PSLV-C16 successfully launches Three Satellites - RESOURCESAT-2, YOUTHSAT, X-SAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2011).

PSLV-C15 successfully launches Five Satellites - CARTOSAT-2B, ALSAT-2A, two nanosatellites-NLS-6.1 & 6.2 and a pico-satellite- STUDSAT from Sriharikota (July 12, 2010).

PSLV-C14 successfully launches Seven Satellites - OCEANSAT-2, FourCUBESAT Satellites and Two RUBIN-9 from Sriharikota (Sept. 23, 2009).

PSLV-C12 successfully launches RISAT-2 and ANUSAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2009).

PSLV-C11 successfully launches CHANDRAYAAN-1 from Sriharikota (October 22, 2008).

PSLV-C9 successfully launches CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and 8 foreign nano satellites from Sriharikota (April 28,2008).

PSLV-C10 successfully launches TECSAR satellite under a commercial contract with Antrix Corporation (January 21, 2008).

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,   PSLV-C8,  successfully launched Italian astronomical satellite, AGILE from Sriharikota (April 23, 2007).

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C7 successfully launches four satellites - India’s CARTOSAT-2 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) and Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1(January 10, 2007).

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C6, successfully launchedCARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT satellites from Sriharikota(May 5, 2005).

he first operational flight of GSLV (GSLV-F01) successfully launchedEDUSAT from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota (September 20, 2004)

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C5, successfully launchedRESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) satellite from Sriharikota(October 17, 2003).

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C4, successfully launchedKALPANA-1 satellite from Sriharikota(September 12, 2002).SRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,   PSLV-C3, successfully launched three satellites -- Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) of ISRO, BIRDof Germany and PROBA of Belgium - into their intended orbits (October 22, 2001).

ndian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT), launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C2) along with Korean KITSAT-3 and German DLR-TUBSAT from Sriharikota (May 26, 199

First operational launch of PSLV with IRS-1D on board (September 29, 1997). Satellite placed in orbit.

hird developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-P3, on board (March 21, 1996). Satellite placed in polar sunsynchronous orbit.

Second developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-P2, on board (October 15, 1994). Satellite successfully placed in Polar Sunsynchronous Orbit.

Fourth developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-C2, on board (May 4, 1994). Satellite placed in orbit.

Third developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-Con board (May 20, 1992). Satellite placed in orbit.

Second developmental launch of SLV-3. RS-D2 placed in orbit (April 17, 1983).

Second Experimental launch of SLV-3, Rohini satellite successfully placed in orbit. (July 18, 1980)

PSLV Milestones

PSLV-C15 launched CARTOSAT-2B, ALSAT-2A, NLS 6.1 & 6.2 and STUDSAT on July 12, 2010 (Successful)

PSLV-C14 launched Oceansat - 2 and Six Nanosatellites on September 23, 2009 (Successful)

PSLV-C12 launched RISAT-2 and ANUSAT on April 20, 2009 (Successfully)

PSLV-C11 launched CHANDRAYAAN-I, on October 22, 2008 (Successful)

PSLV-C9 launched CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and Eight nano-satellites on April 28, 2008 (Successful)

PSLV-C10 launched TECSAR on January 23, 2008 (Successful)

PSLV-C8 launched AGILE on April 23, 2007 (Successful)

PSLV-C7 launched CARTOSAT-2, SRE-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT and PEHUENSAT-1 on January 10, 2007 (Successful)

PSLV-C6 launched CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT on May 5, 2005 (Successful)

PSLV-C5 launched RESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) on October 17, 2003 (Successful)

PSLV-C4 launched KALPANA-1(METSAT) on September 12, 2002 (Successful)

PSLV-C3 launched TES on October 22, 2001 (Successful)

PSLV-C2 launched OCEANSAT(IRS-P4), KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT on May 26, 1999 (Successful)

PSLV-C1 launched IRS-1D on September 29, 1997 (Successful)

PSLV-D3 launched IRS-P3 on March 21, 1996 (Successful)

PSLV-D2 launched IRS-P2 on October 15, 1994 (Successful)

PSLV-D1 launched IRS-1E on September 20, 1993 (Unsuccessful)

GSLV Milestones

GSLV-F06 launched GSAT-5P on December 25, 2010 (Unsuccessful)

GSLV-D3 launched GSAT-4 on April 15, 2010 (Unsuccessful)

GSLV-F04 launched INSAT-4CR on September 2, 2007 (Successful)

GSLV-F02 launched INSAT-4C on July 10, 2006 (Unsuccessful)

GSLV-F01 launched EDUSAT(GSAT-3) on September 20, 2004 (Successful)

GSLV-D2 launched GSAT-2 on May 8, 2003 (Successful)

GSLV-D1 launched GSAT-1 on April 18, 2001 (Successful)

Formative years

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian Space Program.

Modern space research in India is most visibly traced to the activities of scientist S. K. Mitra who conducted a series of experiments leading to the sounding of the ionosphere by application of ground based radio methods in 1920's Calcutta.[2] Later, Indian scientists like C.V. Raman and Meghnad Saha contributed to scientific principles applicable in space sciences.[2] However, it was the period after 1945 which saw important developments being made in coordinated space research in India.[2] Organized space research in India was spearheaded by two scientists: Vikram Sarabhai—founder of the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad—and Homi Bhabha, who had played a role in the establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in 1945.[2] Initial experiments in space sciences included the study of cosmic radiation, high altitude and airborne testing of instruments, deep underground experimentation at the Kolar mines—one of the deepest mining sites in the world — and studies of the upper atmosphere.[3] Studies were carried out at research laboratories, universities, and independent locations.[3][4]

Government support became visible by 1950 when the Department of Atomic Energy was founded with Homi Bhabha as secretary.[4] The Department of Atomic Energy provided funding for space research throughout India.[5] Tests on the Earth's magnetic field—studied in India since the establishment of the observatory at Colaba in 1823—and aspects of meteorology continued to yield valuable information and in 1954, Uttar Pradesh state observatory was established at the foothills of the Himalayas.[4] The Rangpur Observatory was set up in 1957 at Osmania University, Hyderabad.[4] Both these facilities enjoyed the technical support and scientific cooperation of the United States of America.[4] Space research was further encouraged by the technically inclinedprime minister of India—Jawaharlal Nehru.[5] In 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the Sputnik and opened up possibilities for the rest of the world to conduct a space launch.[5] The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was found in 1962 with Vikram Sarabhai as its chairman.[5]

Beginning in the 1960s, close ties with the Soviet Union enabled ISRO rapidly to develop the Indian space program and advance nuclear power in India even after the first nuclear test explosion by India on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran.[6] The death of Homi

Bhabha in an air crash on 24 January 1966 came as a blow to the Indian space program.[7] Following Bhabha's passing, Sarabhai was sent to assume Bhabha's place as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.[7] The 1960s also saw the founding of the Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC), Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES, 1967), the Sriharikota base, and the Indian Satellite System Project (ISSP).[7] The Indian Space Research Organization in its modern form was created by Vikram Sarabhai in 1969.[7] This body was to take control of all space activities in the Republic of India.[7]

[edit]Goals and objectives

The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks.[8] The Indian space program was driven by the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of Indian Space Programme.[9] As stated by him:

“ There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.[8] ”

As also pointed out by Dr APJ Kalam:

“ Many individuals with myopic vision questioned the relevance of space activities in a newly independent nation, which was finding it difficult to feed its population. Their vision was clear if Indians were to play meaningful role in the community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to their real-life problems. They had no intention of using it as a mean to display our might.[10] ”

India's economic progress has made its space program more visible and active as the country aims for greater self-reliance in space technology.[11] Hennock etc. hold that India also connects space exploration to national prestige, further stating: "This year India has launched 11 satellites, including nine from other countries—and it became the first nation to launch satellites on one rocket."[11]Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also,

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.

[edit]Launch vehicle fleet

Comparison of Indian carrier rockets. Left to right: SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, GSLV III.

Geopolitical and economic considerations during the 1960s and 1970s compelled India to initiate its own launch vehicle program. During the first phase (1960s-1970s) the country successfully developed a sounding rockets program, and by the 1980s, research had yielded the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 and the more advanced Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), complete with operational supporting infrastructure.[12] ISRO further applied its energies to the advancement of launch vehicle technology resulting in the creation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) technologies.

[edit]Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)

Main article: Satellite Launch Vehicle

Status: Decommissioned

The Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation SLV or SLV-3 was a 4-stage solid-fuel light launcher. It was intended to reach a height of 500 km and carry a payload of 40 kg.[13] Its first launch took place in 1979 with 2 more in each subsequent year, and the final launch in 1983. Only two of its four test flights were successful.[14]

[edit]Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)

Main article: ASLV

Status: Decommissioned

The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation ASLV was a 5-stage solid propellant rocket with the capability of placing a 150 kg satellite into LEO. This project was started by the ISRO during the early 1980s to develop technologies needed for a payload to be placed into a geostationary orbit. Its design was based on Satellite Launch Vehicle.[15] The first launch test was held in 1987, and after that 3 others followed in 1988, 1992 and 1994, out of which only 2 were successful, before it was decommissioned.[14]

[edit]Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

Main article: PSLV

Status: Active

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation PSLV, is an expendable launch system developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the PSLV, commercially viable only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The reliability and versatility of the PSLV is proven by the fact that it has launched 30 spacecraft (14 Indian and 16 from other countries) into a variety of orbits so far.[16] In April 2008, it successfully launched 10 satellites at once, breaking a world record held by Russia.[17]

[edit]Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

Main article: GSLV

Status: Active

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation GSLV, is an expendable launch system developed to enable India to launch its INSAT-type satellites into geostationary orbit and to make India less dependent on foreign rockets. At present, it is ISRO's heaviest satellite launch vehicle

and is capable of putting a total payload of up to 5 tons to Low Earth Orbit. The vehicle is built by India with the cryogenic engine purchased from Russia while the ISRO develops its own engine program.

In a setback for ISRO, the latest attempt to launch the GSLV, GSLV-F06 carrying GSAT-5P, failed on 25 December 2010. The initial evaluation implies that loss of control for the strap-on boosters caused the rocket to veer from its intended flight path, forcing a programmed detonation. Sixty-four seconds into the first stage of flight, the rocket began to break up due to the acute angle of attack. The body housing the 3rd stage, the cryogenic stage, incurred structural damage, forcing the range safety team to initiate a programmed detonation of the rocket.[18]

[edit]Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV III)

Main article: GSLV III

Status: Development

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III is a launch vehicle currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organization. It is intended to launch heavy satellites intogeostationary orbit, and will allow India to become less dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting. The rocket is the technological successor to the GSLV, however is not derived from its predecessor. The maiden flight is scheduled to take place in 2012.[19]

[edit]Earth observation and communication satellites

INSAT-1B.

India's first satellite, the Aryabhata, was launched by the Soviets in 1975. This was followed by the Rohini series of experimental satellites which were built and launched indigenously. At present, ISRO operates a large number of earth observation satellites.

[edit]The INSAT series

Main article: Indian National Satellite System

INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology and search-and-rescue needs of India. Commissioned in 1983, INSAT is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is a joint venture of the Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, India Meteorological Department, All India Radio andDoordarshan. The overall coordination and management of INSAT system rests with the Secretary-level INSAT Coordination Committee.

[edit]The IRS series

Main article: Indian Remote Sensing satellite

Indian Remote Sensing satellites (IRS) are a series of earth observation satellites, built, launched and maintained by ISRO. The IRS series provides remote sensing services to the country. The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite system is the largest constellation of remote sensing satellites for civilian use in operation today in the world. All the satellites are placed in polar sun-synchronous orbit and provide data in a variety of spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions to enable several programs to be undertaken relevant to national development. Another Indian Remote Sensing series satellites called the Oceansat are developed primarily to study the ocean. IRS-P4 also known as the Oceansat-1, was launched on 27 May 1999. On 23 September 2009 Oceansat-2 was launched.

[edit]Other satellites

ISRO has also launched a set of experimental geostationary satellites known as the GSAT series. Kalpana-1, ISRO's first dedicated meteorological satellite,[20] was launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 12 September 2002.[21] The satellite was originally known as MetSat-1.[22] In February 2003 it was renamed to Kalpana-1 by the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in memory of Kalpana Chawla – a NASA astronaut of Indian origin who perished in Space Shuttle Columbia.

[edit]Extraterrestrial exploration

India's first mission beyond Earth's orbit was Chandrayaan-1, a lunar spacecraft which successfully entered the lunar orbit on 8 November 2008. ISRO plans to follow up Chandrayaan-1 withChandrayaan-2 and unmanned missions to Mars and Near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets.

[edit]Lunar exploration

Main article: Chandrayaan-1

Chandrayaan-1 (Sanskrit: चं�द्रया�न-१) is India's first mission to the moon. The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor called the Moon Impact Probe. India launched the spacecraft using a modified version of the PSLV is C11 on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The vehicle was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008. It carries high-resolution remote sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, and soft and hard X-ray frequencies. Over its two-year operational period, it is intended to survey the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions are of special interest, as they might contain ice. The lunar mission carries five ISRO payloads and six payloads from other international space agencies including NASA, ESA, and the Bulgarian Aerospace Agency, which were carried free of cost. The Chandrayaan-1 along with NASA's LRO played a major role in discovering the existence of water on the moon.[23]

[edit]Planetary exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation had begun preparations for a mission to Mars and had received seed money of   10 crore from the government.The space agency was looking at launch opportunities between 2013 and 2015.[24] The space agency would use its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to put the satellite in orbit and was considering using ion-thrusters, liquid engines or nuclear power to propel it further towards Mars.[25] The Mars mission studies had already been completed and that space scientists were trying to

collect scientific proposals and scientific objectives.[26]

[edit]Human spaceflight program

Indian Navy Frogmen recovering the SRE-1

Main article: Indian human spaceflight program

The Indian Space Research Organization has been sanctioned a budget of  12,400 crore (US$2.75 billion) for its human spaceflight program.[27] According to the Space Commission which passed the budget, an unmanned flight will be launched in 2013[28] and manned mission will launch in 2016.[29] If realized in the stated time-frame, India will become only the fourth nation, after the USSR, USA and China, to successfully carry out manned missions indigenously.

