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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant progress in the development of a comprehensive counter-drone system and high-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The focus on such advancements is part of their ongoing commitment to enhancing India’s defence capabilities.
A Closer Look at Counter-Drone Technology Development
DRDO’s comprehensive counter-drone system targets the detection, identification, and neutralisation of drones. This technology is designed to counter attacks and enable both soft kill and hard kill of all types of drones, including micro drones. To further enhance production, the technology has been transferred to private companies such as BEL, L&T, and Icom.
Innovations in UAV Development
Two notable developments by DRDO in the field of UAVs include the ‘Tapas’ Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV and the ‘Archer’ UAV.
The Tapas MALE UAV is currently being used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) applications. A collaborative effort with private vendors has led to the development of a Lithium Ion-based battery with an indigenous battery management system, which is now incorporated in the Tapas UAV.
The Archer UAV, conversely, is a short-range armed UAV under development. It’s meant for reconnaissance, surveillance, and low-intensity conflict scenarios. The developmental flight trials for this UAV are currently ongoing.
Insight into the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
DRDO, founded in 1958, is the R&D wing of India’s Ministry of Defence. Their vision is to empower India with cutting-edge defense technologies, with a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies. Their guiding principle is “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” (Science is the source of strength).
The organisation has made significant contributions to India’s defence, having developed strategic systems and platforms such as the Agni and Prithvi series of missiles, Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft), Pinaka (Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher), Akash (Air Defence System), radars, and electronic warfare systems.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Years Questions (PYQs)
In the 2018 UPSC examination, a question related to “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)” appeared, asking the candidates to identify it. The correct answer was that it is an American anti-missile system.
In the 2014 examination, there was a question about the Agni-IV Missile, asking participants to select the right statements related to it. Students needed to correctly identify that it is a surface-to-surface missile.
Last Modified: February 23, 2024