs first contract under Mission DefSpace

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 250th contract – first under Mission DefSpace – and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi on May 15, 2023.

Mission DefSpace contract

The first iDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Shri T Natarajan and CEO, InspeCity Shri Arindrajit Chowdhary, one of the winners of the challenge ‘Micropropulsion system for cubesats’. This challenge is being led by the Defence Space Agency.

Cubesats are a class of smallsats, which are modular; low-cost; easy to manufacture, integrate, and launch; and form a critical component for launch-on-demand capabilities. For imagery/Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance/ communication purposes, cubesats need to be precisely aligned, hence there is a requirement of a compact micropropulsion system for precise manoeuvring and orbit correction. InspeCity is developing a gas-based system for this purpose. This technology, once developed, can be integrated with other satellites, including the cubesat swarm being developed under Mission DefSpace.

Recognising the strategic significance of the space domain, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had launched Mission DefSpace with 75 Defence Space Challenges to be addressed by the private sector during DefExpo at Gandhinagar in October 2022. It aims to nurture the Indian Private Space industry through challenges addressing every stage of a space mission – from mission planning to satellite data analytics.

100th SPRINT (Navy) contract

The 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged between AS (DP) & CEO-DIO and CEO, Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Sushil Eknath Ghule. Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd is the winner of the Challenge which envisaged the development of a prototype that is a lightweight ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) based communication system using software defined antenna for Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary satellite communication. The solution by Siliconia can provide multiple independent receiver/transmitter sources that are essential in phased-array radars, typically used in satellite tracking.

Under the ‘SPRINT’ initiative, a total of 75 Challenge statements for the Indian industry were unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ on July 18, 2022. The initiative aims at inducting at least 75 technologies/ products into the Indian Navy by August 2023 as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The iDEX achieved the milestone of signing its 1st and 50th iDEX SPRINT contracts under DISC-7 in October 2022 and January 2023 respectively and within a few months the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged.

Till date, iDEX has received more than 7,500 applications from individual innovators, MSMEs and start-ups under various categories of challenges like DISC, Prime and Open Challenge. iDEX has also been able to generate thousands of jobs and attract India’s talent back to the country.

The iDEX is working at a path-breaking pace to ensure that its agreements with the start-ups and innovators reach logical conclusions timely, eventually opening a myriad of options for the budding, soon to be unicorns and at the same time addressing the requirement of Services.

The iDEX framework was launched by the Prime Minister in 2018 with the objective to provide the platform of co-creation & co-development in the defence sector. It aims to engage start-ups to contribute to the defence sector and develop defence and aerospace setup in the country. iDEX is being implemented by DIO, established under the Department of Defence Production, MoD.

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These projects use technologies that are already available to DRDO or could be procured easily from commercial entities. This shortens the time frame of induction of the systems into the armed forces.

Time and Cost Overruns

The CAG report has pointed out various irregularities in timelines and cost overruns in the report, among other factors plaguing DRDO-run projects.

Of the 178 projects, 119 faced time overruns. The timelines of these projects were extended multiple times, delaying the development of critical equipment needed by the armed forces. Moreover, 49 of the projects took double the time to complete. Some projects saw a delay of 500 per cent, the report points out.

Between January 2010 and December 2019, the DRDO had closed 103 mission mode (MM) projects, undertaken on proven and readily accessible technologies, incurring an expenditure of ₹2,505.23 crore. More than that, 75 MM projects were continuing as of December 2019, and ₹2,997.57 crore of the sanctioned amount of ₹9,056.90 crore had already been spent on them.

Of the 86 projects labeled successful between January 2010 and December 2019, 20 projects were closed without meeting specific key parameters with an expenditure of ₹1074.67 crores, the CAG said in its damning report. 

Towed Sonar Project

One example cited by CAG to illustrate “irregular closure” of cases and declaring them successful despite not achieving key objectives after five years was the case of the development of Advanced Light Towed Array Sonar. DRDO’s Kochi-based Naval Physical Oceanographic Laboratory took up this project in April 2012. In December 2021, this project was declared successful despite various shortfalls in torpedo detection, layer performance and active and passive sonar function, the CAG report mentions.

No time extensions were sought by the DRDO for the projects that didn’t meet performance requirements.

Surprisingly, the auditors noted that the trial report of 2018 stated that key parameters such as active and passive sonar function, layer performance, torpedo detection, and streaming time were not achieved. Other than that, the user evaluation report revealed that the system had failed to meet these key parameters

In their reply to the CAG, the DRDO was silent on granting premature successful status to the project but stated that further trials would be held to prove 41 of the 138 parameters needed for the Navy to accept it.

Missile Approach Warning System

Another instance the audit flagged was the Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), which the Indian Air Force wanted DRDO to develop for SU-30 Mk-1 fighter aircraft. The defence ministry sanctioned the project to DRDO’s Bengaluru-based lab, the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), in 2008 at a cost of ₹273.80 crores. Strangely, though the Air HQ wanted DARE to carry out a feasibility study to determine whether they can be installed on SU-30 Mk-1, the lab developed the system in collaboration with a foreign firm at a cost of ₹213.03 crore and tested them on a transport aircraft. “In order to prove the developed DCMAWS on the Su-30 Mk-1, DARE proposed a separate user trial project at a cost of Rs 102.53 crore,” stated the CAG report.

Cartridge 0.5in Case

In July 2008, Air Headquarters had projected the requirement for development of Cartridge 0.5 inch (12 LL/195) to ARDE, as replacement for imported cartridges, with a delivery schedule of one year. However, the ARDE took five years in analysing the method of developing the indigenous cartridges and sanctioned the project in March 2014 at a cost of Rs 0.70 crore.

“The project was closed in July 2018 (expenditure: Rs 0.50 crore) and was termed successful. In the meantime, Air Headquarters imported 2,000 cartridges in July 2014,” the report noted.