[edit]Technology demonstration

The Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SCRE or more commonly SRE or SRE-1)[30] is an experimental Indian spacecraft which was launched using thePSLV C7 rocket, along with three other satellites. It remained in orbit for 12

days before re-entering the Earth's atmosphere and splashing down into the Bay of Bengal.[31]

The SRE-1 was designed to demonstrate the capability to recover an orbiting space capsule, and the technology for performing experiments in the microgravity conditions of an orbiting platform. It was also intended to test thermal protection, navigation, guidance, control, deceleration and flotation systems, as well as study hypersonic aero-thermodynamics, management of communication blackouts, and recovery operations.

ISRO also plans to launch SRE-2 and SRE-3 in the near future to test advanced re-entry technology for future manned missions.[32]

[edit]Astronaut training and other facilities

ISRO will set up an astronaut training centre in Bangalore by 2012 to prepare personnel for flights on board the crewed vehicle. The centre will use water simulation to train the selected astronauts in rescue and recovery operations and survival in zero gravity, and will undertake studies of the radiation environment of space.

ISRO will build centrifuges to prepare astronauts for the acceleration phase of the mission. It also plans to build a new Launch pad to meet the target of launching a manned space mission by 2015. This would be the third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

[edit]Development of crew vehicle

Main article: ISRO Orbital Vehicle

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards a maiden manned Indian space mission vehicle that can carry three astronauts for seven days in a near earth orbit. The Indian manned spacecraft temporarily named as Orbital

Vehicle intend to be the basis of indigenous Indian human spaceflight program.

The capsule will be designed to carry three people, and a planned upgraded version will be equipped with a rendezvous and docking capability. In its maiden manned mission, ISRO's largely autonomous 3-ton capsule will orbit the Earth at 248 miles (400 km) in altitude for up to seven days with a two-person crew on board. The crew vehicle would launch atop of ISRO's GSLV Mk II, currently under development. The GSLV Mk II features an indigenously developed cryogenic upper-stage engine.[33] The first test of the cryogenic engine, held on 15 April 2010, failed as the cryogenic phase did not perform as expected and rocket deviated from the planned trajectory.[34] A future launch has been scheduled for 2011. If successful then ISRO will become the sixth entity, after United States, Russia, China, Japan and Europe, to develop this technology.

[edit]Planetary sciences and astronomy

Indian space era dawned when the first two-stage sounding rocket was launched from Thumba in 1963. Even before this, noteworthy contributions were made by the Indian scientists in the following areas of space science research:

Cosmic rays and high energy astronomy using both ground based as well as balloon borne experiments/studies such as neutron/meson monitors, Geiger Muller particle detectors/counters etc.

Ionospheric research using ground based radio propagation techniques such as ionosonde, VLF/HF/VHF radio probing, a chain of magnetometer stations etc.

Upper atmospheric research using ground based optical techniques such as Dobson spectrometers for measurement of total ozone content, air glow photometers etc.

Indian astronomers have been carrying out major investigations using a number of ground based optical and radio telescopes with varying sophistication.

With the advent of the Indian space program, emphasis was laid on indigenous, self-reliant and state-of-the-art development of technology for immediate practical applications in the fields of space science research activities in the country.

There is a national balloon launching facility at Hyderabad jointly supported by TIFR and ISRO. This facility has been extensively used for carrying out research in high energy (i.e., X- and gamma ray) astronomy, IR astronomy, middle atmospheric trace constituents including CFCs & aerosols, ionisation, electric conductivity and electric fields.

The flux of secondary particles and X-ray and gamma-rays of atmospheric origin produced by the interaction of the cosmic rays is very low. This low background, in the presence of which one has to detect the feeble signal from cosmic sources is a major advantage in conducting hard X-ray observations from India. The second advantage is that many bright sources like Cyg X-1, Crab Nebula,Scorpius X-1 and Galactic Centre sources are observable from Hyderabad due to their favourable declination. With these considerations, an X-ray astronomy group was formed at TIFR in 1967 and development of an instrument with an orientable X-ray telescope for hard X-ray observations was undertaken. The first balloon flight with the new instrument was made on 28 April 1968 in which observations of Scorpius X-1 were

successfully carried out. In a succession of balloon flights made with this instrument between 1968 and 1974 a number of binary X-ray sources including Scorpius X-1,Cyg X-1, Her X-1 etc. and the diffuse cosmic X-ray background were studied. Many new and astrophysically important results were obtained from these observations.[35]

One of most important achievements of ISRO in this field was the discovery of three species of bacteria in the upper stratosphere at an altitude of between 20–40 km. The bacteria, highly resistant toultra-violet radiation, are not found elsewhere on Earth, leading to speculation on whether they are extraterrestrial in origin. These three bacteria can be considered to be extremophiles. Until then, the upper stratosphere was believed to be inhospitable because of the high doses of ultra-violet radiation. The bacteria were named as Bacillus isronensis in recognition of ISRO's contribution in the balloon experiments, which led to its discovery, Bacillus aryabhata after India's celebrated ancient astronomer Aryabhata and Janibacter Hoylei after the distinguished astrophysicist Fred Hoyle.[36]

[edit]Facilities

ISRO's headquarters is located at Antariksh Bhavan in Bangalore.

[edit]Research facilities

Facility Location Description

Physical Research Laboratory

Ahmedabad

Solar planetary physics, infrared astronomy, geo-cosmo physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, archaeology,

and hydrology are some of the branches of study

at this institute.[37] An observatory

at Udaipur also falls under the control of this

institution.[37]

Semi-Conductor Laboratory

Chandigarh

Research & Development in the field of semiconductor technology, micro-electromechanical systems and process technologies relating to semiconductor processing.

National Atmospheric Research Laboratory

ChittoorThe NARL carries out fundamental and applied research in Atmospheric and Space Sciences.

Raman Research Institute (RRI)

BangaloreRRI carries out research in selected areas of physics, such as astrophysics and astronomy.

Space Applications Centre

Ahmedabad

The SAC deals with the various aspects of practical use of space technology.[37] Among the fields of

research at the SAC aregeodesy, satellite based telecommunications, surveying, remote sensing, meteorology, environment monitoring

etc.[37] The SEC additionally operates the Delhi

Earth Station.[38]

North Eastern-Space Applications Center

Shillong

Providing developmental support to North East by undertaking specific application projects using remote sensing, GIS, satellite communication and conducting space science research.

[edit]Test facilities

Facility Location Description

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre

Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, andNagercoil

The LPSC handles testing and implementation of liquid propulsion control packages and helps develop engines for launch vehicles and satellites.[37] The testing is largely

conducted at Mahendragiri.[37] The LPSC

also constructs precision transducers.[39]

[edit]Construction and launch facilities

Facility Location Description

ISRO Satellite Centre

Bangalore

The venue of eight successful spacecraft projects is also one of the main satellite technology bases of ISRO. The facility serves as a venue for implementing indigenous spacecrafts in India.[37] The satellites Ayrabhata, Bhaskara, APPLE, and IRS-1A were constructed at this site, and the IRS and INSAT satellite series are presently under development here.[39]

Satish Dhawan Space Centre

Andhra Pradesh

With multiple sub-sites the Sriharikota island facility acts as a launching site for India's satellites.[37] The Sriharikota facility is also the main launch base for India's sounding rockets.[39] The centre is also home to India's largest Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant (SPROB) and houses the Static Test and Evaluation Complex (STEX).[39]

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

Thiruvananthapuram

The largest ISRO base is also the main technical centre and the venue of development of the SLV-3, ASLV,

and PSLV series.[37]The base supports

India's Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station and the Rohini Sounding Rocket program.[37] This facility

is also developing the GSLV series.[37]

Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station

Thumba TERLS is used to launch sounding rockets.

[edit]Tracking and control facilities

Facility Location Description

Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN)

Bangalore

This network receives, processes, archives and distributes the spacecraft health data and payload data in real time. It can track and monitor satellites up to very large distances, even beyond the Moon.

National Remote Sensing Centre

Hyderabad

The NRSC applies remote sensing to manage natural resources and study aerial surveying.[37] With centres

at Balanagar andShadnagar it also has

training facilities at Dehradun in form of

the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.[37]

Indian Space Research Organisation Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network

Bangalore (headquarters) and a number of ground stations throughout India and World.[38]

Software development, ground operations, Tracking Telemetry and Command (TTC), and support is provided by this institution.[37]ISTRAC has Tracking stations throughout the country and all over the world in Port Louis (Mauritius),

Bearslake (Russia), Biak(Indonesia)

and Brunei.

Master Control Facility

Hassan; Bhopal

Geostationary satellite orbit raising, payload testing, and in-orbit operations are performed at this facility.[40] The MCF has earth stations and Satellite Control Centre (SCC) for controlling satellites.[40] A second MCF-like facility named 'MCF-B' is being constructed at Bhopal.[40]

[edit]Human resource development

Facility Location Description

Indian Institute Dehradun Indian Institute of Remote Sensing

of Remote Sensing(IIRS)

(IIRS) under National Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space, Govt. of India is a premier training and educational institute set up for developing trained professional in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources, Environmental and Disaster Management.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

Thiruvananthapuram

The institute offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Aerospace engineering, Avionics and Physical Sciences.

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)

BangaloreIIA is a premier institute devoted to research in astronomy, astrophysics and related physics.

Development and Educational Communication Unit

Ahmedabad

The centre works for education, research, and training, mainly in conjunction with the INSAT program.[37] The main activities carried out at DECU include GRAMSAT and EDUSAT projects.[39] The Training and Development Communication Channel (TDCC) also falls under the operational control of the DECU.[38]

[edit]Commercial wing

Facility Location Description

Antrix Corporation

BangaloreThe marketing agency under government control markets ISRO's hardware, manpower, and software.[40]

Other facilities include:

Balasore Rocket Launching Station (BRLS) – Orissa

INSAT Master Control Facility (IMCF)  – Bhopal ISRO Inertial Systems Unit

(IISU) – Thiruvananthapuram Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System

(IRNSS) Aerospace Command of India (ACI) Indian National Committee for Space Research

(INCOSPAR) Inter University Centre for Astronomy and

Astrophysics (IUCAA) Indian Department of Space (IDS) Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres

(RRSSC) Development and Educational Communication

Unit (DECU)

[edit]Vision for the future

A model of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle III.

A model of the RLV-TD

ISRO plans to launch a number of new-generation Earth Observation Satellites in the near future. It will also undertake the development of new launch vehicles and spacecraft. ISRO has stated that it will send unmanned missions to Mars and Near-Earth Objects.

Forthcoming Satellites

Satellite Name Details

RESOURCESAT-2

Resourcesat-2 is a follow on mission to Resourcesat-1 to provide data continuity and planned to be launched by PSLV-C16 during January 2011. Compared to Resourcesat-1, LISS-4 multispectral swath has been enhanced from 23 km to 70 km based on user needs. Suitable changes including miniaturisation in payload electronics have been incorporated in Resourcesat-2.

RISAT - 1 Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) is a microwave remote sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

The satellite weighing around 1850 kg is in the final stages of

development for a launch in 2011 into a 536 km orbit with 25

days repetitivity with an added advantage of 12 days inner cycle

for Coarse Resolution ScanSAR mode.

Megha-Tropiques

ISRO and French National Space Centre (CNES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004-05 for the development and implementation of Megha-Tropiques (Megha meaning cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning tropics in French). The launch of Megha-Tropiques is planned during mid 2011.Megha-Tropiques is aimed at understanding the life cycle of convective systems and to their role in the associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite will carry an Imaging Radiometer Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS), a six channel Humidity Sounder (SAPHIR), a four channel Scanner for Radiation Budget Measurement (SCARAB) and GPS Radio Occultation System (GPS-ROS).

INSAT - 3D

INSAT-3D is a meteorological satellite, planned to be launched on-board GSLV in 2011. The satellite has many new technology elements like star sensor, micro stepping Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA) to reduce the spacecraft disturbances and Bus Management Unit (BMU) for control and telecomm and/telemetry function. It also incorporates new features of bi-annual rotation and Image and Mirror motion compensations for improved performance of the meteorological payloads.

SARAL

The Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint ISRO-CNES mission and planned to be launched during 2011. The Ka band altimeter, ALTIKA, provided by CNES payload consists of a Ka-band radar altimeter, operating at 35.75 GHz. A dual frequency total power type microwave radiometer (23.8 and 37 GHz) is embedded in the altimeter to correct tropospheric effects on the altimeter measurement. Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) on board enables precise determination of the orbit. A Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) helps to calibrate the precise orbit determination system and the altimeter system several times throughout the mission.

ASTROSAT

ASTROSAT is a first dedicated Indian Astronomy satellite mission, which will enable multi-wavelength observations of the celestial bodies and cosmic sources in X-ray and UV spectral bands simultaneously. The scientific payloads cover the Visible (3500-6000 Ã), UV (1300-3000 Ã), soft and hard X-ray regimes � �(0.5-8 keV; 3-80 keV). The uniqueness of ASTROSAT lies in its wide spectral coverage extending over visible, UV, soft and hard X-ray regions.

GSAT-5P Configured as an exclusive C-band communication satellite, GSAT-5P/INSAT-4D will carry 24 normal C-band transponders

and 12 extended C-band transponders with wider coverage in uplink and downlink over Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe as well as zonal coverage with a minimum of 35 dBW EIRP. The spacecraft has a mission life of 12 years and planned to be launched on board GSLV-F06.

GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E

The primary goal of GSAT-6/INSAT-4E, which is a Multimedia broadcast satellite, is to cater to the consumer requirements of providing entertainment and information services to vehicles through Digital Multimedia consoles and to the Multimedia mobile Phones. The satellite carries a 5 spot beam BSS and 5 spot beam MSS. It will be positioned at 83º East longitude with a mission life of 12 years. The launch is planned on-board GSLV during 2011.

GSAT-7 / INSAT-4F

GSAT-7/INSAT-4F is a multi-band satellite carrying payloads in UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band. It is planned to be launched during 2011 on board GSLV and positioned at 74º East. The satellite weighs 2330 kg with a payload power of 2000W and mission life of 9 years.

GSAT-8 / INSAT-4G

GSAT-8/INSAT-4G is a Ku-band satellite carrying 18 Ku band transponders. It will also carry a GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload and planned to be launched during 2011 with a mission life of 12 years and positioned at 55º E longitude. This I-3K satellite with a lift-off mass of 3150 kg and a payload power of 5300W will be launched on board ARIANE-5.

