The May-June 2020 transgression by the Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh was a wake-up call to speed up the modernisation of India's Armed Forces and replacement/acquisition of outdated armament systems and equipment. What became obvious after PLA’s 2020 aggression and its build-up along the LAC was the great gap between the weapons and equipment of the PLA and Indian Army. 

With a countrywide network of 52 laboratories, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India's largest with around 5,000 scientists who are engaged in developing military technologies to meet the country's expanding requirements, especially under the Make in India program. 

The DRDO has faced criticism in the past for a number of reasons, including project delays and cost overruns, and inability to provide state-of-the-art equipment.  For example, the Light Combat Aircraft project Tejas took over 30 years to complete.   However, much changes have happened after some high-power reviews and reforms in its working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently congratulating DRDO scientists for their groundbreaking success in the development of the Agni-5 missile, a land based nuclear MIRV-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Dr Samir V. Kamat, who currently heads DRDO as its chairman,  elaborated on the organisation's achievements in breakthrough technologies and how it aims at enhancing India's weapons exports with world-class systems. 

Excerpts from a military-centred conversation with Col Anil Bhat (retd.): 

Q 1. Could you expound on the contribution of DRDO to the various categories of arms and equipment as listed below:

 1/1. Army

(a) Armoured Fighting Vehicles/Zorawar light tank

(b) Guns/mortars

(c) Engineers’ equipment

(d) Electronic items 

1/2. Navy

 (a) Battleships

 (b) Smaller Vessels 

1/3. Air Force

(a) Fighter Aircraft/Attack Helicopters

 (b) Transport Aircraft/Helicopters 

1/4. Missiles 

1/5. Surveillance/Radars Systems

1/6. High Altitude related Systems 

1/7. Health/Medical related Systems

1/8. Drones

1/9. Artificial Intelligence 

Answer 1/1.      

Army

DRDO is developing many advanced systems and technologies for armoured fighting vehicles for better protection. Our Combat Vehicles & Engineering Group of Labs are striving to ensure high mobility, fire power and protection to troops during military operation with world-class Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Wheeled Vehicles, Bridges and Combat Engineering Support Systems as well as Ground Support Equipment for Missile Systems and airborne platforms. The emphasis is on the development of Combat Vehicle Technology and Engineering equipment/systems, empowering our defence forces with breakthrough technologies.

A light tank with lethal firepower, named as Zorawar is being developed with the DcPP (Development cum Production Partner), M/S Larsen & Toubro and it is expected to roll out soon. This tank will have advance features such a high power-to-weight ratio, superior firepower, protection, surveillance, and greater communication capabilities. Many armament systems, namely 155 mm X 52 Calibre Advance Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mechanical Mine Layer - Self Propelled (MML– SP) and Prachand Anti-Tank Munition have been handed over to the industry for production. With a firing range of 40 kms, the ATAGS gun boasts of advanced features such as quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, high mobility, advanced communication system and automatic command control system with night firing capability in direct fire mode. Indigenously developed by DRDO, the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), a modular 8X8 wheeled combat platform is customised for various roles, and can be used as a Wheeled Infantry Combat Vehicle. The indigenously developed "Swathi" weapon locating radar system took center stage at the Republic Day parade. The SWATHI WLR is equipped with advanced features that enable it to accurately locate and track enemy artillery and mortar positions. The weapon locating radar system has been developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Ltd.

Answer 1/2.

Navy

(Battleships & Smaller Vessels)

DRDO has developed many cutting-edge technologies and systems for the Indian Navy. The Naval Systems & Materials (NS & M) Cluster of DRDO has developed state-of-the-art underwater sensors and surveillance systems; underwater weapons and associated systems; Air Independent Propulsion systems; protection technologies for marine platforms; stealth and camouflage technologies. These include Hull Mounted Sonar for Surface Ships (HMS-X), Compact Hull Mounted Sonar for Small Surface Vessels (HMS-X2), Advanced Torpedo Defence System for Ships (ATDS-X), Low Frequency Dunking Sonar (LFDS-X), Heavy Weight Torpedo – Varunastra, Expendable Decoy – Maareech, Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) – Light Weight Torpedo, Composite Sonar Dome for Naval Ships, and Instant Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS).

DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal in April 2023. The air-independent propulsion (AIP) have been indigenously developed by Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), DRDO with L&T as its industry partner. The air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology enhances the underwater endurance and stealth of conventional submarines which otherwise have to come to surface to use oxygen to recharge their batteries.

A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) has been set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines and helicopters. Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System ‘Shakti’ has been designed and developed for Capital Warships of the Indian Navy for the interception, detection, classification, identification and jamming of conventional and modern Radars. We are also developing Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy.

This month DRDO successfully flight-tested the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART), a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo.

Answer 1/3.

Air Force

Fighter Aircrafts/helicopters

DRDO has handed over first batch of indigenous Leading-Edge Actuators & Airbrake Control Module to HAL for LCA Tejas Mk1A. The HAL, Lucknow has already made preparations for the production of these units for the current 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A order. Tejas, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 successfully fired the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa on August 23, 2023. DRDO has developed Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force against hostile radar threats. LCA (Tejas) development by ADA, is unique in the light of the fact that there was no infrastructure base and negligible technological base available in the country for undertaking development of a modern combat aircraft. Maiden successful flight-test of Power Take off (PTO) Shaft was conducted on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas) Limited Series Production (LSP)-3 aircraft in Bengaluru in March 2023. Maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by DRDO from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka on July 01, 2022. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft and is significant step towards self-reliance in such strategic defence technologies. To make our Air Force stronger DRDO is developing more potent aircraft like the LCA Mk2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) so that our country would no longer have to be dependent on import to meet its fighter aircraft needs.

Answer 1/4.

Missiles

India conducted first successful flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The flight test is a testament to India's indigenous defence capabilities and innovative spirit. A successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile was conducted, where the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high speed, agile aerial threats.

Indigenously developed MPATGM is a third generation ATGM with ‘Fire & Forget’ ‘Top Attack’ and night operational capability. NASM-SR is the first indigenous air launched anti-ship missile system. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges. Helicopter-launched Nag is the third generation, fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile that can engage targets in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks having conventional as well as explosive reactive armour. Then there is QRSAM, which is all-weather, Air-Defence system that provides mobile air defence cover to mechanised assets of the Indian Army in the Tactical Battle Area. ASTRA, is a state-of-the-art beyond visual range air-to-air missile to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets. DRDO and Strategic Forces Command (SFC) recently conducted the successful flight-test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime. Induction of the missile will be an excellent force multiplier for the Armed Forces.

Recently, DRDO conducted the successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). The successful development of indigenous long range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&D.

Answer 1/5.  

Surveillance/Radar systems

DRDO’s AEW&C is a true force multiplier, with surveillance, communication, and electronic warfare capabilities. DRDO has delivered the System, Netra to Indian Air Force. Border Surveillance System (BOSS) developed by DRDO provides a complete solution of all weather, unmanned border surveillance equipment for day and night monitoring of border areas at high altitude.

DRDO has developed varieties of Radars  like Aerial, Ship and Ground Based Radars. We are Aatmanirbhar in all Radars technology.  Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System ‘Shakti’ has been designed and developed for Indian Navy for the interception, detection, classification, identification and jamming of conventional and modern Radars.

Answer 1/6.   

High Altitude related systems

The DRDO designed technology of extreme cold weather clothing system (ECWCS) is an ergonomically designed modular technical clothing with improved thermal insulation and physiological comfort based on the insulation required at various ambient climatic conditions in Himalayan regions during different levels of physical activity. The extreme ECWS is required by Indian Army for its sustained operations in glacier and Himalayan peaks.

Answer 1/7. 