Case of ‘secure mobile phones’

The CAG took note of instances where MM projects were taken up without the consent of the users. For instance, a project on ‘Development of Performance Assessment of Secure Mobile Phones’ was sanctioned by Director, CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics — a laboratory of DRDO) in May 2012 at a cost of Rs 4.95 crore.

This project was taken up by the DRDO on the request of DG Signals (February 2012) even though no Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirement/ General Staff Qualitative Requirement (PSQR/GSQR) was given to the DRDO, according to the report.

In the case of developing secure mobile phones, in December 2012, CAIR placed a supply order to BEL, Ghaziabad, for supply of 300 handsets of E6 Nokia smartphones. BEL procured 300 handsets at the cost of Rs 1.50 crore and supplied them to CAIR. The project was closed in March 2014 after incurring a cost of Rs 3.12 crore.

“CAIR closed the project terming it successful, without receipt of evaluation of the software and phones by users. The users returned all the 300 smartphones in April 2016,” the CAG report said. It noted that the software was developed for a specific series of E6 Nokia phones, the production of which was stopped by the phone manufacturer.

In March 2021, the Army intimated that the performance of the ‘secure mobile phones’ had not been found satisfactory in user trials and the project taken up by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had not been successful.

Synergy Lacking With Armed Forces

The report also points out the “lack of synergy between the armed forces and DRDO”, “inefficiencies in the planning process”, and “inadequate monitoring of the project”, resulting in “variance in qualitative requirements”, delays and divergent views on outcomes of trials of various systems.

ToT Issues

“There were issues with ToT to production partners as well, which delayed production timelines leaving the forces with a gap in their combat capabilities,” the CAG report says.

“Out of 86 successfully closed projects, in 25 projects, the Transfer of Technology (ToT) has not been concluded or production has not started even after five to 12 years of successful closure of projects,” the report said.

Though the onus for non-conclusion of ToT and non-production of systems/items is not exclusively with DRDO, however, timely initiation and close interaction with user services could have resulted in more favourable outcomes, the CAG said.

Other Observations

The CAG audit also found that the DRDO had taken up new projects for developing certain products which were already under production by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which comes under the defence ministry.

The CAG has recommended the DRDO should formulate its Annual Plan related to MM projects in consultation with the three services.

It has also suggested that the DRDO should ensure that delays in preparation of project proposals are avoided to mitigate the risk of technology becoming obsolete.

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According to officials aware of the developments, the amendments will allow the Indian private sector to acquire a major stake in Defence R&D companies, which will be set up for development of major hardware platforms like drones, helicopters, aircrafts, and advanced submarines. This is a groundbreaking development as till now, only government DPSUs and laboratories were allowed defence R&D with only minor items being exposed to private R&D. This is in line with the defence budget, where it was announced that 25 per cent of defence R & D budget would be spent on these platform specific SPVs with the private sector.

Given the global turmoil sparked off by the Ukraine war and the Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific, India has no options but to make defence R & D competitive as the public sector alone cannot cater to growing Indian defence platform requirements in the stipulated time. The global defence market is set to face new challenges as countries like Japan, Germany, Asean, South Korea, and east European countries will be seeking more weapons from the US to deter Russia and China, and the latter will be cutting down on exports to service their own requirements. India has no options but to develop and manufacture hardware platforms on its own as its major supplier Russia is focused on the Ukraine war and it is only a matter of time when scarcity of spare parts hits the Indian armed forces.

While the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been developing hardware platforms over the decades, the entry of private sector into defence R&D will give India more options for developing stand-off weapon systems like long endurance armed drones, anti-drone systems, 12-ton multi-purpose helicopters, next generation of fighter aircraft and perhaps nuclear powered and conventionally armed submarines.

The matter has acquired urgency as China has been able to develop armed high altitude long endurance drones like Wing Loong 10, which is powered by turbofan engines like state-of-the-art US armed drones. India, on the other hand, is still relying on getting its medium altitude long endurance drones being upgraded by Israel and has no answer to the long strides that China or for that matter Iran and Turkey have taken in development of unmanned aircraft systems.

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India is developing two advanced variants of the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles – Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 – with one of them capable of striking targets at a range of 160km, when ready, and the other at almost 300km. The missiles are likely to be tested next year and in 2024 respectively, and are among the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) key ongoing programmes. The current Astra Mk-1 variant has a range of around 100km.

Long-range missiles allow fighter jets to shoot down hostile aircraft from a significant standoff range, staying out of the adversary’s air defence envelope.

IAF Orders Astra Mk 1

The defence ministry, on May 31, signed a Rs 2,971-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) to equip the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy with Astra Mk-1 missiles and associated equipment, which was seen as a shot in the arm for “Atmanirbharta”, or self-reliance, in the defence manufacturing sector. DRDO has transferred technology to BDL for the production of the Astra Mk-1 and associated systems.

This is the first such indigenous missile to enter the service of the Indian armed forces, which has always depended on Russian (mainly R 73 and R 77) and French (Mica and Meteor) air-to-air missiles.

The government has ordered 248 missiles, including 48 for the Indian Navy. These will cater to the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI of the IAF and the MiG-29K of the Indian Navy. The Astra Mk 1 missile cost about Rs 7-8 crore each.

The plan is to integrate the missile on board the MiG-29 of the IAF and Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ Mk 1 in a phased manner.

While the Astra Mk 1 has a range of about 110 kilometres, sources said the real game-changer will be the next-generation version, which will have a long range of about 160 kms.

Astra Mk 1

The all-weather, night-capable missile is designed to engage and destroy fast-maneuvering supersonic aircraft. It is equipped with a fully indigenous active terminal guidance system and advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to reduce the effectiveness of enemy jamming. The missile also features lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability, allowing launching aircraft to take advantage of its reported maximum range of more than 100 kilometers. Astra Mk 1 has a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 (over 5,500 kmph).

The Astra Mk-1 missile has been fully integrated with the Sukhoi-30 fighters and will now add to the capabilities of other combat planes including the Tejas light combat aircraft, the officials said. Also, the navy’s MiG-29K fighters, which operate from India’s sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be equipped with the Astra Mk-1 missile.

