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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons
India is advancing a wide range of indigenous defence technologies including hypersonic missiles , long-range air defence systems, and next-generation fighter aircraft, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. In an interview to NDTV, Dr. Kamat outlined DRDO 's current and future projects that aim to enhance India's strategic deterrence and battlefield capabilities across air, land, and sea. BrahMos and its smaller successor A key focus area is the BrahMos missile , co-developed with Russia and currently launched from Su-30MKI fighter jets. To increase deployment flexibility, DRDO is working on BrahMos-NG, a next-generation variant designed to fit into more fighter platforms. BrahMos-NG is lighter and smaller, allowing wider deployment across India's air fleet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo India's hypersonic weapons programme India is also developing two types of hypersonic weapons — a cruise missile and a glide vehicle. The glide vehicle project is at a more advanced stage. Dr. Kamat said, 'We should be able to complete developmental trials in two to three years and then we can go for induction.' For the hypersonic cruise missile, scramjet propulsion has already been successfully tested for 1,000 seconds. Full-scale development awaits government approval. Once cleared, it may take five to seven years to reach operational status. Live Events Air-to-air and air-to-ground missile upgrades DRDO is extending its missile capabilities with new variants of the Astra air-to-air missile. The existing Mk-1 is in service, while Mk-2 and Mk-3 with longer range are under development. Meanwhile, the Rudram series of air-to-ground missiles is being upgraded. Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4 are in different stages of development. Surface-to-air defence and anti-drone technologies Under the Kusha programme, India is developing long-range surface-to-air missiles to match capabilities like the Russian S-400. The system is internally known as 'Sudarshan Chakra'. In parallel, DRDO is also developing directed energy weapons including high-powered lasers and microwave systems to neutralise drones and other aerial threats. Mobile artillery and light tanks India's indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is being adapted into a mobile version. Last year, the government approved a proposal for 814 truck-mounted, self-propelled 155mm gun systems costing around ₹15,000 crore. Apart from defence PSUs, private firms like Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge , and Mahindra Defence have been approached for participation. Dr. Kamat also shared details about the light tank project named Zorawar. Built with L&T for high-altitude deployment along the border with China, the 25-tonne tank is expected to see 354 units inducted by the Indian Army. Naval weapons nearing induction For the Indian Navy, DRDO is developing torpedoes, naval mines, and other undersea warfare technologies. Dr. Kamat said many of these systems are 'close to induction,' signalling near-term deployment of several indigenous maritime platforms. Fifth-generation fighter response to China-Pakistan axis Dr. Kamat commented on reports that Pakistan may receive 40 J-35 stealth aircraft from China by next year. India's response is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ), which received formal sanction in 2024. In a previous interview, Dr. Kamat said, 'The AMCA will take 10 years to complete and would be ready by 2035.' According to an Economic Times report, the Indian Air Force is expected to procure six squadrons — around 120 aircraft. Unlike the Tejas programme where HAL led manufacturing, AMCA will follow a new production model. The government has issued an expression of interest to bring in either HAL, a private firm, or a public-private joint venture as the lead production partner. Lessons from recent operations Dr. Kamat stressed the need for future weapons to operate without external support. Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, he said, 'All weapons must function without GPS or communication,' highlighting DRDO's focus on autonomous systems that can work in electronically denied environments. India's defence strategy is moving towards greater self-reliance and operational flexibility through indigenous technologies. The DRDO's ongoing work across multiple platforms reflects a long-term commitment to building modern, multi-domain defence capabilities.
India.com
16 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan, China in tension as India to get new missile system named..., can fire 12 missiles in just 44 seconds, it's dangerous because...
Pinaka rocket launchers India to get new 300-km range Pinaka missile system: In a significant development for Indian defence system and a bad news for China and Pakistan, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will soon begin manufacturing new variants of the Pinaka rocket system with extended ranges of 120 km and 300 km. According to DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat as quoted by the Economic Times, the rocket launchers rocket systems are expected to be inducted into the Indian Army within the next three to five years. About Pinaka MBRL The Pinaka MBRL is a state-of-the-art indirect fire weapon system engineered to neutralise area targets with high precision and rapid response. Designed to launch 12 rockets from a stationary, it is engineered to neutralise area targets with high precision and rapid response inclined position, the system offers swift deployment and exceptional accuracy, making it highly effective against time-sensitive and critical enemy threats. DRDO signs licensing agreement with NIBE Ltd for Pinaka MBRL and Battery Command Post In a significant development from last month, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with NIBE Limited for the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and the Battery Command Post (BCP), as per a report by ANI news agency. The agreement aims to strengthen the industrial base for the development and manufacturing of indigenous defence equipment. In a post on X, DRDO stated, 'In an effort to enhance the industrial base in development and manufacturing of indigenous defence equipment, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), DRDO signed Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology(LAToT) of Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and Battery Command Post (BCP) with M/s NIBE Limited, Pune.' (With inputs from agencies)
Hans India
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
DRDO transfers 9 technologies to industrial firms for production of defence vehicles
In line with the government's vision to establish a robust defence industrial ecosystem with the participation of both public and private sectors, the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory located in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar, has taken a major step forward by transferring technologies of nine systems to 10 industries, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday. The licensing agreements were handed over in the presence of Secretary, Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr Samir V. Kamat, during an event organised at the VRDE. The technologies transferred to the industry include: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II to public sector defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited, a Mounted Gun System to the private sector company Bharat Forge Limited, and an Anti-Terrorist Vehicle - Tracked Version to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited. The others in the list are: Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A to four companies, including BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited and John Galt International; an Expandable Mobile Shelter to Bharat Electronics Limited; Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle to Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun to BEML Limited; and a Multi-Purpose Decontamination System to Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited are the other technologies on the list that have been transferred, according to the official statement. The VRDE also signed an MoU with COEP Technological University, Pune, to jointly work on cutting-edge technologies and emerging areas. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kamat complimented DRDO and the industry for the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He also suggested that the industry plan for surge capacity. He appreciated the efforts of the VRDE in providing high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms. Distinguished scientist and Director General, Armament and Combat Engineering Cluster, DRDO, Prof (Dr) Prateek Kishore, VRDE Director, G. Ramamohana Rao and other senior scientists were also present on the occasion, along with industry representatives