GSAT-12

GSAT-12 is being realised as replacement INSAT-3B. The satellite will carry 12 Extended C-band transponders and will be positioned at 83º East longitude with a mission life of 7 years. The bus system is based on I-1K platform with ASIC based BMU and 64 Ah Li-ion batteries. The satellite weighs 1375 kg with a payload power of 550W and launch is planned on board PSLV during 2011.

GSAT-9

GSAT-9 will carry 6 C band and 24 Ku band transponders with India coverage beam. The satellite is planned to be launched during 2011-12 with a mission life of 12 years and positioned at 48º East longitude. This I-2K satellite has a liftoff mass of 2330 kg and payload power of 2300 W.

GSAT-10 GSAT-I0 will carry 12 Normal C-band, 12 Extended C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders. It will also carry GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload. The satellite is planned to be launched during 2011 with a mission life of 15 years and positioned at 83º East longitude. This I-3K satellite with liftoff mass of 3435 kg and payload power of 4500 W will

be launched on board ARIANE-5.

GSLV-F06

Realisation of subsystem for the next flight of the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) carrying GSAT-5P is in advanced stage. Due to technical snag in the first stage of GSLV-F06, launch failed.

[edit]Future launches

PSLV-C16

Preparation for the next flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C16) carrying RESOURCESAT-2 is in advanced stage.[citation

needed] The PSLV-C16 is expected be launched in First quarter of 2011.[who?]

[edit]Future Launch Vehicle

GSLV-Mk III

GSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch four tonne satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. GSLV-Mk III is a three-stage vehicle with a 110 tonne core liquid propellant stage (L-110) and a strap-on stage with two solid propellant motors, each with 200 tonne propellant (S-200). The upper stage will be cryogenic with a propellant loading of 25 tonne (C-25). GSLV Mk-III will have a lift-off weight of about 626 tonne and will be 43.43 m tall. The payload fairing will have a diameter of 5 metre and a payload volume of 100 cubic metre. GSLV Mk III is planned to be launched during 2011-12.

Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)

As a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable launch vehicle, a series of technology demonstration missions have been conceived. For this purpose a Winged Reusable Launch Vehicle technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured. The RLV-TD will act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies viz., hypersonic flight, autonomous

landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air breathing propulsion. First in the series of demonstration trials is the hypersonic flight experiment (HEX). Human Space Flight Mission Programme

Proposal for a management plan for Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP) was prepared and pre-project activities were approved. The program envisages development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle carrying two or three crew members to about 300 km low earth orbit and their safe return. It is planned to realise the programme in 2015-16 time frame.

[edit]Space Science Missions

Space Capsule Recovery Experiment II The main objective of SRE II is to realize a fully recoverable capsule and provide a platform to conduct microgravity experiments on Micro-biology, Agriculture, Powder Metallurgy, etc. SRE-2 is proposed to be launched on board PSLV-C19 in of 2010 - 11.

Chandrayaan-2 Chandrayaan-2 mission is planned to have an orbiter/lander/rover configuration. The mission is expected to be realised by 2012 - 13. The science goals of the mission is to further improve our understanding of origin and evolution of the Moon using instruments on board Orbiter and in-situ analysis of lunar samples and studies of lunar regolith properties (remote & direct analysis) using Robots/Rovers.

Aditya (spacecraft) The First Indian space based Solar Coronagraph to study solar Corona in visible and near IR bands. Launch of the Aditya mission is planned during the next high solar activity period ~ 2012. The main objectives is to study the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and consequently the crucial physical parameters for space weather such as the

coronal magnetic field structures, evolution of the coronal magnetic field etc. This will provide completely new information on the velocity fields and their variability in the inner corona having an important bearing on the unsolved problem of heating of the corona would be obtained.

[edit]Youthsat

Youthsat is a participatory scientific mission with payloads from both Russia and India. It would be carrying three scientific payloads one from Russia and two from India.[41]

It is a micro satellite carrying scientific payloads with participation from universities at graduate, postgraduate and research scholar level and would participate from testing of the payloads in laboratory to the utilisation of the data from payloads. Participation of young scientists will inculcate interest in space related activities and provide opportunities for realisation of future scientific payloads at the university level. YOUTHSAT is scheduled to be launched as auxiliary satellite along with Indian remote sensing satellite during 2010 with an orbital altitude of 630 km at an inclination of 97.9º.

[edit]Satellite Navigation

GAGAN

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an indigenous Satellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also known as Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) as part of the Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) plan for civil aviation. The Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym GAGAN - GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. A national plan for satellite navigation including implementation of Technology Demonstration System (TDS) over the Indian air

space as a proof of concept has been prepared jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. TDS was successfully completed during 2007 by installing eight Indian Reference Stations (INRESs) at eight Indian airports and linked to the Master Control Center (MCC) located near Bangalore.

The first GAGAN navigation payload has been fabricated and it was proposed to be flown on GSAT-4 during Apr 2010. However, GSAT-4 was not placed in orbit as GSLV-D3 could not complete the mission. Two more GAGAN payloads will be subsequently flown, one each on two geostationary satellites, GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.

[edit]Lunar exploration program

Following the success of Chandrayaan-1, the country's first moon mission, ISRO is planning a series of further lunar missions in the next decade, including a manned mission which is stated to take place in 2020 – approximately the same time as the China National Space Administration (CNSA) manned lunar mission and NASA's Project Constellation plans to return to the moon with its Orion-Altair project.[citation

needed]

Chandrayaan-2  (Sanskrit: चं�द्रया�न-२) is the second unmanned lunar exploration mission proposed by ISRO at a projected cost of   425 crore (US$ 90 million). The mission includes a lunar orbiter as well as a lander/rover. The wheeled rover will move on the lunar surface and pick up soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis. The data will be sent to Earth via the orbiter[citation needed]

[edit]Space exploration

ISRO plans to carry out an unmanned mission to Mars in this decade. According to ISRO, the Mars mission remains at a conceptual stage but is expected to be finalised shortly. The current version of India's geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle will be used to loft the new craft into space.[42]

ISRO is designing a solar probe named Aditya. This is a mini-satellite designed to study the coupling between the sun and the earth. It is planned to be launched in 2012.[citation needed]

[edit]IRNSS

Main article: IRNSS

The Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system being developed by Indian Space Research Organisation which would be under total control of Indian government. The requirement of such a navigation system is driven by the fact that access to Global Navigation Satellite Systems like GPS are not guaranteed in hostile situations. ISRO plans to launch the constellation of satellites between 2010 and 2012.

[edit]Applications

India uses its satellites communication network – one of the largest in the world – for applications such as land management, water resources management, natural disaster forecasting, radio networking, weather forecasting, meteorological imaging and computer communication.[43] Business, administrative services, and schemes such as the National Informatics Centre (NICNET) are direct beneficiaries of applied satellite technology.[43] Dinshaw Mistry—on the subject of practical applications of the Indian space program—writes:

The INSAT-2 satellites also provide telephone links to remote areas; data transmission for organizations such as the National Stock Exchange; mobile satellite service communications for private operators, railways, and road transport; and broadcast satellite services, used by India’s state-owned television agency as well as commercial television channels. India’s EDUSAT (Educational Satellite), launched aboard the GSLV in 2004, was intended for adult literacy and distance learning applications in rural areas. It augmented and would eventually replace such capabilities already provided by INSAT-3B.

The IRS satellites have found applications with the Indian Natural Resource Management program, with regional Remote Sensing Service Centers in five Indian cities, and with Remote Sensing Application Centers in twenty Indian states that use IRS images for economic development applications. These include environmental monitoring, analyzing soil erosion and the impact of soil conservation measures, forestry management, determining land cover for wildlife sanctuaries, delineating groundwater potential zones, flood inundation mapping, drought monitoring, estimating crop acreage and deriving agricultural production estimates, fisheries monitoring, mining and geological applications such as surveying metal and mineral deposits, and urban planning.

India’s satellites and satellite launch vehicles have had military spin-offs. While India’s 93–124 mile (150–250 km) range Prithvi missile is not derived from the Indian space program, the intermediate range Agni missile is drawn from the Indian space program’s SLV-3. In its early years, when headed by Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, ISRO opposed military applications for its dual-use projects such as the SLV-3. Eventually, however,

the Defence Research and Development (DRDO)–based missile program borrowed human resources and technology from ISRO. Missile scientist A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (elected president of India in 2002), who had headed the SLV-3 project at ISRO, moved to DRDO to direct India’s missile program. About a dozen scientists accompanied Abdul Kalam from ISRO to DRDO, where Abdul Kalam designed the Agni missile using the SLV-3’s solidfuel first stage and a liquid-fuel (Prithvi-missile-derived) second stage. The IRS and INSAT satellites were primarily intended and used for civilian-economic applications, but they also offered military spin-offs. In 1996 New Delhi’s Ministry of Defence temporarily blocked the use of IRS-1C by India’s environmental and agricultural ministries in order to monitor ballistic missiles near India’s borders. In 1997 the Indian air force’s “Airpower Doctrine” aspired to use space assets for surveillance and battle management.[44]

Institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Indian Institute of Technology use satellites for scholarly applications.[45] Between 1975 and 1976, India conducted its largest sociological program using space technology, reaching 2400 villages through video programming in local languages aimed at educational development via ATS-6 technology developed by NASA.[46] This experiment—named Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE)—conducted large scale video broadcasts resulting in significant improvement in rural education.[46]

ISRO has applied its technology to "telemedicine", directly connecting patients in rural areas to medical professionals in urban locations via satellites.[45] Since high-quality healthcare is not universally available in some of the remote areas of

India, the patients in remote areas are diagnosed and analyzed by doctors in urban centres in real time via video conferencing.[45] The patient is then advised medicine and treatment.[45] The patient is then treated by the staff at one of the 'super-specialty hospitals' under instructions from the doctor.[45] Mobile telemedicine vans are also deployed to visit locations in far-flung areas and provide diagnosis and support to patients.[45]

ISRO has also helped implement India's Biodiversity Information System, completed in October 2002.[47] Nirupa Sen details the program: "Based on intensive field sampling and mapping using satellite remote sensing and geospatial modelling tools, maps have been made of vegetation cover on a 1 : 250,000 scale. This has been put together in a web-enabled database which links gene-level information of plant species with spatial information in a BIOSPEC database of the ecological hot spot regions, namely northeastern India, Western Ghats, Western Himalayas and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This has been made possible with collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO."[47]

The Indian IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) was equipped with high-resolution panchromatic equipment to enable it for cartographic purposes.[9] IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) was followed by a more advanced model named IRS-P6 developed also for agricultural applications.[9] The CARTOSAT-2 project, equipped with single panchromatic camera which supported scene-specific on-spot images, succeed the CARTOSAT-1 project.[48]

[edit]Global cooperation

ISRO has had the benefit of International cooperation since inception.

Establishment of TERLS, conduct of SITE & STEP, launches of Aryabhata, Bhaskara, APPLE, IRS-IA and IRS-IB/ satellites, manned space mission, etc. involved international cooperation.

ISRO operates LUT/MCC under the international COSPAS/SARSAT Programme for Search and Rescue.

India has established a Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTE-AP) that is sponsored by the United Nations.

India hosted the Second UN-ESCAP Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific in November 1999.

India is a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Cospas-Sarsat, International Astronautical Federation, Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), International Space University, and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellite (CEOS).[49]

Chandrayaan-1  carried scientific payloads from NASA, ESA and the Bulgarian Space Agency.

The Russian Space Agency is cooperating with India in developing the rover for Chandrayaan-2 and also in the Indian manned mission.

The United States on 24 January 2011, removed several Indian government defense-related companies, including ISRO, from the so-called Entity List, in an effort to drive hi-tech trade and forge closer strategic ties with India.[50]

ISRO and the Department of Space have signed formal Memorandum of Understanding agreements

with a number of foreign political entities, including:-

Australia

Brazil

China

Canada

Egypt

European Union

France

Germany

Hungary

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Netherlands

Norway

Russia

Sweden

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United States

India carries out joint operations with foreign space agencies, such as the Indo-French Megha-Tropiques Mission.[49] On 25 June 2002 India and the European Union agreed to bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology.[51] A joint EU-India group of scholars was formed on 23 November 2001 to further promote joint research and development.[51] India holds observer status at CERNwhile a joint India-EU Software Education and Development Center is due at Bangalore.[51]

[edit]

History

105mm light field gun prototype being shown by Gen Jetley to then Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in 1958 by

amalagamating Defence Science Organisation and some of the technical development

establishments. A separate Department of Defence Research and Development was formed in 1980

which later on administered DRDO and its 50 laboratories/establishments. Most of the time the

Defence Research Development Organisation was treated as if it was a vendor and the Army

Headquarters or the Air Headquarters were the customers. Because the Army and the Air Force

themselves did not have any design or construction responsibility, they tended to treat the designer or

Indian industry at par with their corresponding designer in the world market. If they could get a MiG

21 from the world market, they wanted a MiG 21 from DRDO.[3] DRDO started its first major project

in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo in 1960s. Indigo was discontinued in later

years without achieving full success. Project Indigo led to Project Devil, along with Project Valiant, to

develop short-range SAM and ICBM in the 1970s. Project Devil itself led to the later development of

the Prithvi missile under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program(IGMDP) in the 1980s.

IGMDP was an Indian Ministry of Defence program between the early 1980s and 2007 for the

development of a comprehensive range of missiles, including the Agni missile, Prithvi ballistic

missile, Akash missile, Trishul missile and Nag Missile. In 2010,then defence minister A.K.

Antonyordered the restructing of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to

give 'a major boost to defence research in the country and to ensure effective participation of the

private sector in defence technology'.The key measures to make DRDO effective in its functioning

include the establishment of a Defence Technology Commission with the defence minister as its

chairman.[4][5] The programs which were largely managed by DRDO has seen considerable success

with many of the systems seeing rapid deployment as well as yielding significant technological

benefits.[6] DRDO has many success since its establishment in developing other major systems and

critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW Systems, tanks

and armoured vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems, missile systems.

[edit]Projects

[edit]Aeronautics

The DRDO is responsible for the ongoing Light Combat Aircraft. The LCA is intended to provide

the Indian Air Force with a modern, fly by wire, multi-role fighter, as well as develop the aviation

industry in India. The LCA program has allowed DRDO to progress substantially in field of

avionics , flight control systems, aircraft propulsion and composite structures, along with aircraft

design and development.[7]

The DRDO provided key avionics for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI program under the "Vetrivel" program.