Retaining Edge Over Pakistan

The IAF had an advantage over its Pakistani counterparts during the Kargil battle in 1999, but lost it in 2010 when the longer-range American AMRAAM was deployed by the latter.

During the aerial clash, India lost one MiG-21 fighter, while its more modern Su-30MKIs were forced to take defensive maneuvers to avoid getting hit by Pakistan’s US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from F-16s.

Pakistan’s victory in this aerial clash may be attributed to its familiarity with India’s Su-30MKIs armed with Russian R-77 BVR missiles and its superior US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from its F-16s.

Pakistan has a known stockpile of 500 AIM-120 BVR missiles for its F-16 fleet, giving it an edge versus India in BVR combat since 2010. It is considered among the most advanced weapon of its type in the world, equipped with an active seeker head with a range of 100 kilometers, in contrast to the export versions of India’s R-77 BVR missile that have a shorter range of 80 kilometers.

The then IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, had on 28 February 2020 said that the force is looking at regaining the upper hand in air-to-air missile capabilities that was “allowed to slip” amid a “struggle” to acquire missiles in a process that has lasted 15 years. The IAF chief was referring to the European-manufactured Meteor missiles, which have a range of about 150 km, which are now on board the Rafale fighters.

Plans to have them integrated with other fighters were ditched, however, because the cost was very high, with each missile costing about Rs 25 crore. Moreover, the European manufacturer of the missile — MBDA — told the IAF that the French-made Mirage 2000 and the Russian Su-30 MKI are not suitable for this missile, because the radars on board these aircraft would not do justice to its capability.

For the Tejas aircraft, MBDA said that the missile can be integrated only when the aircraft is equipped with the indigenous AESA radar, rather than the Israeli one that will be initially used. Following this, the IAF decided to restrict the Meteor missile to the Rafale and rely on better versions of Astra and Israeli I-Derby for its main firepower.

China has developed the PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missile that can hit targets at around 200km, while the Meteor  with a range of around 160 km is considered the best in its class in the western world, and the new Astra variants will put India in the big league.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has exposed India’s overwhelming dependence on imported weaponry, especially from Russia, and underlined the urgent need for speeding up the indigenisation drive to become self-reliant.

Development Journey

India is developing the Astra series to replace the expensive Russian, French, and Israeli-origin beyond-visual-range missiles.

The development of the Astra missile began in 2001. The Mark-1 version of the missile was tested for the first time in May 2003. Since then, Astra Mark-I has been test-fired multiple times and integrated with Su-30 MKI fighters. Apart from the Su-30 MKIs, it will be integrated with Tejas Mark-1A and upgraded MiG-29s.

India has claimed to have fully indigenized production of the Astra, with the Indian Ministry of Defense saying that the missile had been designed with the need to reduce dependence on foreign sources. An early Astra version was equipped with the Russian Agat 9B-1103M active radar seeker and radio proximity fuse detonation mechanism. Sanctions on Russia – India’s traditional military supplier – could mean that sensitive components such as missile seeker heads may be harder to procure in the coming years.

In 2018, the DRDO informed Parliament that it had formally sanctioned the Astra Mark-2 project, although work had begun informally much earlier. The Mk-2 version is now entering developmental trial.

Ramjet Propulsion

Astra Mark-2 has a range of around 160 km. The new missile will have improved jammer resistance and an indigenous seeker. The missile will be equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor, which is critical for its long range.

India has tested the technology critical for long-range air-to-air missiles. The latest test of solid-fuelled ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology was conducted in April 2022. The technology was also tested in March and December 2021. Astra Mark-3 is based on the SFDR propulsion, which is critical to the missile’s performance in the terminal phase.

The development of SFDR technology will enable India to make its own long-range air-to-air missile, which could mirror the capabilities of the best missiles in this class, like MBDA’s Meteor, which the Indian Air Force uses on its Rafales.

The Meteor missile also depends on its ramjet propulsion for more energy to manoeuvre during the endgame of the engagement. The ramjet motor [propulsion system] provides the [Meteor] missile with thrust all the way to target intercept, providing the largest No-Escape Zone of any air-to-air missile,” the literature on the missile on the MBAD website reads.

Export Potential

The move to develop the Astra missile with extended range is in line with India’s efforts to improve its aerial warfare capabilities against Pakistan, indigenize its defense industry and potentially position itself as an alternative source of Russian standard equipment.

Astra is economically and technologically superior to many such imported missile systems now in Indian service, such as the Russian R-77, Israeli Derby, and French Meteor BVR missiles.

Moreover, India has included the development of indigenous BVR missiles in its Third Positive Indigenization List, which mentions 101 military items that India aims to produce domestically from 2022-2027.

India may also choose to export its Astra Mk1, capturing a market niche for alternative suppliers of Soviet and Russian-standard equipment as questions rise about their reliability and effectiveness in sight of the losses Moscow has sustained in Ukraine.

International sanctions on Russia may also have made it difficult for its client states to place new weapons orders. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam may opt to purchase the Astra, which may be compatible with their Su-30 fighters and be more capable than the older Russian R-77 missiles which they now have in their inventories.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a major role in defence technology and all defence platforms to be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the future will make use of AI, said DRDO chairman and secretary of department of defence research and development (DD R&D), G Satheesh Reddy, addressing media persons on 15 April.

“DRDO’s priority is to become a leader in developing advanced technologies. AI has been introduced in all DRDO labs and it will be part of every system that comes out of DRDO in future. India is one among the few nations that have successfully developed and demonstrated anti-drone technology. The armed forces and security agencies have started placing orders to get the systems installed for them. Lot of trials too are underway with regard to anti-drone technologies,” Reddy said.

Extended Range Brahmos tested from SU-30 MKI

India, successfully fired the Extended Range Version of BrahMos Air Launched missile from Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft on 12 May. It was the first launch of Extended Range version of BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI aircraft. With this, the IAF has achieved the capability to carry out precision strikes from Su-30MKI aircraft against a land/ sea target over very long ranges. The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF a strategic reach and allows it to dominate the future battle fields.