India.com
05-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
India's Secret Arsenal Unveiled: DRDO Chief Lifts The Veil On India's New Military Might
New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat opened the lid on how India is rewriting the rules of modern warfare. He declared that in addition to catching up with global powers in defence technology, India is also preparing to leapfrog them. The recent Operation Sindoor, a blistering military response to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, witnessed Indian forces wielding homegrown weaponry designed and developed by the DRDO, systems that, according to him, destroyed and dominated the enemy. During the blistering military offensive, the Akash missile system, the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and the cutting-edge anti-drone D4 system were deployed in sync – delivering what the DRDO chief called a 'tremendous' performance. He pointed out that the systems were developed over years, with Akash starting back in 2004-05, later upgraded in partnership with Israel to become MRSAM. But it was the seamless integration of these three, the Akash, the MRSAM and the D4, that transformed India's battlefield response. 'They performed superbly and thwarted every enemy attack,' he said with pride. And it was not only the missiles. India's radar capabilities have also leapt forward. Dr. Kamat emphasised how DRDO has mastered the art of designing multifunctional radars that now cater to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force in a unified network. 'Earlier, every radar operated independently. Now, we have integrated them for real-time data sharing. That changes everything,' he said. But what is coming next could redefine warfare in the region and maybe the world. He revealed that DRDO's arsenal still holds several arrows that are yet to be unleashed. Within the next 2-3 years, India plans to induct several indigenously developed defence platforms – including the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), the Pralay and Rudram missile systems, advanced light torpedoes and next-generation landmines. Then comes the crown jewel, the BrahMos. Work is already underway to enhance its range – with plans to integrate the BrahMos Next Generation (NG) missile into multiple aircraft, not just the Sukhoi. 'Its precision and power make it one of the most exceptional missiles in the world,' he said. And it does not stop there. The Astra-2 and Astra-3 air-to-air missiles are in the pipeline, while Rudram is evolving as a force multiplier. In a statement that hints at ambitions rivaling Israel's famed Iron Dome, he also confirmed that India is developing its own layered defence system. With Akash, QRSAM, S-400 and work on the 'Kusha' missile – India's answer to the S-500 – already in motion, it is clear that New Delhi has a firm eye on the sky. 'The plan is to have multiple units of these across the nation,' he added. What about the next-gen air force? The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, cleared last year, is already in motion. The prototype will be ready by 2029, test flights will follow and full induction into the Indian Air Force is slated to begin around 2035. 'It could be done with HAL or even with private players,' he said, hinting at a new era of public-private synergy in India's defence landscape. On the lighter side of firepower, India is accelerating development of the LCA Mk1A, although delays in GE engine supply have slowed deliveries. Nonetheless, the Air Force will receive all 83 ordered jets within the next three years. Mk2s are on the horizon too, with the DRDO eyeing 2033 for their rollout. Trials for a new indigenous light tank will begin in mid-2025 and production will follow by 2027. Dr. Kamat did not hold back when speaking about drones either. 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming gamechangers,' he said and confirmed that the DRDO is working on base tech and integration. With swarm drones becoming a future threat, India is also pushing forward its anti-drone arsenal with urgency. Finally, reflecting on the strategic shift in India's defence ecosystem, he credited the incumbent government for championing the cause of self-reliance. 'Earlier, the DRDO was a platform for just research and development (R&D). Now, with the ecosystem in place, we are marching toward becoming a global defence technology leader,' he said. With indigenous marvels like the Pinaka, the BrahMos and the Akash leading the charge, it is hard to argue otherwise. If there was ever any doubt that India was ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's defence giants, Dr. Kamat left no room for it.
The Print
04-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
DRDO eyes persistent high-altitude surveillance edge as Stratospheric Airship soars in maiden trial
'The flight lasted around 62 minutes, during which data was collected by onboard sensors,' the defence ministry said in a statement. It added that the airship was safely recovered after testing critical systems, including envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms. Developed by the Agra-based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), the unmanned airship ascended to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres, carrying an instrumented payload. New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Saturday conducted the maiden flight trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur test facility in Madhya Pradesh. A stratospheric airship functions as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS), designed to operate between 17 and 22 kilometres above the Earth for extended periods. It uses helium for lift and is typically powered by solar energy, with onboard batteries enabling night-time operation. Unlike satellites or aircraft, such platforms can loiter over a fixed area for days or even weeks, offering persistent surveillance and communications support. Their capacity to carry imaging sensors, radar systems or telecommunications payloads makes them valuable for border monitoring, disaster response and wide-area intelligence missions. They also fill a critical gap between drones and satellites, delivering the reach of space-based systems while offering faster deployment, lower costs and greater operational flexibility. DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat hailed the flight as a significant achievement, describing it as a step towards developing long-endurance, lighter-than-air systems capable of operating in the stratosphere. 'This system will enhance India's earth observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, positioning the country among the few globally with such indigenous capabilities,' said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources indicated that only a small number of countries have succeeded in developing similar high-altitude platforms, given the considerable technological and operational challenges involved. (Edited by Radifah Kabir) Also Read: India to get HawkEye 360 tech from the US. Here's how it spots 'dark vessels'