Systems developed by DRDO include Radar warning receivers, radar and display Computers.

DRDO's radar computers, manufactured by HAL are also being fitted into Malaysian Su-30s.

The DRDO is part of the Indian Air Force's upgrade programs for its MiG-27 and Sepecat

Jaguar combat aircraft upgrades, along with the manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

DRDO and HAL have been responsible for the system design and integration of these upgrades,

which combine indigenously developed systems along with imported ones. DRDO contributed

subsystems like Tarang Radar warning receiver, Tempest Jammer, Core Avionics Computers,

Brake prachutes, Cockpit instrumentation and displays.

[edit]Avionics

The DRDO's avionics program has been a success story with its mission computers, radar warning

receivers, high accuracy direction finding pods, airborne jammers, flight instrumentation, in use across

a wide variety of Indian Air Force aircraft. The organization began developing these various items for

its upgrades, and for the LCA project. Variants were then developed for other aircraft. The lead

designer in several of these efforts has been DARE, or the Defence Avionics Research

Establishment, DRDO's designated mission avionics laboratory. Other laboratories have also chipped

in, from the radar specialist LRDE, to Electronic warfare focused DEAL to the ADE, which develops

UAVs and flight control systems.

LCA uses DRDO developed avionics

The DRDO is also co-developing more advanced avionics for the Light Combat Aircraft and the IAF's

combat fleet. These include a range of powerful Open Architecture computers, better Defensive

avionics including modern RWR's, Self protection jammers, Missile approach warning systems and

integrated defensive suites, Optronics systems (such as Infrared search and track systems) and

navigational systems such as Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial navigational systems. Other items under

development include digital Map generators, Helmet mounted displays and Smart multifunctional

displays.

[edit]Other Hindustan Aeronautics programs

Apart from the aforementioned upgrades, DRDO has also assisted Hindustan Aeronautics with its

programs. These include the HAL Dhruv helicopter and theHAL HJT-36. Over a hundred LRU (Line

Replaceable Unit)'s in the HJT-36 have come directly from the LCA program. Other duties have

included assisting the Indian Air Force with indigenization of spares and equipment. These include

both mandatory as well as other items.

[edit]Unmanned aerial vehicles

A scaled down model of the Rustom-1 MALE UAV

The DRDO has also developed two unmanned aerial vehicles- the Nishant (Midnight) tactical UAV

and the Lakshya (Target) Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA).[8] The Lakshya PTA has been ordered by all

three services for their gunnery target training requirements. Efforts are on to develop the PTA further,

with an improved all digital flight control system, and a better turbojet engine.[9] The Nishant is a

hydraulically launched short ranged UAV for the tactical battle area. It is currently being evaluated by

the Indian Navy and the Indian Paramilitary forces as well.

The DRDO is also going ahead with its plans to develop a new class of UAVs. These draw upon the

experience gained via the Nishant program, and will be substantially more capable. Referred to by the

HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance)

designations.The MALE UAV has been tentatively named the Rustom,[10] and will feature canards and

carry a range of payloads, including optronic, radar, laser designators and ESM. The UAV will have

conventional landing and take off capability. The HALE UAV will have features such as SATCOM

links, allowing it to be commanded beyond line of sight. Other tentative plans speak of converting the

LCA into a UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle), and weaponizing UAVs.

[edit]Indigenisation efforts

DRDO has been responsible for the indigenization of key defence stores and equipment.[11] DRDO

has assisted Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and the IAF with the indigenization of spares and assemblies

for several aircraft. DRDO laboratories have worked in coordination with academic institutes, the

CSIR and even ISRO over projects required for the Indian Air Force and its sister services. DRDO's

infrastructure is also utilized by other research organizations in India.

[edit]Armaments

DRDO often cooperates with the state owned Ordnance Factory Board for producing its items. These

have led to issues of marginal quality control for some items, and time consuming rectification. Whilst

these are common to the introduction of most new weapons systems, the OFB has had issues with

maintaining the requisite schedule and quality of manufacture owing to their own structural problems

and lack of modernisation. Criticism directed at the OFB is invariably used for the DRDO, since the

users often make little distinction between the developer and the manufacturer.[citation needed] OFB has got

more access to funding in recent days, and this is believed to have helped the organization meet

modern day requirements.

Even so, India's state owned military apparatus meets the bulk of its ammunition. The DRDO has

played a vital role in the development of this ability since the role of private organizations in the

development of small arms and similar items has been limited. A significant point in case is the INSAS

rifle which has been adopted by the Indian Army as its standard battle rifle and is in extensive service.

There have been issues with rifle quality in usage under extreme conditions in the cold, the OFB has

stated that it will rectify these troubles with higher grade material and strengthening the unit for

extreme conditions. Prior troubles were also dealt with in a similar manner.[12] In the meanwhile, the

rifle has found favour throughout the army formations and has been ordered in number by other

paramilitary units and police forces.[13][14]

In recent years, India's booming economy has allowed the OFB to modernise with more state funding

coming its way, to the tune of US$400 million to be invested during 2002-07.[15] The organization

hopes that this will allow it to modernise it's infrastructure; it has also begun introducing new items,

including a variant of the Ak-47 and reverse engineered versions of the Denel 14/20 mm anti-material

rifles.[16]

In the meanwhile, the DRDO has also forged partnerships with several private sector industrial

partners, which have allowed it to leverage their strengths. Successful examples of this include the

Pinaka MBRL, which has been assisted significantly by two private developers, Larsen and Toubro

Ltd. as well as TATA, apart from several other small scale industrial manufacturers.

The DRDO's various projects are as follows:

[edit]Small arms

Insas Assault Rifle

The INSAS weapon system has become the standard battle rifle for the Indian Army and

paramilitary units.[17] Bulk production of a LMG variant commenced in 1998.[18] It has since been

selected as the standard assault rifle of the Royal Army of Oman

In 2010, DRDO completed the development of Oleo-resin plastic hand grenades (partly derived

from the potent Bhut Jholokia chilli found in north-east India), as a less lethal way to control

rioters, better tear gas shells and short-range laser dazzlers.[19]

[edit]Artillery systems and ammunition

Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher : This system has seen significant success.This system saw

the DRDO cooperate extensively with the privately owned industrial sector in India.[20]

A new Long Range Tactical Rocket System, not yet publicly named. The DRDO has commenced

a project to field a long range Tactical strike system, moving on from the successful Pinaka

project. The aim is to develop a long range system able to strike at a range of 100–120 km, with

each rocket in the system, having a payload of up to 250 kg. The new MBRS's rocket will have a

maximum speed of 4.7 mach and will rise to an altitude of 40 km, before hitting its target at 1.8

mach. There is also a move to put a guidance system on the rockets whilst keeping cost

constraints in mind. The DRDO has acquired the IMI-Elisra developed trajectory control system

and its technology, for use with the Pinaka, and a further development of the system could

presumably be used with the new MBRL as well.[21]

DRDO's ARDE developed 81 mm and the,[22] 120 mm illuminating bombs [23] and 105 mm

illuminating shells [24] for the Indian Army's infantry and Artillery.

A 51 mm Light Weight Infantry Platoon Mortar for the Indian Army. A man portable weapon, the

51 mm mortar achieves double the range of 2-inch (51 mm) mortar without any increase in

weight. Its new HE bomb uses pre-fragmentation technology to achieve vastly improved lethality

vis a vis a conventional bomb. Besides HE, a family of ammunition consisting of smoke,

illuminating and practice bombs has also been developed.[25] The weapon system is under

production at Ordnance Factories.[26]

Proximity fuses for missiles and artillery shells. Proximity fuses are used with artillery shells for

"air bursts" against entrenched troops and in anti-aircraft and anti-missile roles as well.[25]

Training devices: These include a mortar training device for the 81 mm mortar used by the

infantry, a mortar training device for the 120 mm mortar used by the artillery, and a 0.50-inch

(13 mm) subcalibre training device for 105 mm Vijayanta tank gun.[25]

The Indian Field Gun, a 105 mm field gun was developed for the Indian Army and is in production.

[27] This was a significant challenge for the OFB, and various issues were faced with its

manufacture including reliability issues and metallurgical problems. These were rectified over

time.

Submerged Signal Ejector cartridges (SSE), limpet mines, short range anti-submarine rockets

(with HE and practice warheads), the Indian Sea Mine which can be deployed against ships and

submarines both. The DRDO also designed short and medium range ECM rockets which deploy

chaff to decoy away anti-ship homing missiles. In a similar vein, they also developed a 3 in

(76.2 mm) PFHE shell, prefragmented and with a proximity fuse,[28] for use against anti-ship

missiles and other targets, by the Navy. All these items are in production.[25][29]

For the Indian Air Force, DRDO has developed Retarder Tail Units and fuze systems for the

450 kg bomb used by strike aircraft, 68 mm "Arrow" rockets (HE, Practice and HEAT) for rocket

pods used in an air to ground and even air to air (if need be), a 450 kg high speed low drag

(HSLD) bomb and practice bombs (which mimic different projectiles with the addition of suitable

drag plates) and escape aid cartridges for Air Force aircraft. All these items are in production.[25][29]

[edit]Tank armament

DRDO's ARDE also developed other critical systems, such as the Arjun Main Battle Tank's 120 mm

rifled main gun and is presently engaged inxx the development of the armament for the Future IFV,

the "Abhay". The DRDO is also a member of the trials teams for the T-72 upgrade and its Fire control

systems. Earlier on, the DRDO also upgraded the Vijayanta medium tank with new fire control

computers.

[edit]Electronics and computer sciences & Laser Science & Technology Centre

[edit]Electronic warfare

[edit]EW systems for the Army

is India's largest electronic warfare system. It is a land based EW project, consisting of 145

vehicles. The Samyukta consists of ESM and ECM stations for both communication and non-com

(radar etc.) systems. The Indian Army has ordered that it's Signal Corps being a prime contributor

in the design and development stage, along with the DRDO's DLRL. The scale of this venture is

substantial- it comprises COMINT and ELINT stations which monitor different bands for both

voice/ data as well as radar transmissions, as well as jam them. In contrast to other systems,

many of which perform some of the functions of the Samyukta, the latter is an integrated system,

which can perform the most critical battlefield EW tasks in both COM and Non-COM roles. The

system will be the first of its type in terms of its magnitude and capability, in the Army. Its

individual modules can also be operated independently.[30] A follow on system known

as Sauhard is under development.[31]

The Safari IED suppression system for the army and paramilitary forces, plus the Sujav ESM

system meant for high accuracy direction finding and jamming of communication transceivers.[32]

[edit]EW systems for the Air Force

Radar warning receivers  for the Indian Air Force of the Tarang (wave) series. These have been

selected for most of the Indian Air Force's aircraft such as for the MiG-21 Upgrade (Bison

Upgrade), MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, MiG- 27 Upgrade, Jaguar Upgrade as well as self protection

upgrades for the transport fleet. The Tranquil RWR for MiG -23s (superseded by the Tarang

project) and the Tempestjamming system for the Air Force's MiG's. The latest variant of

the Tempest jamming system is capable of noise, barrage, as well as deception jamming as it

makes use of DRFM. The DRDO has also developed a High Accuracy Direction Finding system

(HADF) for the Indian Air Force's Su-30 MKIs which are fitted in the modular "Siva" pod capable

of supersonic carriage.[33] This HADF pod is meant to cue Kh-31 Anti radiation missiles used by

the Su-30 MKI for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences).

DRDO stated in 2009 that its latest Radar Warning Receiver for the Indian Air Force, the R118,

had gone into production. The R118 can also sensor fuse data from different sensors such as the

aircraft radar, missile/laser warning systems and present the unified data on the multi-function

display. The DRDO also noted that its new Radar Warner Jammer systems (RWJ) were at an

advanced stage of development, and would be submitted for trials.The RWJ is capable of

detecting all foreseen threats, and jamming multiple targets simultaneously. At the same time,

another high accuracy ESM system is being developed by the DRDO for the AEW&C project.

Other EW projects revealed by the DRDO include the MAWS project (a joint venture by the

DRDO and EADS) which leverages EADS hardware and DRDO software to develop MAWS

systems for transport, helicopter and fighter fleets. DRDO also has laser warning systems

available.

A DIRCM (Directed Infra Red Countermeasures) project to field a worldclass DIRCM system

intended to protect aircraft from infra Red guided weapons.

The DRDO is also developing an all new ESM project in cooperation with the Indian Air Force's

Signals Intelligence Directorate, under the name of "Divya Drishti" (Divine Sight). Divya Drishti will

field a range of static as well as mobile ESM stations that can "fingerprint" and track multiple

airborne targets for mission analysis purposes. The system will be able to intercept a range of

radio frequency emissions, whether radar, navigational, communication or electronic

countermeasure signals. The various components of the project will be networked

via SATCOM links.

Additional DRDO EW projects delivered to the Indian Air Force have include the COIN A and

COIN B SIGINT stations. DRDO and BEL developed ELINT equipment for the Indian Air Force,

installed on the service's Boeing 737s and Hawker Siddeley Avro aircraft. DRDO has also

developed a Radar Fingerprinting System for the IAF and the Navy. The Indian Air Force's

AEW&C systems currently being developed by the DRDO will also include a comprehensive ESM

suite, capable of picking up both radars as well as conduct COMINT (Communications

Intelligence).

[edit]Radars

The DRDO has steadily increased its radar development footprint across a range of systems. The

result has been substantial progress in India's ability to design and manufacture high power radar

systems of its own design and with locally manufactured components and systems. The path began

with the development of short range 2D systems (Indra-1) and has now extended to high power 3D

systems intended for strategic purposes (LRTR). Several other projects span the gamut of radar

applications, from airborne surveillance (AEW & C) to firecontrol radars (land based, and airborne).

The DRDO's productionised as well as production ready radar systems include:

INDRA  series of 2D radars meant for Army and Air Force use. This was the first high power radar

developed by the DRDO, with the Indra -I radar for the Indian Army, followed by Indra Pulse

Compression (PC) version for the Indian Air Force, also known as the Indra-II, which is a low level

radar to search and track low flying cruise missiles, helicopters and aircraft. These are basically

2D radars which provide range, and azimuth information, and are meant to be used as gapfillers.