DRDO to get Kilo Submarine for research

DRDO will get a Kilo-class submarine from the Indian Navy to test the Electric Propulsion motor, Li-ion battery, AIP, and other Technologies. This sub will be used as a research vessel for the development of next-generation systems and components for the development of 12 indigenous submarines. These submarines will go into manufacturing in 2030.

Formalities are being a workout for the transfer of a Kilo-class submarine that will be drydocked to be used as a test platform for the testing of the prototype Lithium-Ion battery system with a Battery Management system (BMS) to validate its energy output and various discharge rates.

DRDO’s AIP technology is based on a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell that already has been demonstrated on a land-based prototype and DRDO had proposed Navy to loan them a Kilo-class submarine to be used as a research vessel for the AIP system but now it might be fully converted into as a research vessel for many of the systems. Indigenous 5MW Electric Propulsion motor might be next in line to be used for further experimenting with the propulsion system.

ARDE & L&T working on Pinaka-based anti-submarine rocket

ARDE and L&T are working on a Pinaka based extended range anti submarine rocket. L&T will soon start the integration of Extended Range Anti-submarine Rocket on a new launch platform.

The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) has developed an extended range anti-submarine rocket (ASR) with a maximum range of 8.5km for the Indian Navy. Both laboratories are under the DRDO.

ARDE had recently demonstrated a new rocket technology to the Navy, who have issued a set of qualitative requirements to be achieved during the agency’s internal trials.

Currently, the navy has vintage Russian rocket RGB-60 with a maximum range of 5.3km, which is an unguided area weapon for combating submarines. These rockets are fired from the RBU-6000 rocket launcher, which is fitted on-board certain Indian Naval Ships including the R-Class, Delhi Class and Talwar Class of Navy ships.

The Indian navy wants an extended range anti-submarine rocket which can engage an enemy’s submarine from a distance of 8km.

IAF, Navy tie up with DRDO to acquire CHAFF

The Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have tied up with the DRDO to get the CHAFF technology, which protects the warship from an anti-ship missile during hostilities. India is now the second country after the United States to develop this ability.

The developed assumes significance as the Indian navy is currently studying the sinking of Russian missile cruiser Moskva and focusing on how to protect our warships from anti-ship ballistic missiles like the Chinese DF-21.

In simple words, CHAFF is a critical defence technology used to protect fighter aircrafts or naval ships from enemy radar-guided missile during war. The significance of this technology lies in the fact that very less quantity of CHAFF material deployed in the air acts as a decoy to deflect enemy’s missiles to ensure safety of the fighter aircraft or naval ships.

The DRDO has developed this advanced CHAFF technology to defend naval ships and fighter aircrafts against modern day broadband (including high frequency) radar threat.

Developed by the DRDO, the technology includes all three variants of CHAFF rockets namely Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR), and have been inducted in the Indian Navy after successful user trials.

The DRDO has also developed advanced CHAFF cartridge-118/I for the Indian Air Force.

LRDE working on active protection system for MBTs

LRDE has initiated work on Radar units of active protection system for Next Gen Tanks.

The present population of T90 tks is qty 1074 and will reach qty 1193 by Sep 2020. By the end of 14th plan the total population of tank T-90 will be 1,657 and this equipment will be the mainstay of the Mechanised Forces up to 2040-50. Tanks T-90s are presently devoid of an Active Protection System and only equipped with ERA panels which provide limited survivability in present battle field scenario.

A requirement has been felt to acquire a Active Protection System capable of not only detecting an ensuing attack but also defeating it, thereby enhancing own survivability.

An active protection system is designed to prevent anti-tank missiles/projectiles from acquiring and/or destroying a target.

Electronic countermeasures that alter the electromagnetic, acoustic or other signature(s) of a target thereby altering the tracking and sensing behaviour of an incoming threat (e.g., guided missile) are designated soft-kill active protection measures (“SKAPS”).

Measures that physically counterattack an incoming threat thereby destroying/altering its payload/warhead in such a way that the intended effect on the target is severely impeded are designated hard-kill active protection measures (“HKAPS”).

DRDO issues guidelines on free access to patents 

Over two years after the DRDO modified its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy to grant the Indian industry royalty-free access to patents held for technologies developed by it, detailed guidelines on the subject have been issued.

The new rules stipulate that a license for the patent will be given initially for a period of five years based upon the manufacturing capacity. The number of licenses issued to a single firm shall not be more than five and can be renewed after five years depending upon compliance of the license agreement and other defined factors.

DRDO has also expanded the eligibility scope for licensees by including a clause stating that the applicant shall be a manufacturing entity or a system integrator and not a trading company. None of the promoters and directors of the applicant entity should have been wilful defaulters.

Applicants would be required to provide all necessary documentation including details of projects and supply orders successfully executed in the last two years, details of shareholders, promoters, associated firms and joint venture companies if any, as well as details of any vigilance actions, on-going investigation or suspension or blacklisting of the entity or any of its associates.

To boost indigenous production and give a fillip to the ‘Make in India’ policy, DRDO had, in November 2019, decided to grant free access to patents held by it to an Indian company, startup or MSME incorporated as per law. A DRDO screening committee would review the requests for licenses by taking into account the applicant’s financial and technical capabilities as well as national security and strategic implications.

Under the policy, no licence fee or royalty will be applicable on the use of Indian patents held by the research agency and only a processing fee of Rs 1,000 would be levied. Earlier, licence fee for patents and royalty could range anywhere from several lakh rupees to over a crore depending upon the type of technology involved, the cost of the project, baseline price and post-production quantum of sales to non-defence sector.

There are about 450 patents covering missile technology, aeronautics, naval systems, life sciences, armaments, combat engineering, electronics and communication material, which can be used by the Indian industry for commercial production.

The license for the patent shall be given on non-exclusive basis with DRDO retaining complete title and ownership rights including unfettered rights to license the patents to additional parties. 

