Defence Technology Notes by D.

Malleswari Reddy

Defense Technology

Framework-

1. Keywords
2. DRDO
3. Defense Indigenization

Keywords:

1. Platforms
a. Aircraft
b. Helicopter
c. Submarine
d. Aircraft Carrier
e. Tanker
2. Missile- Ballistic, Cruise
3. Anti-Missile Ballistic System
4. ASAT Missile
5. Tarpedo
6. Radar- AEW&CS
7. Sonar
8. Stealth

Keywords:

1. Platforms-
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Submarine: Submarine is an underwater vehicle which can work independently. It is of two

types.

1. Conventional Submarine which runs with Diesel

2. Nuclear Submarine which runs with Nuclear powered battery

2. Missile-

Missile is a type of rocket which is used to deliver an explosive material over a target.

Ballistic Missile Cruise Missile

It is propelled only for a brief duration Self-propelled till the end of its flight
after the launch.
Similar to a rocket engine. Similar to a jet engine.

Long-range missiles leave the earth’s The flight path is within the earth’s
atmosphere and reenter it. atmosphere.
Low precision as it is unguided for most of Hits targets with high precision as it is
its path and its trajectory depends on constantly propelled.
gravity, air resistance and Coriolis Force.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Can have a very long range (300 km to The range is small (below 500 km) as it
12,000 km) as there is no fuel requirement needs to be constantly propelled to hit
after its initial trajectory. the target with high precision.
Heavy payload carrying capacity. Payload capacity is limited.

Can carry multiple payloads (Multiple Usually carries a single payload.

Independently targetable Re-entry
Vehicle)
Developed primarily to carry nuclear Developed primarily to carry
warheads. conventional warheads.
E.g. Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and E.g. BrahMos missile, Nirbhay Missile
Dhanush missiles.

3. Anti-Missile Ballistic System-

This is a network of radars and missiles. It detects the incoming enemy radar and deploys the
missile to neutralise the incoming missile.

Recently India has signed an agreement to buy S-400 Anti-ballistic missile system from Russia.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

4. ASAT Missile – Mission Shakti

Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

5. Torpedo –

It is a self-propelled underwater missile designed to be fired from a ship or submarine or

dropped into the water from an aircraft and to explode on reaching a target.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

6. RADAR – Radio Detection and Ranging

Radar is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity
of objects.

It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather
formations, and terrain.

The RADAR system generally consists of a transmitter which produces an electromagnetic

signal which is radiated into space by an antenna.

AEW&CS

An Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System is an airborne radar picket system
designed to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long ranges. It also is to perform command
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

and control of the battlespace in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack aircraft
strikes.

DRDO developed NETRA AEW&CS. India is importing Phalcon AEW&CS.

7. SONAR- Sound Navigation and Ranging

Sonar, Sound Navigation and Ranging, is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because
sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and light waves.

In Submarines, SONARs are used to detect objects and missiles underwater.

Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

8. Stealth-

Stealth is the ability of an object to hide itself from the visibility.

In defense stealth technology is used to hide aircrafts, submarines from the detectability of
enemies.

Stealth can be acquired in 2 ways. One by the design of the Object, two by the stealth coated
material.

DRDO- Defense Research and Development

Organization
DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India
with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical
defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art
weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three
Services.

DRDO's pursuit of self-reliance and successful indigenous development and production of

strategic systems and platforms such as –

➢ Agni and Prithvi series of missiles;

➢ light combat aircraft, Tejas;
➢ multi-barrel rocket launcher, Pinaka;
➢ air defence system, Akash;
➢ a wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc.,

have given quantum jump to India's military might, generating effective deterrence and
providing crucial leverage.

"Balasya Mulam Vigyanam"—the source of strength is science-drives the nation in peace and
war. DRDO has firm determination to make the nation strong and self-reliant in terms of
science and technology, especially in the field of military technologies.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Vision of DRDO
Empowering the nation with state-of-the-art indigenous Defence technologies and
systems.
Mission of DRDO
Design, develop and lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems,
platforms and allied equipment for our Defence Services.
Provide technological solutions to the Services to optimise combat effectiveness and to
promote well-being of the troops.
Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong indigenous
technology base.

DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical
Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical
Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

DRDO was then a small organisation with 10 establishments or laboratories. Over the years,
it has grown multi-directionally in terms of the variety of subject disciplines, number of
laboratories, achievements and stature.

Indigenisation in Defence

1. Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

2. Project P75, Project P75I – Manufacturing the conventional submarines through
technology trnafer from other countries.
3. Indigenous Nuclear Submarine – INS Arihant
4. NETRA AEW&CS – Designed by DRDO
5. LCA Tejas- World’s lightest fighter aircraft
 Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

1. IGMDP was brain child of renowned scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
2. It was intended to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology.
3. After keeping in mind, the requirements of various types of missiles by the defence
forces, the program recognized the need to develop five missile systems.
4. The IGMDP formally got the approval of Indian government on July 26, 1983.
5. It brought together the country’s scientific community, academic institutions, R&D
laboratories, industries and the three defence services in giving shape to the strategic,
indigenous missile systems.

The missiles developed under IGMDP are:

1. Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile – Prithvi

2. Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile – Agni

3. Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile – Trishul

4. Medium-range surface-to-air missile – Akash

5. Third generation anti-tank missile – Nag

Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

The Agni, which was initially conceived as a technology demonstrator project in the form of a
re-entry vehicle, was later upgraded to a ballistic missile with different ranges. Dr. Kalam
played a major role in the development and operationalisation of Agni and Prithvi missiles.

After achieving the goal of making India self-reliant in missile technology, DRDO on January
8, 2008, formally announced successful completion of IGMDP.

The important list of missiles is: (IGMDP plus others)

Missile Features
Agni I Single stage, solid fuel, Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM).

Using solid propulsion booster and a liquid propulsion upper stage.

Range of 700-800 km.

Agni II Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).

Range more than 2000 km.

Agni III Two stage IRBM

Support a wide range of warhead configurations.

Strike range of more than 2,500 Km

Agni IV Two stage missiles powered by solid propellant.

Can fire from a road mobile launcher.

Range is more than 3,500 km.

Equipped with indigenously developed ring laser gyro and composite rocket
motor.
Agni V Three-stage solid fueled, indigenous Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile
(ICBM).

Capable of carrying 1.5 tonnes of nuclear warheads.

Latest and most advanced variant in terms of navigation and guidance,

warhead and engine.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

After induction in the military, India will join an exclusive club of countries
like the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain which have intercontinental
ballistic missile capability.

Canister launches missile system for operational flexibility.

Range is more than 5,000 km.

Trishul Short-range, quick reaction, all weather surface-to-air missile designed to
counter a low-level attack.

Has necessary electronic counter-measures against all known aircraft

jammers.
Akash Medium-range, surface-to-air missile with multi-target engagement
capability.

Multiple warheads capable.

High-energy solid propellant and ram-rocket propulsion system.

Nag Third generation ‘fire-and-forget’ anti-tank missile with a range of 4-8km.

Developed indigenously as an anti-armour weapon employing sensor fusion

technologies for flight guidance.

HELINA (Helicopter Launched NAG) is the air-to-surface version of the NAG

integrated into Dhruv Helicopters.
Prithvi First indigenously built ballistic missile under IGMDP.

Surface-to-surface battle field missile.

Demonstrates higher lethal effects and high-level capability with field

interchangeable warheads.

Range from 150 km to 300 km.

BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile.

Being developed with Russia as a private joint-venture.

Multi-platform cruise can strike from various types of platforms.

Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Among the world fastest supersonic cruise missiles with speeds ranging
between Mach 2.5 – 2.8.

A 'fire and forget' weapon i.e. requiring no further guidance from the control
centre once the target has been assigned.
Nirbhay Subsonic missile, supplement to the BrahMos.

Capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air.

A terrain hugging, stealth missile capable of delivering 24 different types of

warheads depending on mission requirements.

Can reach up to 1,000 km.

Sagarika Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)

Being integrated with India’s nuclear powered Arihant-class submarine.

Range - 700 km.

Shaurya A variant of the K-15 Sagarika.

Submarine- nuclear-capable missile.

Aims to enhance India’s second-strike capability.