The Indra 2 PC has pulse compression providing improved range resolution. The series are used

both by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army [34]

Rajendra fire control radar  for the Akash SAM: The Rajendra is stated to be ready. However, it

can be expected that further iterative improvements will nonetheless be made. The Rajendra is a

high power, Passive electronically scanned array radar (PESA), with the ability able to guide up to

12 Akash SAMs against aircraft flying at low to medium altitudes. The Rajendra has a detection

range of 8o km with 18 km height coverage against small fighter sized targets and is able to track

64 targets, engaging 4 simultaneously, with up to 3 missiles per target. The Rajendra features a

fully digital high speed signal processing system with adaptive moving target indicator, coherent

signal processing, FFTs, and variable pulse repetition frequency.The entire PESA antenna array

can swivel 360 degrees on a rotating platform. This allows the radar antenna to be rapidly

repositioned, and even conduct all round surveillance.[35]

Central Acquisition Radar , a state of the art planar array, S Band radar operating on the stacked

beam principle. With a range of 180 km against fighter sized targets, it can track while scan 200 of

them. Its systems are integrated on high mobility, locally built TATRA trucks for the Army and Air

Force; however it is meant to be used by all three services. The Planar array was codeveloped by

DRDO with a European firm with both the DRDO and the firm sharing design rights, whereas the

rest of the hardware and signal processing were done locally. Initially developed for the long

running Akash SAM system, seven were ordered by the Indian Air Force for their radar

modernization program, and two of another variant were ordered by the Indian Navy for their P-28

Corvettes. The CAR has been a significant success for radar development in India, with its state

of the art signal processing hardware.[36][37] The ROHINI is the IAF specific variant while the

REVATHI is the Indian Navy specific variant. The ROHINI has a more advanced Indian developed

antenna in terms of power handling and beamforming technology while the IREVATH adds two

axis stabilisation for operation in naval conditions, as well as extra naval modes.

BFSR-SR

BFSR-SR , a 2D short range Battle Field Surveillance Radar, meant to be manportable.Designed

and developed by LRDE, the project was a systematic example of concurrent engineering, with

the production agency involved through the design and development stage. This enabled the

design to be brought into production quickly.[38][39] The radar continues to progress further in terms

of integration, with newer variants being integrated with thermal imagers for visually tracking

targets detected by the radar. Up to 10 BFSR-SR can be networked together for network centric

operation.It is in use with the Indian Armyand the BSF as well as export customers.

Super Vision-2000, an airborne 3D naval surveillance radar, meant for helicopters and light

transport aircraft. The SV-2000 is a lightweight, yet high performance, slotted array radar

operating in the X Band. It can detect sea-surface targets such as a periscope or a vessel,

against heavy clutter, and can also be used for navigation, weather mapping and beacon

detection. The radar can detect a large vessel at over 100 nautical miles (370 km).It is currently

under modification to be fitted to the Advanced Light Helicopter, and the Navy's Do-228's.

Variants can be fitted to the Navy's Ka-25's as well.[40] The radar has been inducted by the Indian

Navy and a more advanced variant of the Super Vision, known as the XV-2004 is now in

production. The XV-2004 is also operational, and features an ISAR, SAR Capability.

Long Range Tracking Radar : The LRTR a 3D AESA was developed with assistance

from Elta of Israel, and is similar to Elta's proven GreenPine long range Active Array radar. The

DRDO developed the signal processing and software for tracking high speed ballistic missile

targets as well as introduced more ruggedization. The radar uses mostly Indian designed and

manufactured components such as its critical high power, L Band Transmit-Receive modules plus

the other enabling technologies necessary for active phased array radars.The LRTR can track

200 targets and had a range of above 500 km and can detect Intermediate Range Ballistic

Missiles, and that India now had the capability to manufacture these radars on its own.The LRTR

would be amongst the key elements of the Indian ABM system; DRDO would provide the

technology to private and public manufacturers to make these high power systems.[41]

3D Multi Function Control Radar: A substantial project by itself, the MFCR was developed as part

of the Indian anti-ballistic missile program in cooperation with THALES of France. The MFCR is

an active phased array radar and complements the Long Range Tracking Radar, for intercepting

ballistic missiles. The MFCR will also serve as the fire control radar for the AAD second tier

missile system of the ABM program. The AAD has a supplementary role against aircraft as well,

and is to engage missiles and aircraft up to an altitude of 30 km. The MFCR fills out the final part

of the DRDO's radar development spectrum, and allows India to manufacture long range 3D

radars that can act as the nodes of an Air Defence Ground Environment system. As with the

LRTR, the MFCR was used successfully in BMD interception effort.

2D Low Level Lightweight Radar (LLLR) for the Army, which require many of these units for

gapfilling in mountainous terrain. The Indian Air Force will also acquire the same for key airbases.

The LLLR is a 2D radar with a range of 40 km against a 2Sq Mtr target, intended as a gapfiller to

plug detection gaps versus low level aircraft in an integrated Air Defence Ground network. The

LLLR makes use of Indra-2 technology, namely a similar antenna array, but has roughly half the

range and is much smaller and a far more portable unit. The LLLR can track while scan 100

targets and provide details about their speed, azimuth and range to the operator. The LLLR

makes use of the BFSR-SR experience and many of the subsystem providers are the same.

Multiple LLLRs can be networked together. The LLLR is meant to detect low level intruders, and

will alert Army Air Defence fire control units to cue their weapon systems.[42] A 3D LLLR was also

revealed in 2008, with the designation "Aslesha".

3D Short Range Radar for the Indian Air Force - ASLESHA: The ASLESHA radars have a range

of approximately 50 km against small fighter-sized targets and will be able to determine their

range, speed, azimuth and height. This radar will enable the Indian Air Force Air Defence units to

accurately track low level intruders. The radar is a semi-active phased array with a 1 meter

square aperture. The DRDO was in discussions with the Indian Navy to mount these systems on

small ships.

Multi-mode radar,a 3D radar is a HAL project of which DRDO's LRDE is a subsystem provider,

this project to develop an advanced, lightweight Multimode fire control radar for the LCA

Tejas fighter, has faced stiff challenges and been struck by delay. It has now been completed with

Elta's (Israel) assistance. The multimode radar is a greater than 100 km range (detection of a

small fighter target), 10 target track, two target engage, lightweight system. It has been revealed

that an all new combined signal and data processor had been developed, replacing the original

separate units. The new unit is much more powerful and makes use of contemporary ADSP

processors. The other radar critical hardware has also been developed and validated, however

work remains on the software front. The software for the air to air mode has been developed

considerably (including search and track while scan in both look up and look down modes) but air

to ground modes are being still worked upon. The radar development was shown to be

considerably more mature than previously thought. At Aero India 2009, it was revealed that the

3D MMR project has been superseded by the new 3D AESA FCR project led by LRDE. The MMR

has been completed with Elta Israel's assistance and now involved Elta EL/M-2032 technology for

Air to Ground mapping and targeting. This "hybrid" MMR has been trialled, validated and will be

supplied for the initial LCA Tejas fighters of which 2 Squadrons have been ordered.

DRDO has indigenised components and improved subsystems of various other license produced

radars manufactured at BEL, India, with the help of BEL scientists and other researchers. These

improvements include new radar data processors for license produced Signaal radars as well as

local radar assemblies replacing the earlier imported ones. Several of these items have better

performance than the original systems that they replaced.

Apart from the above, the DRDO has also several other radar systems currently under development

or in trials, these include:

BEL Weapon Locating Radar : 

A model of the BEL Weapon Locating Radar

A 3D radar successfully developed from the Rajendra fire control radar for the Akash system, this

radar uses a passive electronically scanned array to detect multiple targets for fire correction and

weapon location. The system has been developed and demonstrated to the Army and orders

have been placed[43] In terms of performance, the WLR is stated to be superior to the AN/TPQ-37,

several of which were imported by India as an interim system while the WLR got ready.

Active Phased Array radar: a 3D radar for fighters, a MMR follow on, the APAR project aims to

field a fully fledged operational AESA fire control radar for the expected Mark-2 version of

the Light Combat Aircraft. This will be the second airborne AESA program after the AEW&C

project and intends to transfer the success DRDO has achieved in the Ground based radar

segment to airborne systems.The overall airborne APAR program aims to prevent this technology

gap from developing, with a broad based program to bring DRDO up to par with international

developers in airborne systems:both fire control and surveillance.

Synthetic Aperture & Inverse Synthetic Aperture radars: the DRDO's LRDE is currently working

on both SAR and ISAR radars for target detection and classification. These lightweight payloads

are intended for both conventional fixed wing, as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle applications.

Airborne Warning and Control: a new radar based on Active Electronically Scanned

Array technology.The aim of the project is to develop inhouse capability for high power AEW&C

systems, with the system covering the development of a S Band AESA array. The aircraft will also

have datalinks to link fighters plus communicate with the IAF's C3I infrastructure, as well as a

local SATCOM (satellite communication system), along with other onboard ESM and COMINT

systems.[44]

Medium Range Battlefield Surveillance Radar: in 2009, the LRDE (DRDO) noted that it was

working on a Long range Battlefield surveillance radar. It is possible that the BFSR-LR project has

replaced the earlier this project and the Indian Army will utilize the BEL built ELTA designed

BFSR-MR's for Medium Range surveillance while using the LRDE designed systems for Long

Range surveillance. The 2D radar will track ground targets and provide key intelligence to the

Indian Army's artillery units, with the resultant information available on various tactical networks.

3D Medium Power Radar: a spinoff of the experience gained via the 3D MFCR project, the 3D

Medium Power Radar project is intended to field a radar with a range of approximately 300 km

against small fighter sized targets. Intended for the Indian Air Force, the radar is an active phased

array, and will be transportable. It will play a significant role being used as part of the nodes of

the Indian Air Force's enhanced Air Defence Ground Environment System.

3D Tactical Control Radar: a new program, the TCR is an approximately 150 km ranged system

for use by the Indian Army and Air Force. A highly mobile unit, it will also employ open

architecture to provide easy upgrades, and a variety of modes and capabilities depending on the

software fit. The aim of the 3D Medium Power Radar and TCR is to offer systems which can be

deployed in a variety of roles, from fire control to surveillance, and not be tied to one role alone.

[edit]Command and control software and decision-making tools

Tactical tools for wargaming: Shatranj (Chess) and Sangram for the Army, Sagar for the Navy

and air war software for the Air Force. All these systems are operational with the respective

services.

C3I systems: DRDO, in cooperation with BEL and private industry has developed several critical

C3I (command, control, communications and intelligence systems) for the services.Under the

project "Shakti", the Indian Army aims to spend US$300 million to network all its artillery guns

together using the ACCS (Artillery Command and Control System). Developed by DRDO's Centre

for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, the system comprises computers and intelligent terminals

connected as a wide area network. Its main subsystems are the artillery computer center, battery

computer, remote access terminal and a gun display unit. The ACCS is expected to improve the

Army's artillery operations by a factor of 10 and by efficiently networking the artillery units,

allowing for more rapid and accurate firepower. The ACCS will also improve the ability of

commanders to concentrate that firepower where it is most needed.The DRDO and BEL have

also developed a Battle Management system for the Indian Army for its tanks and tactical units.

Other programs in development for the Army include Corps level information and decision making

software and tools, intended to link all units together for effective C3I. These systems are in

production at DRDO's production partner, Bharat Electronics Limited. These projects are being driven

by the Army's Corps of Signals. The Indian Army is also moving towards extensive use of battlefield

computers. DRDO has also delivered projects such as the Combat Net Radio for enhancing the

Army's communication hardware.[45]

'Data management and command and control systems for the Navy have been provided by the

DRDO. The Navy is currently engaged in a Naval networking project to network all its ships and

shore establishments plus Maritime patrol aircraft and sensors.

Radar netting and multi-sensor fusion software for linking the Indian Air Force's network of radars

and airbases which have been successfully operationalised. Other systems include sophisticated

and highly complex mission planning and C3I systems for Missiles, such as the Agni and Prithvi

ballistic missiles, to the Brahmos cruise missile. These systems are common to all three services

as all of them utilize different variants of these missiles.

Simulators and training tools: DRDO and private industry have collaborated on manufacturing a

range of simulators and training devices for the three services, from entry level tests for

prospective entrants to the Indian Air Force, to sophisticated simulators for fighter aircraft,

transports and helicopters, tanks to gunnery devices.

[edit]Computing technologies

DRDO has worked extensively high speed computing given its ramifications for most of its defence

projects. These include supercomputers for computational flow dynamics, to dedicated

microprocessor designs manufactured in India for flight controllers and the like, to high speed

computing boards built around Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components, similar to the latest

trends in the defence industry.

Supercomputing: DRDO's ANURAG developed the PACE+ [46] Supercomputer for strategic

purposes for supporting its various programs. The initial version, as detailed in 1995, had the

following specifications: The system delivered a sustained performance of more than 960 Mflops

(million floating operations per second) for computational fluid dynamics programs. Pace-Plus

included 32 advanced computing nodes, each with 64 megabytes(MB) of memory that can be

expanded up to 256MB and a powerful front-end processor which is a hyperSPARC with a speed

of 66/90/100 megahertz (MHz). Besides fluid dynamics, these high-speed computer systems

were used in areas such as vision, medical imaging, signal processing, molecular modeling,

neural networks and finite element analysis. The latest variant of the PACE series is the PACE +

+, a 128 node parallel processing system. With a front-end processor, it has a distributed memory

and message passing system. Under Project Chitra, the DRDO is implementing a system with a

computational speed of 2-3 Teraflops utilizing commercial off the shelf components and the Open

Source Linux Operating System.

Processors and other critical items: DRDO has developed a range of processors and application

specific integrated circuits for its critical projects. Many of these systems are modular, in the

sense that they can be reused across different projects. These include "Pythagoras processor" to

convert cartesian to polar coordinates, ANUCO, a floating point coprocessor and several others,

including the ANUPAMA 32-bit processor, which is being used in several DRDO projects.[47]

Electronic components: one of the endeavours undertaken by the DRDO has been to create a

substantial local design and development capability within India, both in the private and public

sectors. This policy has led to several hard to obtain or otherwise denied items, being designed

and manufactured in India. These include components such as radar subsystems (product

specific travelling wave tubes) to components necessary for electronic warfare and other cutting

edge projects. Today, there are a range of firms across India, which design and manufacture key

components for DRDO, allowing it to source locally for quite a substantial chunk of its

procurement. The DRDO has also endeavoured to use COTS (Commercial off the shelf)

processors and technology, and follow Open Architecture standards, wherever possible, in order

to pre-empt obsolescence issues and follow industry practise. One significant example is the

development of an Open Architecture computer for the Light Combat Aircraft, based on the

PowerPC architecture and VME64 standard. The earlier Mission computer utilizing Intel 486 DX

chips has already seen success, with variants being present on the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar and MiG-

27 Upgrades for the Indian Air Force.[48]

[edit]Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC)

NEW DELHI: Move aside Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, DRDO is trying to develop its own set of

Star Wars-like weapons. From laser dazzlers to control rioting crowds to high-powered lasers to

destroy incoming missiles, DRDO is working on a slew of directed energy weapons (DEWs).