While the license recipients will be able to manufacture and sell products covered under the patent, they will also be required to submit details about the commercial working of the licensed patent on an annual basis to DRDO, which would be forwarded to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, as mandated by Indian patent laws and rules.

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A DRDO & Larsen and Toubro light tank is currently under fabrication, based on the chassis of DRDO’s Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) and the rollout of the first prototype is likely to happen in 2023.

This will also strengthen the DRDO’s proposal  to develop the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) to meet the Indian Army’s requirement for 1,770 Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) under Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) program.

Talks have already started that the Next Generation Main Battle Tank will be manufactured through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under a public Private partnership model which has been adopted for the development of the 5.5 generation AMCA and Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology successfully tested

DRDO successfully flight tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) booster at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on 8 April 2022. The test successfully demonstrated the reliable functioning of all critical components involved in the complex missile system and met all the mission objectives. 

The SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds. The performance of the system has been confirmed from the data captured by a number of range instruments like Telemetry, Radar and Electro Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR. The SFDR has been developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such as Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune.

Short Range Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) Ready

DRDO was in the process of developing a Naval Antishipping Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) with an estimated range of 55 km for use from Sea King helicopters and eventually equip the MH-60R helicopters. This project is possibly being developed for a number of platforms, having different ranges. ‘SR’, or Short Range, means that development of other longer range versions is expected as well.

According to DRDO, the NASM-SR will be a 380 kg projectile with a maximum range of 55 km and used initially with Indian Navy Sea King helicopters, replacing the earlier Sea Eagle missiles. As the Sea King itself is approaching the end of its service life, it may be expected that the new indigenous missile will be in service with future helicopters of the Navy.

The American made MH-60R helicopters is due to arrive in July 2022 which is a multi-role platform and these are slated to be equipped with Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile. Further, for the Indian Navy’s IMRH acquisition, MBDA pitched its Sea Venom which has a range of 25 km and also the Marte-ER which can reach more than 100 km.

The NASM-SR could be considered for these potent platforms. The long range version of the NASM may have a range excess of 150 km, enabling engagement of hostile targets from stand-off distances.

The Indian Navy is also in the market for new medium range anti-ship missiles (MRAShM) for 24 current and future warships as detailed by Livefist — three Delhi-class destroyers, four Kora-class missile corvettes and the six new Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) that will enter service in the next decade. The other anti-ship missiles currently in service with the Indian Navy are Boeing Harpoon Block-IIIs on the P-8I Poseidon fleet.

Long Range Pinaka missile system Tested

A new version of the Pinaka rocket system has been successfully flight-tested by the DRDO and the Indian Army at the Pokhran firing ranges, the defence ministry said on 9 April. As many as 24 Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced Rocket Systems were fired for different ranges during the last fortnight and the weapons met the required accuracy and consistency, it said.

The EPRS is the upgraded version of the Pinaka variant that has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade. The ministry said the rocket system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements.

With these trials, the initial phase of technology absorption of EPRS by the industry has successfully been completed and the industry partners are ready for user trials/series production of the rocket system.

The Pinaka rocket system has been developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune, supported by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, another Pune-based laboratory of the DRDO.

After establishing the performance efficacy of the enhanced range version of Pinaka, the technology was transferred to Munitions India Limited MIL and Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.

Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ successfully flight tested

Indigenously developed helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ was successfully flight tested on April 11, 2022 at high-altitude ranges as part of user validation trials. The flight-test was jointly conducted by the teams of scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF).

The anti-tank missile was tested again next day, this time in the northern high altitude mountain regions after its successful test on Monday in the desert regions of Pokhran.

The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the missile was fired successfully engaging simulated tank target. The missile is guided by an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode.

It is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. In continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan, proof of efficacy at high altitudes paves the way for its integration on the ALH. The trials were witnessed by senior Army commanders and senior scientists of the DRDO.

With the flight test, consistent performance of the complete system, including Imaging Infra-Red Seeker, has been established, which will enable the induction of the ‘Helina’ into the armed forces,” said a press statement from the Ministry of Defence on 12 April.

DRDO has said that the Helina missile system has all weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as explosive reactive armour. It has been developed for integration with choppers in both the Army and Air Force.

Indo-Israeli Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Tested Twice

India successfully conducted twin tests of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from a defence facility off Odisha coast on 27 March 2022 demonstrating the system’s high killing efficiency against high-speed aerial targets.

The network-centric and most advanced sleek missile has been developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with public and private sector enterprises.

The MRSAM-Army system intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles and destroyed them completely achieving direct hits at both long and short ranges. The missile intercepted the target in medium altitude at long range during the first trial and destroyed another target in low altitude at short range during second trial.

With a strike range of nearly 100 km, the 4.5-meter long supersonic quick reaction missile weighs around 2.7 tonne and can carry a payload of 60 kg. Travelling at a speed of Mach 2, it can achieve high degrees of manoeuvrability at the terminal phase.

Each MRSAM unit comprises one command and control system, multi functional surveillance tracking radar, threat alert radar, mobile launcher, combat management system, mobile power and radar power systems apart from the missile.

The next generation weapon system has been developed with cutting-edge technology to neutralise airborne threats like jets, subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles, anti tank systems and rockets.

One of the variants of MRSAM system has already been handed over to Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile is designed to provide point and area air defence for ground assets against a wide range of threats.

Air-launched BrahMos hits targets 800 km away

India is developing a new air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which would be able to strike at enemy targets at more than 800 kilometres.

India has enhanced the range of the tactical missile recently, and it can go beyond 500 kilometres with just an upgrade in its software.

The Indian Air Force has equipped around 40 of its Su-30 combat aircraft with the BrahMos cruise missiles, which can cause heavy destruction in enemy camps.

BrahMos was also successfully test-fired in the Andaman and Nicobar, on 23 March.

Earlier in March, the Indian Navy had successfully demonstrated the accuracy of an extended-range land-attack Brahmos supersonic cruise missile from the stealth destroyer INS Chennai.