Dhanush Sea-based, short-range, liquid propellant ballistic missile.

Naval version of Prithvi II.

Maximum range 350 km.

Astra Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile using a solid-propellant.

In terms of size and weight, one of the smallest weapon developed by the
DRDO.

Active radar seeker to find targets.

Electronic counter-measure capabilities.

Designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds in
the head-on mode at a range of 80 km.
Prahaar India’s latest surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150 km.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

Primary objective is to bridge the gap between the unguided Pinaka multi-
barrel rocket launcher and the guided Prithvi missile variants.

Have high manoeuvrability, acceleration and accuracy.

Recent Measures to promote Defense Indigenization are:

1. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in April, 2018. iDEX is aimed at
creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and
Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D
institutes and Academia.

2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI Policy has been revised and under the revised policy,
FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route
wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be
recorded.

3. Government has notified a Policy for indigenisation of components and spares used in
Defence Platforms in March, 2019 with the objective to create an industry ecosystem which
is able to indigenize the imported components (including alloys & special materials) and sub-
assemblies for defence equipment and platform manufactured in India.

4. The Defence Products List for the purpose of issuing Industrial Licenses (ILs) under IDR Act
has been revised and most of the components, parts, sub-systems, testing equipment and
production equipment have been removed from the list, so as to reduce the entry barriers for
the industry, particularly small & medium segment. The initial validity of the Industrial
Licence granted under the IDR Act has been increased from 03 years to 15 years with a
provision to further extend it by 03 years on a case-to-case basis. So far, the process for export
clearance has been streamlined and made transparent & online.

5. Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: The Ministry has instituted a new framework titled ‘Mission
Raksha Gyan Shakti’ which aims to provide boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence
industry.
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

6. Technology Development Fund: Government has set up the Technology Development Fund
(TDF) to encourage participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs, through
provision of grants, so as to create an eco–system for enhancing cutting edge technology
capability for defence applications

7. Provisions in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2016): Additionally, several enabling

provisions have been incorporated in the DPP-2016 for promoting manufacture of the State-
of-the-art defence products and technologies and transfer of state-of-the-art defence
technology to India, which are as under: -

I. Buy (Indian-IDDM) in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2016): A new category

of procurement ‘Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and
Manufactured)}’ has been introduced in DPP-2016 to promote indigenous design and
development of defence equipment. It has been accorded top most priority for
procurement of capital equipment. Besides this, preference has been accorded to ‘Buy
(Indian)’, ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories of capital acquisition over ‘Buy
(Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make (Global)’ categories.
II. ‘Make’ Procedure: The ‘Make’ Procedure has been simplified with provisions for
funding of 90% of development cost by the Government to Indian industry and
reserving projects not exceeding development cost of Rs.10 Crore (Government
funded) and Rs.3 Crore (Industry funded) for MSMEs.
III. Separate procedure for ‘Make-II’ sub-category has been notified wherein a number of
industry friendly provisions such as relaxation of eligibility criterion, minimal
documentation, provision for considering proposals suggested by industry/individual
etc., have been introduced. Till date, 36 proposals for development by industry have
been given ‘in-principle’ approval under Make-II.
IV. Defence Offsets: Offset guidelines have been made flexible by allowing change of
Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) and offset components, even in signed
contracts. Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are now not required
to indicate the details of IOPs and products at the time of signing of contracts.
‘Services’ as an avenue of offset have been re-instated
V. Strategic Partnership (SP): Government has notified the ‘Strategic Partnership (SP)’
Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian
Defence Technology Notes by D. Malleswari Reddy

entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up
with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to
set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.
VI. Buy and Make (Indian): The Buy & Make (Indian) category has a provision for
procurement from an Indian vendor engaged in a tie-up with a foreign OEM, involving
Transfer of Technology (ToT) of critical technologies.
VII. Buy and Make: The “Buy & Make” category has provision for procurement from a
foreign vendor, through an Indian Production Agency (PA), involving Transfer of
Technology (ToT) of critical technologies.

8. Multiplier for Technology Acquisition by DRDO: A multiplier up to 3 is permitted in the

discharge of offset obligations relating to technology acquisition by DRDO.