"Lasers are weapons of the future. We can, for instance, use laser beams to shoot down an enemy

missile in its boost or terminal phase, said DRDO's Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC)

director Anil Kumar Maini, talking to TOI on Monday.

Incidentally, DRDO chief V K Saraswat himself has identified DEWs, along with space security, cyber-

security and hypersonic vehicles, as focus areas in the years ahead. "LASTEC has the mandate to

develop DEWs for armed forces, said DRDO's chief controller (electronics & computer sciences) R

Sreehari Rao.

While conventional weapons use kinetic or chemical energy of missiles or other projectiles to destroy

targets, DEWs decimate them by bombarding with subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves at

the speed of light. Apart from the speed-of-light delivery, laser DEWs cause minimal collateral

damage.

The defence ministry's recent "technology perspective and capability roadmap identifies DEWs and

ASAT (anti-satellite) weapons as thrust areas over the next 15 years, as was first reported by TOI.

The aim is to develop laser-based weapons, deployed on airborne as well as seaborne platforms,

which can intercept missiles soon after they are launched towards India in the boost phase itself.

These will be part of the fledgling ballistic missile defence system being currently developed by

DRDO.

The US, incidentally, is already conducting tests of high-powered laser weapons on a modified 747

jumbo jet, the ALTB (airborne laser testbed), which direct lethal amounts of directed energy to destroy

ballistic missiles during their boost phase.

It will, of course, take India several years to even conduct such tests. For now, LASTEC is developing

"a 25-kilowatt laser system to hit a missile during its terminal phase at a distance of 5-7 km. "All you

need is to heat the missile skin to 200-300 degree and the warhead inside will detonate, said Maini.

LASTEC is also working on a vehicle-mounted "gas dynamic laser-based DEW system, under project

Aditya, which should be ready in three years. "But Aditya is just a technology demonstrator to prove

beam control technology. Ultimately, we have to develop solid-state lasers, said Maini.

Even countries like US have now shifted their focus to the more efficient, smaller and lighter solid-

state laser DEWs since chemical (dye and gas) lasers are dogged by size, weight and logistical

problems.

LASER POWER

Non-Lethal systems:

-- Hand-held laser dazzler to disorient adversaries, without collateral damage. 50-metre range. Status:

Ready.

-- Crowd-control dazzlers mounted on vehicles to dispel rioting mobs. 250-metre range. Status: take 2

years more.

-- Laser-based ordnance disposal system, which can be used to neutralise IEDs and other explosives

from a distance. Status: trials begin in 18 months.

Lethal Systems:

-- Air defence dazzlers to take on enemy aircraft and helicopters. 10-km range. Status: take 2 years

more.

-- 25-kilowatt laser systems to destroy missiles during their terminal phase. 5 to 7-km range. Status:

take five years more.

-- At least 100-kilowatt solid-state laser systems, mounted on aircraft and ships, to destroy missiles in

their boost phase itself. Status: will take a decade.

Read more: DRDO’s next: Star Wars-like weapons -The Times of India

[edit]Combat vehicles & engineering

[edit]Tanks and armoured vehicles

T-72 Ajeya of the Indian Army

Ajeya upgrade: upgrade for the T-72 fleet, incorporating a mix of locally made and imported

subsystems.250 have been ordered. Local systems include the DRDO developed ERA, the

DRDO developed, laser warning system, and the combat net radio, the Bharat Electronics Limited

advanced land navigation system consisting of fibre optic gyros and GPS, NBC protection,

DRDO's fire detection and suppression system amongst other items. Imported systems include a

compact thermal imager and fire control system, as well as a new 1000 hp engine.

Anti-tank ammunition: DRDO develops the FSAPDS for the 125 mm calibre, meant for India's T-

72 tanks.The 120 mm FSAPDS and HESH rounds for theArjun tank, and

105 mm FSAPDS rounds for the Army's Vijayanta and T-55 tanks.[49] Significant amounts of

125 mm anti-tank rounds manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board were rejected.The

problems were traced to improper packaging of the charges by the OFB, leading to propellant

leakage during storage at high temperatures.The locally developed rounds were rectified, and

requalified. Production of these local rounds was then restarted. Since 2001, over 1,30,000

rounds have been manufactured by the OFB.The DRDO said in 2005 it had developed a Mk2

version of the 125 mm round, with higher power propellant for greater penetration. In parallel,the

OFB announced in 2006 that it was also manufacturing 125 mm IMI (Israel Military Industries)

rounds. It is believed that this might assist in improving the OFB's APFSDS manufacturing

capability. These rounds and presumably the Mk2 round, will be used by both the T-72 and T-

90 formations in the Indian Army.[50][51]

Various armour technologies and associated subsystems from composite armour and explosive

reactive armour, to Radios (Combat Net Radio, frequency hopping, with encryption), to Battle

Management systems. Fire-control systems, currently in production at BEL for the Arjun tanks.

The first batch in production have a hybrid Sagem-DRDO system, with Sagem sights and local

fire control computer.[52]

Arjun  tank: in production at HVF Avadi, the Arjuns penultimate design has been accepted by the

Indian Army,The Arjun is now in series production. 

Arjun MBT

The Arjun follows a template similar to the tanks developed by western nations, with

containerised ammunition storage, with blast off panels, heavyComposite armour, a 120 mm gun

(rifled as compared to smoothbore on most other tanks), a modern FCS with high hit probability,

and a 1,400 horsepower (1,000 kW) engine and a 4 man crew.

Originally designed in response to a possible Pakistani acquisition of the M1 Abrams, the project

fell into disfavour once it became clear that Pakistan was instead standardising on cheaper (and

less capable) T type tanks[citation needed]. In such a milieu, acquiring the Arjun in huge numbers is

simply unnecessary for the Indian Army,given the additional logistic costs of standardising on an

entirely new type.The Indian Army ordered 124 units in 2000 and an additional 124 units in

2010[53][54] and work on Mark-II version of the tank has commenced.[55]

[edit]Modification of BMP-2 series

India licenses manufactures the BMP-2 with local components. The vehicle has been used as the

basis for several locally designed modifications, ranging from missile launchers to engineering support

vehicles. The DRDO and it's various labs have been instrumental in developing these mission specific

variants for the Indian Army.

Armoured Engineering Reconnaissance Vehicle  for enabling the combat engineers to acquire and

record terrain survey data. The instruments mounted on the amphibious vehicle viz. BMP-II are

capable of measuring width of obstacle, bed profile, water depth and bearing capacity of soil of

the obstacle in real time which are helpful in taking decisions regarding laying of tracks or building

of bridges.[56]

Armoured Amphibious Dozer with amphibious capability for earth moving operations in different

terrain for preparation of bridging sites, clearing obstacles and debris and to fill craters. Self-

recovery of the vehicle is also a built-in feature using a rocket-propelled anchor.[57]

Carrier Mortar Tracked : designed to mount and fire an 81 mm mortar from within vehicle.

Capacity to fire from 40° to 85° and traverse 24° on either side; 108 rounds of mortar ammunition

stowed.[58]

Armoured Ambulance based on the BMP-2 vehicle.

NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle: this variant has instrumentation for determining NBC

contamination, as well as bringing back samples. The vehicle includes a plow for scooping up soil

samples, to instrumentation such as a radiation dosimeter amongst other key items.

[edit]Other engineering vehicles

Bridge Layer Tank: claimed by DRDO to be the amongst the best bridging systems available on a

medium class tank. It has an option to carry a 20 m or a 22 m class 70 MLC bridge, which can be

negotiated by all tanks in service with Indian Army.

Amphibious Floating Bridge and Ferry System intended for transporting heavy armour, troops and

engineering equipment across large and deep water obstacles.The vehicle can convert to a fully

decked bridge configuration of length 28.4 metres, in 9 minutes. Two more vehicles can be joined

in tandem to form a floating bridge of length 105 m, in 30 minutes. The bridge superstructure is

integrated with floats (shown inflated) to provide stability and additional buoyancy.The vehicle is

also capable of retracting its wheels for use as a grounded bridge/ramp for high banks.[59]

Arjun Bridge Layer Tank: the BLT-Arjun is an all-new design with a scissor type bridge laying

method, which helps it avoid detection from afar. It uses the chassis of the Arjun tank and can

take higher weights than the BLT-72.[60]

Sarvatra Bridge layer: the bridge can be deployed over water and land obstacles to provide 75

meters of bridge-length for battle tanks, supply convoys and troops. The system consists of a light

aluminum alloy scissors bridge and was approved for production in March 2000 trials. One

complete set of the multi span mobile bridging system includes five truck-mounted units with a

bridge-span of 15 meters each. The system is designed to take the weight of the Arjun, by far the

heaviest vehicle in the Army’s inventory.Microprocessor based control system reduces the

number of personnel required to deploy and operationalize the bridge. The bridging equipment is

carried on a Tatra Kolos chassis and the system is built by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML).[61]

Mobile Decontamination System: with the NBC aspect of the battlefield in mind, the DRDO

developed a Tatra vehicle based Mobile Decontamination system, for decontamination of

personnel, clothing, equipment, vehicles & terrain during war. The main sub-systems of mobile

decontamination system are: pre-wash, chemical wash and post wash systems respectively. The

pre-wash system consists of a 3000 litre stainless steel water tank and a fast suction pump. A

high-pressure jet with a capacity of 3400 l/hour and a low-pressure jet with a capacity of 900

l/hour and 1600 l/hour are included. The chemical wash system is capable of mixing two powders

and two liquids with variable feed rates and has a five litre per minute slurry emulsion flow rate.

The post wash system consists of a high-pressure hot water jet, a hot water shower for personnel

and provision of steam for decontamination of clothing.The decontamination systems have been

introduced into the services.[62] The system is under production for the Army at DRDO's partnering

firms, with the DRDO itself manufacturing the pilot batch.[63]

[edit]In development

Abhay IFV : an IFV design in prototype form. Named the "Abhay" (Fearless), this IFV will have a

40 mm gun based on the proven Bofors L70 (Armour piercing and explosive rounds), a firecontrol

system derived from the Arjun MBT project with a thermal imager, all-electric turret and gun

stabilization, a locally designed FLAME launcher for locally manufactured Konkurs-M anti-tank

missiles, and an Indian diesel engine. The armour will be lightweight composite.

Tank-Ex : a project to mount Arjun's turret on a T-72 chassis to combine high firepower with a low

silhouette.This is a DRDO initiative and not per a specific Army demand.Reports emerged in 2008

that the Indian Army has rejected the tank[64] with two prototypes built.

Armoured vehicle for Paramilitary forces: a wheeled armoured vehicle, the AVP was displayed at

Defexpo-2006. The AVP has armoured glass windows and firing ports, as well as provision for

heavier caliber small arms, and crowd control equipment.Currently a prototype stage.

Mining and De-mining equipment: the Self Propelled Mine Burier has been developed by the

DRDO for a requirement projected by the Indian Army, its an automated mine laying system

developed on a high mobility vehicle and is currently in trials. The Counter-Mine flail, is a vehicle

built upon the T-72 chassis, and has a series of fast moving flails to destroy mines. A prototype

has been displayed.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV): DRDO Daksh tracked robotic vehicle with staircase climbing

ability has been developed and is particularly intended for remote explosion of explosive devices.

The ROV is carried in a specially designed carrier vehicle with additional armament and firing

ports. The ROV itself is fairly sophisticated, with provision to carry various optronic payloads, an

articulated gripper to pick up objects, an ability to traverse difficult terrain including staircases, as

well as an integral waterjet projector to blow up explosive packages.After the ROV completed

user trials, it would be inducted by the Indian Army for explosives handling and defusing.[65]

[edit]Naval research and development

[edit]Sonars

DRDO, BEL and the Indian Navy have developed and productionized a range of Sonars and related

systems for the Indian Navy's frontline combat ships.

The Shivalik class of frigates contain significant DRDO developed systems

These include the:

APSOH (Advanced Panoramic SOnar Hull mounted),

HUMVAD (Hull Mounted Variable Depth sonar),

HUMSA (Follow on to the APSOH series; the acronym HUMSA stands for Hull Mounted Sonar

Array),

Nagan (Towed Array Sonar),

Panchendriya (Submarine sonar and fire control system).

Other sonars such as the airborne sonar Mihir, are in trials, whilst work is proceeding apace on a new

generation of sonars. Sonars may be considered one of DRDO's most successful achievements as

the Indian Navy's most powerful ships rely on DRDO made sonars. The standard fit for a frontline

Naval ship would include the HUMSA-NG hull mounted sonar, and the Nagan towed array sonar. The

Mihir, is a dunking sonar meant for use by the Naval ALH, working in conjunction with its Tadpole

sonobuoy. The Panchendriya is in production for the Kilo class submarine upgrades.[66][67][68]

[edit]Torpedoes

DRDO is currently engaged in developing multiple torpedo designs. These include a lightweight

torpedo that has been accepted by the Navy and cleared for production [69]). Other projects include the

heavy weight wire-guided torpedo called the Varunastra and the Thakshak thermal torpedo suitable

for use against both ships and submarines. The electrically powered Varunastra is now stated to be

also in production. The DRDO also developed and productionised a microprocessor controlled triple

tube torpedo launcher for the Indian Navy as well as a towed torpedo decoy.[70][71]

Shyena is an advanced experimental torpedo developed by the Naval Scientific and Technological

Laboratory, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) wing. Development

was started in 1990.

[edit]Other projects

These have included indigenisation of various components (for instance, adsorbent material for

submarines, radar components, naval ship signature reduction efforts and materials technology).