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While it is largely ballistic, it can manoeuvre in flight. The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometres with accuracy of less than 10 metres and has been developed according to specifications given by eventual user, the Army. “The new missile followed the desired quasi-ballistic trajectory and reached the designated target with high-degree accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms,” said the ministry of defence (MoD) in a press statement.

The DRDO started working on the project to develop a short-range solid-fuel surface-to-surface missile, sometime around 2015. The missile was subsequently christened Pralay.

The missile, which can be launched from a mobile launcher, has a guidance system that includes state-of-the-art navigation mechanisms and integrated avionics. The missile is powered with a solid propellant rocket motor and multiple new technologies.

Game-changer

The missile will be part of the Artillery Corps of the Army. The missile is yet to be inducted since a greater range was sought. Pralay will be the longest-range surface-to-surface missile in the inventory of the Army, which will give a fillip to their operational plans. The Army also has the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in its arsenal, with a stated range of 290-plus kilometres. It will completely change the tactical battlefield dynamics and India will have two conventional missiles with long range.

While cruise missiles have high agility, stealth and even loitering capability, ballistic missiles have the advantage of speed and countering them is a very difficult task even for modern air defence systems.

Pralay missile project was sanctioned in 2015 and is a derivative of the Prahaar missile programme, which was first tested in 2011.

Possible Uses

DRDO officials have categorically stated that the Pralay will not be part of India’s nuclear deterrent. Instead, like the earlier Shourya and Prahar missiles, the Pralay is powered by conventional solid fuel, and its payload is designed to carry only a conventional warhead.

The development of the new missiles had multiple objectives. These include bridging the range gap between the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system and the Prithvi missiles.

The indigenous Pinaka MBRL strikes targets up to 60-70 km from the launchers; while variants of the Prithvi missile can flatten objectives 250-350 km away. The territory between them, where key targets will be located in wartime, will be engaged by the Shourya, Prahar and Pralay missile systems.

The Prahar can strike all three of the Pakistan Army’s service headquarters and four of its nine corps headquarters, which are all located within 150 kilometers of the border. So are two of the Pakistan Air Force’s eleven “deploying bases,” as well as its joint staff and the Strategic Plans Division that controls Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

The Shourya missile, a land-based version of the Indian Navy’s underwater Sagarika missile, with a range of 750 km, can reach every one of Pakistan’s 20 largest cities, all of the Pakistan Air Force’s flying bases, every corps command location, and the Pakistan Navy’s two most important ports, Karachi and Ormara.

Speculation continues about a possible nuclear role for the three missiles. These are fuelled partially by reports that Prahar missiles are being manufactured and inducted into service to replace all of India’s 150-kilometer Prithvi ballistic missiles — which were themselves deemed to be dual-use weapons.

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The growing need for national security and surveillance during both day and night, adverse weather and limited visibility conditions has led to an increased demand of Night Vision Devices (NVDs). NVD is an optoelectronic device that allows the production of images in lighting conditions that are approaching total darkness. An image is the conversion of both visible light and near-infrared light to visible light. NVDs, are used to intensify human sight under very low light conditions and are apparently simple system constructed from three main blocks: optical objective, picture intensifier tube and ocular eyepiece.

There are several types of NVDs. Infrared imaging systems focus infrared light on a scene. Infrared is beyond the light spectrum visible to humans, so the beam itself is undetectable. Image-converting technology transforms the scene illuminated by the infrared into a visible image. Thermal imaging systems work in a similar way, converting the pattern of heat emitted by the objects into a visual image. The NVDs perfected for wartime use amplify images picked up in minimal light, such as starlight, into visible images. The view through a passive NVD may be from 20,000 to 50,000 times brighter than what the unaided eye could see.

NVD are frequently used by the armed forces and land law enforcement agencies, however, they are available for civilian usage as well. Most NVDs consist of optical components such as telescopic lenses or mirrors. Night vision devices contain an IR illuminator, which makes them an active NVD. There are different types of NVDs which are used by the armed forces. They could be classified by either the type or platform usage specific.

Classification by Type

Thermal imager (TI). Thermal imagers are a kind of thermographic camera that is usually used for firefighting. They are typically handheld but may be helmet-mounted as well. The construction of such cameras involves heat and water-resistant housing and contains five major components, i.e., optic systems, detector, amplifier, signal processing and display. This technology is further categorized into cooled and uncooled thermal imaging cameras.

Thermal imagers weapon night sight. This is completely passive infrared weapon sighting system that allows users to identify and detect heat signatures of individuals or objects in day, night, rainy or smoky conditions. An external flash infrared light source is not required. It is further categorized as monocular and binocular.

Laser based night sights. Laser range finder is a device which uses a laser beam to determine the distance to an object up a distance of about 20 kms. Laser designator is a laser light source used to select objects or installations to be attacked or destroyed in warfare.

Classification By usage

Land (Tank surveillance). Thermal Imaging Stand-Alone System is an advanced thermal imaging and fire control upgrade system which serves as a modular compact and stand-alone upgrade for many T-family tanks and features an advanced, high-performance thermal imaging system, with a digital ballistic computer, gunner and commander display. Thermal Imaging Fire Control System is a state-of-the-art, robust, compact, modular and a user-friendly gunner sight. It is a long-range system which is optimal for both day and night, stationary and on the move operations, designed for rapid and high-accuracy target engagement in all kinds of combat scenarios. It has an Eye-Safe Long-Range Laser Rangefinder and has integrated electronic control unit.

Sea (Marine platform surveillance). Night vision devices are used in naval ships and boats for surveillance and to assist in other activities. It helps navigate in all circumstances, detect other vessels, assist in overboard searches, to secure vessel in the harbour and at open water (anti-piracy) and give the user a good overview of what is happening in the dark. A thermal imaging camera is very effective in maritime environments.

