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DRDO develops rocket launcher to secure coastline

The system, which can launch 12 rockets at a time covering a range of 4 km, will be placed along the nation’s 7,516-km coastline for close combat with small fast-moving boats.

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To bolster coastal security, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 140-mm rocket launcher. The launcher has already gone into production after testing and evaluation by Orissa-based DRDO lab PXE (Proof and Experimental Establishment) a few weeks ago.

The system, which can launch 12 rockets at a time covering a range of 4 km, will be placed along the nation’s 7,516-km coastline for close combat with small fast-moving boats. PXE director Major General P Mathur said the navy had shown interest in the launcher.

The system will be under navy command, but could be operated by any marine agency, such as marine police and Coast Guard, for shore-based protection. It could be deployed on a shore or a ship.

Mathur said the launchers would form one of the tiers of coastal security. The cost-effective system is remote-operated and was developed indigenously after discussions between Ordnance Factory Board, DRDO and the navy.

“Rockets [launched using the launchers] can accurately target small boats and sink them,” S Sundaresh, chief controller of research and development (armament and combat engineering) of DRDO, said.

Meanwhile, defence minister AK Antony told parliament that the government was according top priority to strengthening coastal and maritime security through increased surveillance by both the navy and Coast Guard.

“The inputs received by intelligence agencies are being shared on a daily basis. This intelligence mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of joint operation centres,” the minister said.

Junior home affairs minister M Ramachandran said phase-II of the plan had been approved for implementation for a period of five years from next April, after consultations with nine coastal states, four Union territories and maritime agencies. He said all coastal police stations had been granted Rs15 lakh.

The scheme was discussed at the fourth meeting of National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security on November 23.

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