DRDO has played a significant role in the development of warship grade steel in India and its

productionisation. DRDO has also assisted private industry in developing EW trainers, ship simulators

for training and health monitoring systems for onboard equipment. Other equipment for the Navy

includes underwater telephone sets, and VLF communication equipment, for the Navy's submarines.

DRDO's IRDE has also developed optronic fire control systems for the Navy's and the Coast Guard's

ships.[72]

[edit]Information command and control systems

DRDO's labs have been part of projects to develop sophisticated command and control systems for

the Navy, such as the EMCCA (Equipment Modular for Command and Control Application) which ties

together various sensors and data systems. The EMCCA system gives commanders on the ship a

consolidated tactical picture and adds to the ship’s maritime combat power.[73]

DRDO labs are also engaged in supporting the Navy's ambitious naval enterprise wide networking

system, a program to link all naval assets together via datalinks, for sharing tactical information.

[edit]Mines and targets

Three kinds of mines, processor based mine, moored mine and processor based exercise mine are in

production for the Navy . Targets developed for the Navy include a static target called the Versatile

Acoustic target and a mobile target called the programmable deep mobile target (PDMT).

[edit]In development

A Submarine Escape set, used by crew to escape from abandoned submarines. The set consists

of breathing apparatus and Hydro-suit.

New generation Sonars and EW equipment.

Heavyweight torpedoes, underwater remotely operated vehicles, improved signature reduction

technology for naval applications.

[edit]Missile systems

[edit]Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

The IGMDP was launched by the Indian Government to develop a local missile design and

development ability, and manufacture a range of missile systems for the three defence services.

The IGMDP has seen significant success in its two most important constituents- the Agni missile and

the Prithvi missile systems, while two other programs, the Akash SAM and the anti-tank Nag

Missile have seen significant orders. The Trishul missile, a program to develop a tri-service short

range SAM faced persistent problems throughout its development, and was shut down in 2007.

[edit]IGMDP ballistic missiles

Prithvi : The Prithvi missile are a range of SRBMs produced for the Indian Air Force and Army; a

variant for the Navy has been deployed on Sukanya class patrol vessel. Another submarine

launched variant known as the K-15 is under development. The Prithvi is an extremely accurate

liquid fuelled missile with a range of up to 350 km. While relatively inexpensive and accurate, with

a good payload, its logistics footprint is high, on account of it being liquid fuelled.[74]

The Agni-II missile

Agni  missiles: The Agni are a range of MRBMs , IRBMs, ICBM meant for long range deterrence.

The Agni-III is the newest version and has the longest range of up to 5,500 km (3,418 mi). The

Agni-I and II have been productionized, although exact numbers remain classified.

First trials of the Agni-III saw problems and the missile test did not meet its objectives. The second

test was successful.Further tests of the Agni-III are planned to validate the missile and its

subsystems, which include new propellant and guidance systems, a new re-entry vehicle and other

improvements.[75]

[edit]Akash SAM

Main article: Akash missile

The Akash ( Sky in English) is a medium range surface to air missile system consisting of the

command guided ramjet powered Akash along with the dedicated service specific launchers, battery

control radar (the Rajendra Block III), a Central Acquisition radar, battery and group control centers.

[13].[76] The Akash project has yielded spinoffs like the Central Acquisition radar and Weapon Locating

radar.

Akash missile

The Akash system cleared its user trials with the Indian Air Force in 2007. The user trials had the

Akash intercept flying targets at ITR, Chandipur. The Akash missile successfully hit its targets in all of

the tests.[77] The Indian Air force has since been satisfied with the performance of the missile and

ordered two squadrons of the Akash, with a squadron having eight launchers[78][79][80]

The Indian Air Force placed an order for an additional six squadrons of the Akash SAM in 2010, with

an order of 750 missiles (125 per squadron).This order makes a total of a 1000 Akash SAMs on order

for the Indian Air Force for eight squadrons.[81]

In June 2010, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) placed an order of the Akash missile system,

valued at  12,500 crore (US$2.8 billion). Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will be the system integrator and

nodal production agency for the Akash Army variant.

[edit]Trishul SAM

The Trishul (Trident in English) is a short range SAM meant for the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

The Trishul project relied on equipment already in service with the Indian services, to drive down

logistics costs, and reduce program development costs and development time. The Army variant,

relied on a locally modified variant of the Signaal (now Thales) Flycatcher radar, integrated into a

single launcher with a four missile pack, along with separate electronics for missile guidance. The Air

Force variant separated the missile launchers on Kolos Tatra trucks, locally manufactured by India's

BEML. The Naval variant was the most ambitious, with a flight control system with an integrated radar

altimeter to intercept sea skimming missiles. The Trishul's guidance was Command Line of Sight with

a three beam guidance system, which proved to be the bane of the project and caused repeated

failures during trials.

Due to the Trishul's persistent development problems the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army and

the Indian Navy began upgrading their existing short range SAM systems or purchasing

replacements.The Indian Air Force has since procured batteries of the SPYDER SAM system [82] and

the Indian Army is upgrading its OSA-AKM/ SA-8 systems with Polish assistance.[83] The Indian Navy

has also moved on to the Barak SAM system.[84]

The Trishul program was effectively closed down in 2006 It has been reported that key technologies

developed in the program may be utilized in future systems.[85] It has been reported that the

experience gained from the Trishul program will be utilized for a brand new SAM known as the Maitri,

which will be codeveloped with the European MBDA missile agency.[86]

[edit]Nag anti-tank missile

The Nag Anti-tank guided missile (Cobra in English) is a guided missile system intended for the Indian

Air Force and the Indian Army. The Army will deploy the Nag on ground based launchers and from

helicopters, whereas the Air Force will rely on helicopter based units. The Nag has an Imaging

Infrared (IIR) seeker and has a top and direct attack capability, with a tandem warhead.

The Army's land missile carrier and launcher,known as the Namica carries several ready to use Nag

missiles within, and four Nag missiles in an extendable launcher above the turret. The Namica has its

own FLIR based sighting and fire control unit.[87]

Nag missile

The Air Force and Army will also use their Advanced Light helicopters (HAL Dhruv) and the LCH (HAL

Light Combat Helicopter) as Nag carriers. The ALH's will be equipped with IRDE (DRDO) developed

HELITIS (Heliborne Imaging and Targeting systems) with a combination of a FLIR, Laser range finder,

in a stabilized turret for target acquisition and designation. The thermal imager is likely to be imported,

but the gimballed turret, stabilization, laser range finder and associated electronics have been

designed in India and will be manufactured locally.[88]

The Nag ATGM is regarded as a highly capable missile, even though its development has been

protracted, mainly due to the technological challenges of developing a state of the art, IIR sensor

equipped top attack missile The Nag is still cheaper than most imported missiles in its category and is

earmarked for the Army and Air Force.

The Nag anti-tank guided missile was cleared for production in July 2009 and there are

uncorroborated reports since that it may be purchased by Tanzania,Botswana and Morocco.[89] The

Nag will complement the existing Russian 9M113 Konkurs Anti-tank guided missile and European

missile MILAN,in Indian usage both of which are manufactured under license by Bharat Dynamics

Limited.

[edit]Brahmos missile

Launched as a joint venture between India's DRDO and the Russian NPO, the BrahMos program

aims at creating a range of missile systems derived from the Yakhont missile system. Named the

"BrahMos" after the Brahmaputra and the Moskva rivers, the project has been highly successful.

BrahMos

The Indian Navy has ordered the BrahMos Naval version, both slant launched and vertically launched,

for its ships, with the Indian Army ordering two regiments worth of Land launched missiles for long

range strike, and an air launched version is in development for the Indian Air Force's Su-30 MKI's and

the Navy's Tu-142 long range aircraft.

The DRDO has been responsible for the Navigational systems on the BrahMos, aspects of its

propulsion, airframe and seeker, plus its Fire Control Systems, Mobile Command posts and

Transporter Erector Launcher.[90][91]

The hypersonic Brahmos 2 is to be developed as a follow on to the original Brahmos. The missile

would still follow the guidelines of the MTCR but would fly at speeds of 5-7 Mach.[92] A five year

development timeframe is anticipated.[93]

[edit]Shaurya

The Shaurya missile is speculated to be the land version of the submarine launched K-15

Sagarika missile, although DRDO officials have reportedly denied its connection with the K-15

program. Similar to the BrahMos, Shaurya is stored in a composite canister, which makes it much

easier to store for long periods without maintenance as well as to handle and transport. It also houses

the gas generator to eject the missile from the canister before its solid propellant motors take over to

hurl it at the intended target.

Shaurya missile

Shaurya missiles can remain hidden or camouflaged in underground silos from enemy surveillance or

satellites till they are fired from the special storage-cum-launch canisters.The Shaurya system will

require some more tests before it becomes fully operational in two-three years. Moreover, defense

scientists say the high-speed, two-stage Shaurya has high maneuverability which also makes it less

vulnerable to existing anti-missile defence systems.

It can be easily transported by road. The missile, encased in a canister, is mounted on a single

vehicle, which has only a driver’s cabin, and the vehicle itself is the launch platform. This “single

vehicle solution” reduces its signature – it cannot be easily detected by satellites – and makes its

deployment easy.The gas generator, located at the bottom of the canister produces high pressure

gas, which expands and ejects the missile from the tube.

The centerpiece of a host of new technologies incorporated in Shaurya is its ring laser

gyroscope and accelerometer. The indigenous ring laser gyroscope, a sophisticated navigation and

guidance system developed by the Research Center Imarat (RCI) based in Hyderabad, is a highly

classified technology.

In Shaurya test flights the RLG functioned exceptionally well. Its job is to monitor the missile’s position

in space when it is flying. The missile’s on board computer will use this information on the missile’s

actual position to compare it with the desired position. Based on the difference between the missile’s

actual and desired positions, the computer will decide on the optimum path and actuators will

command the missile to fly in its desired/targeted position.

[edit]Sagarika

The K-15 Sagarika(Sanskrit: सा�गरि�का�, Sāgarikā "Oceanic") is a nuclear-capable submarine-launched

ballistic missile with a range of 750 kilometres (466 mi).Sagarika can carry a payload of up to 500

kilograms (1,102 lb). Sagarika was developed at the DRDO’s missile complex in Hyderabad.

This missile will form part of the triad in India's nuclear deterrence, and will provide retaliatory nuclear

strike capability. The development of this missile (under the title Project K-15) started in 1991. The

Indian government first confirmed Sagarika's development seven years later (1998), when the then

Defence Minister, George Fernandes, announced it during a press conference.

The development of the underwater missile launcher, known as Project 420 (P420), was completed in

2001 and handed over to the Indian Navy for trials. The missile was successfully test fired six times,

and tested to its full range up to three times. The test of missile from a submerged pontoon was

conducted in February 2008.

Sagarika is being integrated with India's nuclear-powered Arihant class submarine that began sea

trials on the 26th of July 2009.

India also successfully developed a land based variant of Sagarika, known as Shaurya which can be

stored in underground silos for longer time and can be launched using gas canisters as booster.

[edit]Critique

The significant cost and more importantly, time overruns in the DRDO'sprojects such as the Akash,

Trishul, Nag, Light Combat Aircraft and the Arjun MBT, are often the subject of virulent criticism of

DRDO even as the organization is engaged in completing the programs. It can be said that

productionizing these systems and significant orders for them, would be a big shot in the arm for the

DRDO as the criticism over these long running programs often overshadows the organization's work

in many other areas.[94]

Earlier, no procurements from abroad could be carried out unless DRDO, which was a member of all

sanctioning boards, accepted that the product could not be produced/developed in the country in the

required time frame. However, now if the DRDO cannot provide the product within the designated

time frame, it allows for imports.

[edit]Plans

[edit]Long range SAM

India and Israel have worked out an agreement to develop and produce the long-range Barak air

defence system for both the Indian and the Israeli militaries. The initial co-development funding is

aboutUS$350 million, of which IAI will finance 50 per cent. The venture is a tripartite one, between the

DRDO, the Indian Navy, and IAI. The missile is referred to as the LRSAM in Indian Government

literature, and will have a range of 72 km (45 mi).[95][96] Israel Aircraft Industries refers to the system as

Barak-8. IAI states that the missile will have a dual pulse motor, is vertically launched and is able to

engage both aircraft and sea skimming missiles. It has a fully active seeker, and the Barak-8

Weapons system is capable of multiple simultaneous engagements. It will have a two way datalink for

midcourse update, as well as be able to integrate into larger C3I networks. The primary fire control

sensor for the naval Barak-8/LRSAM will be the ELTA MF-STAR Naval AESA radar which Israel

claims to be superior to many existing systems worldwide.[97][98][99] The dual pulse rocket motor for the

SAM was developed by DRDO, and the prototypes were supplied to IAI for integration with IAI

systems to develop the complete missile.

The other variant of the LRSAM will be fielded by the Indian Air Force.Along with the Akash SAM, the

LRSAM fills a longer range requirement and both types will complement each other.Each unit of the

MR-SAM, would consist of a command and control center, with an acquisition radar, a guidance

radar, and 3 launchers with eight missiles each.

A 4-year, US$300 million System Design & Development phase to develop unique system elements

and an initial tranche of the land-based missiles is estimated. The radars, C2 centers, TEL's and

missiles will be codeveloped by Israel and India. In turn, IAI and its Israeli partners have agreed to

transfer all relevant technologies and manufacturing capabilities to India allowing India to manufacture

the LRSAM systems locally as well as support them. [100] The Barak-8 next generation long range

surface to air missile (LR-SAM) had its first test-flight on 29 May 2010.

[edit]Astra BVRAAM

Main article: Astra missile

Astra is a 80 km (50 mi) class, active radar guided missile meant for beyond visual range air to air

combat. Several tests of the missiles basic propulsion and guidance have taken place from land

based launchers. Air launched trials will follow thereafter.[101]

Light weight launcher

DRDO has developed an indigenous 7 kg lightweight rocket launcher for Indian army which will

replace the 14 kg Carl Gustav Mark-II launcher which is much heavier than DRDO developed rocket

launcher.The DRDO has made extensive use of composites in its construction, resulting in the

reduced weight.[102]

[edit]Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence Project

Main article: Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program

Unveiled in 2006, the ABM project was a surprise to many observers. While DRDO had revealed

some details about the project over the years, its progress had been marked by strict secrecy, and the

project itself was unlisted, and not visible among DRDO's other programs. The ABM project has

benefited from all the incremental improvements achieved by the DRDO and its associated industrial

partners via the long running and often contentious Akash missile and Trishul missile programs.