Air (Aircraft and UAVs surveillance). Night vision devices are used by pilots, aircraft and UAVs. Few of them are:

•  EOIR Payload for MI-17 Helicopter – It is a day and night surveillance system which includes a daylight colour camera, a third generation 3-5 µm thermal imager, along with eye-safe laser rangefinder (ELRF), automatic video tracker, grip and display, video data recorder as well as command and control capabilities. It has a wide range of interfaces, enabling integration with various systems, such as computer and GPS.

• NVS 6-3XT Aviator Night Vision Imaging System – It enables the pilot to operate their aircrafts in the darkest environment, giving them clear visibility and facilitate them to navigate during take-off, landing and performing other operations. The adjustable eyepieces allow improvised eye relief up to 25 mm, which enable comfortable viewing, regardless of the eyepiece positioning.

• Night vision UAV-Thermal imager for the UAV ranges from upto 7.5km to about 40 Kms

• Individual surveillance (Passive night vision Binoculars/goggles).

Market Insights

The number of military equipment and vehicles with vision systems has increased significantly over the past few years. These multi-sensor electro-optical systems include thermal cameras and high-resolution color cameras. Many countries are focussing on retrofitting the existing equipment and vehicles with advanced EO/IR systems due to their limited defence budget for procurement of new platforms. Usage of unmanned systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is also contributing to the increasing share of NVDs in the defence market. Moreover, improved efficiency and accuracy of NVDs is increasing their use across various platforms.

The global military electro-optical and infrared systems market is projected to register a CAGR of 2.51%, reaching US$9,314.13 million by 2026. By platform, the air-based segment held the largest market share (54.26%) in 2020. The sea-based segment is expected to show the highest CAGR (2.67%) during the forecast period.

With rapid developments in the segment, the competition in this market is high. New entrants are also venturing into this segment owing to its profitability with latest technologies. Transfer of technology between players is enabling mutual growth.

With the focus on national security, most countries have provisions of several man portable, manned and unmanned platforms in their defence budgets. Many of these require NVDs / EO/IR sensors for patrolling, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. Therefore, growing military budgets of countries across the globe, R&D in advanced infrared imaging technologies, to develop sensors that can provide high-resolution images (to locate and identify targets at much longer ranges than is possible with existing optical systems), need for better sensors to enhance situational awareness of the military personnel on the battlespace are some of the major driving factors of this market.

Simultaneously, various design challenges, technological constraints, supply chain risks, the evolving global crisis, and unprecedented factors, like the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, could affect the market negatively in the near future.

Integration of new technologies on existing systems is one of the main design and technical constraints. It also affects the interoperability of a wide range of technologies. For instance, the integration of EO/IR systems onboard an UAVs has given rise to some of the most advanced design challenges for developers. It also adds to the overall weight of the UAVs.

In order to have a competitive price for their products, the revenue stream of players in this segment is significantly affected due to low profit margins.

Many times, production cycles are also delayed due to prolonged shortage of critical components from major suppliers. Certain components such as sensors should also adhere to specific quality standards contributing to high prices and supply interruption risks.

The EO/IR market could be split into land-based, air-based and naval-based systems. The global market (in US$ m) for each of these is tabulated below:

Year       Land      Air          Naval

2020      1,519   4,348     2,145

2026      1,736     5,059     2,517

The Indian EO/IR market was US$600.98 m in 2020 and is projected to reach US$737.77 m by 2026. The Indian EO/IR market (in US$ m) across the three domains is tabulated below:

Year       Land      Air          Naval

2020      109        331        161

2026      132        406        199

NVDs in India

The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2018 of India highlights, among others, special optical payloads for the army, long range electro-­optical sensors for the navy, and helmet mounted night vision devices for the air force. India’s Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun has a thermal imager that provides night vision facility to soldiers to observe and engage targets in total darkness and in the presence of smoke, dust, haze and light camouflage. Targets can be ranged accurately using the laser range finder of the main sight.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is involved in the development of NVDs. Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), one of the laboratories under the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of DRDO, designs, develops and conducts research in optical and electro-optical instruments for the defence services. Its key products are Gap Measuring Device Mk III, electro-optical fire control system for armoured vehicles and naval ships, holographic sight, Helmet Mounted Thermal Imaging Camera (HMTIC), Multi-Purpose Reflex Weapon Sight (MRWS) Light Weight Portable Laser Target Designator for Indian Air Force and Commander’s TI for T-90 Tank. DRDO has also developed a portable dual-role EOCM laser system weighing 30kg which has an operational range of 2.5 km /suitable. It has a day/night sighting telescope target acquisition and can be used for both anti-sensor and dazzling applications.

Army Design Bureau (ADB) set up by the Indian Army to promote the production of home-grown weapons, especially using niche technologies has developed a helmet mounted AI-powered personalized night vision unit that warns soldiers of any unusual activity across regions with a restricted line of sight.  Along with the helmet, the companion wristband also vibrates when the unit picks up signs of any movement in the soldier’s proximity.

Ordnance Factory Dehradun (OFDUN), part of Indian Optel Limited (IOL), one of the seven newly formed defence company carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) produces a wide range of electro-optics instruments and laser-based sighting systems for meeting the requirements of military, para-military and special armed forces. Its key products include Passive Night Sights for 12.7 mm AD gun, Passive Night Vision Goggles 102A, Driver’s Passive Night Periscope for T-55 Tank, Bino Night Vision Passive Cased 101A, Passive Night Sight for AK-47, Infantry passive night sights for the 5.56 mm INSAS rifle, and for the 84 mm.

BEL has been exporting products including electro optic systems and electro optic fire control systems amongst others to the USA, UK, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Germany, France, Israel, Indonesia, Honduras, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa and many other friendly countries. Segments like electro optic systems and electronic warfare and avionics systems, radars and weapon systems, communication and network centric systems, tank electronics, gun upgrades, shall act as growth drivers for BEL in the coming years.