Health/Medical related systems

Life Sciences (LS) cluster of DRDO supports Indian Armed Forces in the area developing systems for optimising the psychological, physiological and nutritional well-being of soldiers with life support systems, protective equipment against Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear (CBRN) and other operational hazards. High altitude agriculture and livestock rearing technologies are other achievements of this cluster. Life Support systems have been developed for extreme conditions of cold to high altitude to deep sea submarine escape suits. The cluster has also developed products like Biodigester, Biotoilet, Iron Removal Unit, Motor Bike Ambulance, Mobile Whole Body Counter, survival equipment, detection and diagnostic equipment and products necessary for operating in the most hazardous environments. Herbal remedies are developed for treatment of diseases like leucoderma, eczema etc. DEBEL, the Bengaluru based laboratory has developed the Medical Oxygen Plant, Individual Underwater Breathing (IUWBA), Physical Efficiency Test Monitor, Air Sterilization Unit etc. Our DFRL, Mysuru has developed Terrain and Weapon Platform specific meals ready to eat. Many large temporary treatment facilities were established by DRDO to manage surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Answer 1/8.  

Drones

DRDO is making drone-based systems and anti-drone systems based on the requirements of User Agencies. We have developed a comprehensive integrated Anti-Drone System which comprises of detection, identification and neutralization of a drone. Indigenous Counter Drone Technology which is capable of counter attacks including detection, Soft Kill and Hard Kill of all types of Drones including micro-Drones are being developed by DRDO.

Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is being designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru. The maiden flight of this aircraft was demonstrated in July 2022, followed by six flight trials in various developmental configurations using two in-house manufactured prototypes.

Answer 1/9. 

Artificial

Intelligence                                                                                                                 

DRDO is focusing more on new and emerging areas of technology applications such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics for furthering its research-base and also exploring the possibility of AI’s application in various systems & sub-systems developed by it.

We are focused towards establishing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies which can be applied for the rich problem areas in the military domain. All DRDO system laboratories have started AI technology groups to introduce AI features in all products. DRDO has three dedicated laboratories, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru and DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory (DYSL)-AI and DYST-CT (Cognitive Technology) for application orientated research in AI in different domains. CAIR is nurturing start-ups & also conducting workshops for DRDO scientists to create skill sets on AI in Defence Systems.

AI is also being promoted in academia and industry through R&D projects under Defence Industry Academia Centre of Excellences (DIA-CoE), Extramural Research and Technology Development Fund schemes of DRDO.

Q 2. Are there any achievements of DRDO which can be considered as outstanding?

Answer DRDO has many outstanding achievements to its credit. It is working on multiple cutting-edge military technology areas, which include aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technologies, quantum computing and communication, artificial intelligence, life sciences and other technologies for defence. There have been noteworthy achievements in these areas. Some of the notable achievements are Arjun MBT (Main Battle Tank), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) , Akash-New Generation Surface To Air Missile (NG SAM), Pralay, New generation surface-to-surface missile, RUDRAM (meaning remover of sorrows), the Anti-Radiation Missile, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, ASAT (anti-satellite) missile, Nag Missile System, Brahmos Missile, Akash weapon system, Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology, Weapon Locating Radar, Autonomous stealth UAV, Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile SMART the supersonic missile assisted release of torpedo, Sonars, etc.

Q 3.  It has been reported that DRDO is to be restructured. Could you please elaborate?

Answer    DRDO was created and expanded in the latter part of the 20th century, when Indian industry and academia was nascent and DRDO’s own capabilities were being incubated. Today DRDO is a far more capable organisation and the Indian industry has also registered its capability in defence technologies. Hence, DRDO is looking to restructure itself to better leverage this ecosystem for national good. In doing so, DRDO is aiming to be leaner, faster and more impactful.

Q 4. What are future plans/ projects of DRDO?

Answer Some of the future plans are induction of LCA MK1A, Arjun MK1A, QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile) User trials of ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) and post successful user trials by DRDO, its induction into the Indian Army. Induction of several number of tactical missiles. We have rolled out light tanks and internal trials are going on. For BRAHMOS, we are receiving interests from some countries for export. In the coming years, export is going to become an important role of DRDO. Development of advanced surveillance platforms, extended reach next generation combat aircraft, expanded air defence and ballistic missile defence capability and autonomous unmanned systems for land and water. Some of the breakthrough technologies which will be required to be developed include Hypersonic Vehicle Technology, Network Centric Warfare Components, Directed Energy Weapons, Nanotechnology and advanced materials.

(The interviewer, a military affairs analyst and author, is former spokesperson, Defence Ministry and Indian Army. He can be contacted at wordsword02@gmail.com)