DRDO is trying to emerge as a more confident research body by integrating lessons learnt from decades of struggle to develop cutting edge military technologies.
Organisation plans to test nuclear missiles Agni-3, K-15 in near future
NEW DELHI: After years of flak and rejection, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is trying to emerge as a more confident research body by integrating lessons learnt from decades of struggle to develop cutting edge military technologies.
DRDO scientists say even in failed projects there were several lessons that would come in handy as they look at next-generation projects such as unmanned ground vehicles and a future battle tank, besides second generation missiles. After more than two decades of mostly successful missile development, the Integrated Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was formally closed recently, over 10 years behind scheduled completion in 1995, while several big projects such as the Arjun tank and light combat aircraft have not yet shaped up to expected standards.
Drawing on the several lessons from these past failures and limited successes, DRDO is embarking on numerous new projects. In an effort not to reinvent the wheel, it is also taking on board foreign partners and private support.
Based on all these, DRDO is now promising to deliver the next generation main battle tank in just five years of Army placing its demand. On the missile front, after the formal closure of the IGMDP, it is working on five key future missiles. At least one of them, Brahmos, a joint venture with Russia for a super sonic cruise missile, is already a roaring success. It is working on another joint venture, a long-range surface-to-air missile for the Navy, with Israel. The other three are primarily indigenous missiles.
Of the three indigenous new generation missile programmes, two are nuclear-capable: Agni-3, and the lesser known K-15, the submarine-launched ballistic missile which would be mounted on an indigenous nuclear submarine currently under development. DRDO is hoping to carry out test flights of both K-15 and Agni-3 in the coming days.
Dr Prahlada, chief controller (R&D) of DRDO, says a full system test of K-15 can be expected very soon. The 700-km range K-15 would be tested from a submerged pontoon, but would ultimately be mounted on Advanced Technology Vessel, the indigenous nuclear submarine which will begin sea trials in 2009.
With the success of K-15, the nuclear triad would be complete, he said.
Similarly, a flight test of Agni-3 is also expected soon, Dr Prahlada said.
The senior scientist said DRDO was already working on several next generation projects such as unmanned ground vehicles and a future battle tank. DRDO is also working on several stealth technologies that can be integrated into ships, UAVs, aircraft and other platforms to avoid enemy detection, said Dr Prahlada.
j_josy@dnaindia.net
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