The private industry in India is also involved in the design and development of NVDs. For instance, a well-established firm in Kanpur manufactures a highly advanced night vision and thermal that are compatible with a host of commercially available combat equipment. They can be mounted easily using existing mounting and attachment subsystems. Another firm based out of Bangalore manufactures II based Passive Night Vision Binoculars, II based passive night vision goggles, handheld TI sight (Uncooled Handheld Thermal Imaging Binocular). A private company headquartered at Hyderabad manufactures Night vision monocular, night vision binoculars, bi-ocular night vision devices, aviation night vision goggles, etc.

In July 2018, Rafael commissioned a US$9.88 million facility in Hyderabad for developing a wide range of advanced capabilities, like command control and guidance, electro-optics, remote weapon systems, precision guided munitions, and system engineering for system integration. In 2019, India placed an order for P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, scheduled to be delivered to the Navy starting from May 2020. They sport the L-3 Communications Wescam MX-20HD digital Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) multi-spectral sensor turret, along with other specifications requested by the Indian Navy.

In 2019, Controp Precession Technologies partnered with BEL to supply a Ruggedized Day/Night Optronic sensor system for the Indian Armed Forces. These can be integrated into a host system, and it features a daylight CCD Camera and a ‘Thermal Imaging Camera’, with a continuous optical zoom lens. In 2020, Controp was contracted by DRDO, to supply the company’s iSKY-50HD Electro-Optical, and Infrared (EO/IR) system, to be employed in UAVs. The iSky-50HD system makes use of highly sensitive multi-spectral sensors that are gyro-stabilized and have advanced image processing capabilities, which make them helpful for a variety of airborne applications. The US administration approved the sale of the Integrated Air Defense Weapon Systems (IADWS) to India in 2020. The entire deal is valued around US$1.9 billion. A part of the deal were M4A1 rifles, 5.56 cartridges, EO/IR systems, and hand-held remote terminal. As part of another deal, Lockheed Marin will be supplying an electro-optical fire-control system to help India’s AH-64 Apache attack-helicopter’s crew to fire weapons accurately and navigate better in adverse weather and in the night.

In August 2021, the Indian Army initiated the indigenous upgrade of 811 of its licence built BMP-2/2K ‘Sarath’ infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) by equipping them with more powerful engines, night fighting capability and varied advanced systems. The Army despatched a project sanction order (PSO) to 12 domestic private and public sector companies – referred to as Development Agencies (DAs) – to produce a retrofitted prototype within 52 weeks (or by 31 July 2022) for user trials. The BMP-2 upgrade would be processed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category of the DAP 2020. The projected ICV upgrade would include fitting them with more powerful engines to replace their present UTD20/2 300hp power packs, third-generation thermal imager-based gunner and panoramic sights, modern fire control systems and automatic target trackers. The retrofit would also encompass upgrading the platforms on-board weapon systems that include a 30mm 2A42 auto-canon with dual ammunition feeds, capable of firing 9M113 Konkurs wire-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and a secondary coaxial 7.62x54mm machine gun.

In December 2021, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) cleared the purchase of 29,760 image intensifiers worth Rs 1410 crore to go with the Sig Sauers.

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The Akash Prime is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

The Akash SAM was developed to replace the Russian 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful) missile system, currently in service. Like the Russian 2K12 Kub, it utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which, after initial rocket motor burnout, provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception.

In comparison to the existing Akash system, Akash Prime is equipped with an improved active radio-frequency (RF) seeker to further increase the accuracy. DRDO has also incorporated additions to make Akash Prime a more reliable performer under a low-temperature environment at higher altitudes.

The Indian Air Force has deployed Akash at its bases in Gwalior (Maharajpur AFS), Jalpaiguri (Hasimara AFS), Tezpur, Jorhat and Pune (Lohegaon AFS). Indian Army deployed Akash air defence system along Line of Actual Control in Ladakh as tension rose between India and China 2020 China–India skirmishes.

Earlier this year, DRDO tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG). The missile was tested from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements.

Each battery of the Akash missile system consists of 4 launchers. Each launcher carries 3 missiles. Thus, there are always 12 missiles ready to be fired. Apart from these missiles each battery also carries loaders with extra missiles. The total number of missiles in each battery is 48. Each battery contains the main radar. This main radar is Rajendra Radar which is a 3D PESA radar. It provides command guidance to the missile. Each launcher is also equipped with its own fire control radar which works with the main radar and Battery Search Radar in a synchronized manner. All these systems are governed by Battery Command and Control Centre.

The Indian Air Force already operates 10 squadrons of Akash missile systems. Each squadron has two batteries and a total of 125 missiles each. The army has two operational regiments of the Akash system with 2000 missiles in total.

The first generation of Akash Prime missiles relied on the Rajendra Radars of their batteries for command guidance. That means that the missiles had no seeker of their own and were guided to the targets by the Rajendra radar throughout their trajectories. DRDO previously worked on Akash 1S variant with a radio frequency seeker for terminal guidance. Now, this Akash Prime variant is a further improved variant of the 1S variant. It is equipped with an improved indigenous RF seeker for terminal active radar homing. Previously the missile had a single-shot kill probability of 88%. Now with terminal guidance, it will increase even further making the missile deadlier.

The new system is optimized for low temperatures and higher altitudes. That means it is now more suitable to be deployed in Ladakh. All the components of the Akash systems can be mounted on BMP chassis if required. Thus, the system is highly mobile and can be deployed rapidly. In general, the components of the systems are mounted on BEML Tatra trucks.

Keeping China in mind this is a significant development as this system can be now deployed in harsh terrains like Ladakh. In 2020, there were reports that the Indian Army had deployed Akash SAMs in Ladakh during the standoff. But keeping the missiles battle-ready in such tough terrain is a difficult task. Moreover, Akash missiles are not packed in canisters which makes the maintenance even tougher.

Once inducted Akash Prime will be a crucial weapon for high altitude warfare. No additional infrastructure will be needed as it will be compatible with the current launchers and other components of its batteries. Akash Prime will play a crucial role in defending India’s airspace in future conflicts and standoffs in areas like Ladakh.

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