However, it is a completely new program, with much larger scope and with predominantly new

subsystems.

Prithvi Air Defense

The ABM project has two missiles—namely the AAD (Advanced Air Defence) and PAD (Prithvi Air

Defence) missiles. The former is an endo-atmospheric interceptor of new design, which can intercept

targets to a height of 30 km (19 mi). Whereas the latter is a modified Prithvi missile, dubbed the Axo-

atmospheric interceptor (AXO) with a dedicated second stage kill vehicle for ballistic missile

interception, up to an altitude of 80 km (50 mi).

Both these missiles are cued by an active phased array Long Range Tracking Radar, similar to the

Elta GreenPine but made with locally developed components, which include DRDO developed

transmit/receive modules. The ABM system also makes use of a second radar, known as the Multi-

Function Control Radar which assists the LRTR in classifying the target, and can also act as the fire

control radar for the AAD missile. The MFCR,like the LRTR is an active phased array system.

The entire system was tested in November 2006, under the Prithvi Air Defence Exercise, when a

prototype AXO missile,successfully intercepted anotherPrithvi missile at a height of 50 km

(31 mi).This test was preceded by an "electronic test" in which an actual target missile was launched,

but the entire interceptor system was tested electronically, albeit no actual interceptor was launched.

This test was successful in its entirety.

The AAD Missile was tested on December 2007 which successfully intercepted a modified Prithvi

missile simulating the M-9 and M-11 class of ballistic missiles. Interception happened at an altitude of

15 km (9 mi).[103]

[edit]GATET engine

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched a  100 crore (US$22.2

million) project in R&D in the area of gas turbines,a DRDO official said on April 2010.Under the

initiative of DRDO's Aeronautics Research and Development Board, R&D projects, which need

investment in the region of  50 lakh (US$111,000) to  5 crore (US$1.1 million), would be considered

for funding.GTRE was the nodal agency to spearhead this venture,called GATET[104][105][106]

[edit]ICBM named "Agni-V"

The Agni-V missile is a ICBM meant for long range deterrence. The Agni-V is the newest version and

has the longest range of up to 5000–6000 km. Agni-V will be able to carry multiple warheads and will

have countermeasures against Anti-ballistic missile systems.The design of the missile is completed

and the first test is expected in the last quarter of 2011. The missile will utilize a canister and will be

launched from it. Sixty percent of the missile will be similar to the Agni-III missile. Advanced

technologies like ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer will be used in the new missile.[107]

[edit]Anti-satellite weapon

India had identified development of ASAT weapons "for electronic or physical destruction of satellites

in both LEO (2,000-km altitude above earth's surface) and the higher geosynchronous orbit" as a

thrust area in its long-term integrated perspective plan (2012–2027) under the management of DRDO.

[108]

he Indian Armed Forces (IAF) (Devanāgarī: भा��ती�या साशस्त्र सा�न�एं�, Bhāratīya Saśastra Sēnāēn) are the military forces of the Republic of Indiaencompassing the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and various other inter-service institutions. The IAF is headed by its Commander-in-Chief, the President Pratibha Patil and managed by Ministry of Defense A. K. Antony.

The IAF is one of the world's largest military force, with roughly 1.32 million active standing army and 2.14 million reserve forces thus giving India the third-largest active troops in the world as of 2006[1]

[4] after the People's Liberation Army and US Armed Forces.[5] Auxiliary services include the Indian Coast Guard, the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPF) and the Strategic Forces Command. India's official defense budget stands atUS$36.03 billion for FY2011 (or 1.83% of GDP)[2] but the actual spending on the armed forces is estimated to be much higher than that.[6]Undergoing rapid expansion and modernization,[7] the Indian Armed Forces plans to have an active military space program[8] and is currently developing a missile defense shield [9]  and nuclear triad capability. The Armed Forces of India possess nuclear weapons and operate short and intermediate-range ballistic missiles as well as nuclear-capable aircraft, and naval vessels. India is the world's largest arms importer accounting for 9% of all global imports and ranks among the top thirty in arms export.[10] Currently, India imports close to 70% of its weapons requirements, with Israel, Russia and the United States as its top military suppliers.

[11][12][13] The country’s defence expenditure will be around US$112 billion by 2016.[14][15][16]

The IAF served as India's armed forces in all the country's major military operations — including the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1947, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Sino-Indian War, 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish, Kargil War and others. India is currently moving to build a 9,970.16 crore (US$2.2 billion) dedicated, highly secure and state-of-the-art optical fiber cable (OFC) network for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This will be one of the world's largest, closed user group (CUG) networks for exclusive use by the million-plus personnel of the Indian armed forces.[17] Following 1962, the IAF has had close military relations with the Russia, including development cooperation, such as on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA), and others as well.

Contents

[hide]

1 Military history of India

o 1.1 1857 to 1947 era

2 Structure

o 2.1 Command organisation

3 Doctrine

4 Personnel

5 Service branches

o 5.1 Indian Army

o 5.2 Indian Navy

o 5.3 Indian Air Force

o 5.4 Indian Coast Guard

6 Nuclear Command Authority

7 Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program

o 7.1 Development

7.1.1 Phase 1

7.1.2 Phase 2

8 Security pacts and Overseas Bases

9 Budget

10 Gallantry awards

11 Ex Servicemen (ESM)

12 Future

13 Recruitment and training

14 Indian Peace Keeping And Anti-piracy Mission

o 14.1 Anti-piracy Mission

o 14.2 Relief Operation of IAF

o 14.3 IAF Efforts In Eclipse Study

15 See also

16 References

17 Further reading

o 17.1 External links

[edit]Military history of India

Main article: Military history of India

The Maurya Empire at its largest extent under Ashoka the Great

Chola territories during Rajendra Chola I, c. 1030

The Mughal Empire at its largest in terms of territorial extent, c.1700

Indian troops fighting with the British contingent is shown in this painting ofMysore.

India has one of the longest military history dating back several millennia. The first reference of armies is found in the Vedas as well as the epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha. There were many powerful dynasties in India: Maha Janapadas, Matsya Kingdom, Shishunaga Empire, Gangaridai Empire, Nanda Empire, Maurya Empire, Sunga Empire, Kharavela Empire, Kuninda Kingdom, Chola Empire, Chera Empire, Pandyan Empire, Satavahana Empire, Western Satrap Empire, Kushan Empire, Vakataka Empire, Kalabhras Kingdom, Gupta Empire, Pallava Empire, Kadamba Empire, Western Ganga Kingdom, Vishnukundina Empire, Chalukya Empire, Harsha Empire, Rajput, Shahi Kingdom, Eastern Chalukya Kingdom, Pratihara Empire, Pala Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Paramara Kingdom, Yadava Empire, Solanki Kingdom, Western Chalukya Empire, Hoysala Empire, Sena Empire, Eastern Ganga Empire, Kakatiya Kingdom, Kalachuri Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Deccan Sultanates, Ahom Kingdom,Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore Kingdom, Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, Sikh Empire, etc. Classical Indian texts on archery in particular, and martial arts in general are known as Dhanurveda.

India has a maritime history dating back to 5,000 years.[18][19][20][21] The first [22][23] tidal dock is believed to have been built at Lothal around 2300 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization, near the present day Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast. The Rig Veda written around 1500 BCE, credits Varuna with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes naval expeditions. There is reference to the side wings of a vessel called Plava, which give stability to the ship under storm conditions. A compass, Matsya yantra was used for navigation in the fourth and fifth century AD.

The earliest known reference to an organization devoted to ships in ancient India is to the Mauryan Empire from the 4th century BCE. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya's Prime Minister Kautilya'sArthashastra devotes a full chapter on the state department of waterways under navadhyaksha (Sanskritfor Superintendent of ships) [1]. The term, nava dvipantaragamanam (Sanskrit for sailing to other lands by ships, i.e. Exploration) appears in this book in addition to appearing in the Buddhist text, Baudhayana Dharmasastra as the interpretation of the term, Samudrasamyanam.

Sea lanes between India and neighboring lands were the usual form of trade for many centuries, and are responsible for the widespread influence of Indian Culture on other societies. Powerful navies included those of the Maurya, Satavahana, Chola, Vijayanagara, Kalinga, Mughal and Maratha empires.[24] TheCholas excelled in foreign trade and maritime activity, extending their influence overseas to China and Southeast Asia.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha and Kerala fleets were expanded, and became the most powerful Naval Forces in the subcontinent, defeating European Navies at various times (See the Battle of Colachel). The fleet review of the Maratha navy took place at the Ratnagiri fort in which the ships Pal and Qalbat participated.[25] The Maratha Kanhoji Angre and Kunjali Marakkar, the Naval chief of Saamoothiriwere two notable naval chiefs of the period.

[edit]1857 to 1947 era

Sailors of the Indian Navy breaching the Delhi gates during the Indian struggle of freedom 1857

Main article: Royal Indian Navy

The British Royal Indian Navy was first established by the British while much of India was under the control of the East India Company. The first Indian to be granted a commission was Sub Lieutenant D. N. Mukherji, who joined the Royal Indian Marine as an engineer officer in 1928.

Indian sailors started a rebellion known as the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946, on board ships and in shore establishments which spread all over India. A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments and 20,000 sailors were involved in the rebellion.

When India became a republic on 26 January 1950, the navy became known as the Indian Navy, and its vessels as Indian Naval Ships (INS). On 22 April 1958 Vice Admiral R. D. Katari assumed office as the first Indian Chief of the Naval Staff.

[edit]Structure

The headquarters of the Indian Armed Forces is in New Delhi, the capital city of India.The President acts as de jure Commander in chief of the Armed Forces.[26] while de facto control lies with the executive. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the ministry charged with the responsibilities of countering insurgency and ensuring external security of India.

[edit]Command organisation

Gen V K Singh is the head of army Chiefs panel, Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma is the head of navy Chiefs panel and Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik is the head of air forces Chiefs panel.[27] Air Chief Marshal Naik is currently also serving as Chairman of the Chiefs

of Staff Committee for the Indian Armed Force. The Indian armed force are split into different groups based on their region of operation. The Indian Army is administratively divided into 7 tactical commands, each under the control of different Lieutenant Generals.The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The Indian Navy operates four Commands. Each Command is headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the rank of Vice Admiral.The Indian Coast Guard operations are split into 4 regions, each region is headed by an Inspector General or a Deputy Inspector General.

[edit]Doctrine

The Armed Forces have six main tasks:[28]

1. To assert the territorial integrity of India.2. To defend the country if attacked by a foreign nation.3. To send own amphibious warfare equipment to take the battle to

enemy shores.[29]

4. Cold Start  which means Indian Armed Forces being able to quickly mobilise and take offensive actions without crossing the enemy's nuclear-use threshold.

5. To support the civil community in case of disasters (e.g. flooding).

6. Participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations in consonance with India’s commitment to the United Nations Charter.

There is a semi-official book called "Customs and Etiquette in the Services", written by retired Major General Ravi Arora, which details how Indian personnel are expected to conduct themselves generally.[30] Arora is an executive editor of the Indian Military Review.[31]

[edit]Personnel

Soldiers of the Sikh Light Infantry

As of 2006

Component Active[1] Reserve[1]

Indian Army 1,325,000 2,142,821

Indian Navy 55,000

Indian Air Force 170,000

Indian Coast Guard 19,741

[edit]Service branches

124 Arjun MK1 tanks are in service with the Indian Army.

Para Commando of the Indian Army.

[edit]Indian Army

Main article: Indian Army

India maintains the third-largest military force in the world, which includes Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and auxiliary forces such as the Paramilitary Forces, the Coast Guard, and the Strategic Forces Command.[32] It is a completely voluntary service, the military draft having never been imposed in India. The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, due to India's diverse geography, and also has a distinguished history of serving in United Nations peacekeeping  operations. Initially, the army's main objective was to defend the nation's frontiers. However, over the years, the army has also taken up the responsibility of providing internal security, especially in insurgent-hit Kashmir and north-east.

The force is headed by the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, currently General V K Singh. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal, but it is a largely ceremonial rank and appointments are made by the President of India, on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. (See Field Marshal (India)). Late General S.H.F.J. Manekshaw and the late General K.M. Cariappa are the only two officers who have attained this rank.

The Indian Army has seen military action during the First Kashmir War, Operation Polo, the Sino-Indian War, the Second Kashmir War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Kargil War. Currently, the Indian army has dedicated one brigade of troops to the UN's standby arrangements. Through its large, sustained troop commitments India has come in for much praise for taking part in difficult operations for prolonged periods. The

Indian Army has participated in several UN peacekeeping operations, including the ones in Cyprus, Lebanon, Congo, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam, Namibia, El Salvador,Liberia, Mozambique and Somalia. The army also provided a paramedical unit to facilitate the withdrawal of the sick and wounded in Korea. Currently, the Indian Army is seeking to massively modernize its equipment through various procurement programs. In addition, it has also embarked on an infantry modernization program known as Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS).

[edit]Indian Navy

Main article: Indian Navy

INS Shivalik the first indigenous modern frigate of the Indian navy.

The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. With 67,000 men and women, including 5,000 naval aviation personnel and 2,000 Marine Commandos (MARCOS), it is the world's third largest navy.[33]

The Indian Navy currently operates around 170 vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. In recent years, India has started many ambitious projects to bolster its maritime capabilities including efforts to acquire ships from foreign countries.

In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone extensive modernization and expansion with an intention to increase its capabilities as a recognized blue-water navy.[34][35] It is fairly advanced in terms of technology and is in control of one of two Asian aircraft carriers. Two more aircraft carriers are currently being produced. The ships of the Indian Navy are of Indian and foreign origin.[36] In addition, three ballistic missile submarine are to enter service by 2010 end. It is also only one of the six navies in the world that has nuclear capabilities. Others include US, Russia, China,

France and the UK. In addition it is in command of the BrahMos which is the fastest cruise missile in the world with speeds of 2.8 Mach.

Indian Navy's marine commandos during a training exercise in the Philippine Sea.

In its maritime doctrine, the Indian Navy establishes its role in providing support to maritime neighbours during natural disasters. This was demonstrated during the Asian tsunami crisis during which the Indian Navy sent 35 ships to support relief efforts in neighbouring countries. The Indian navy has taken part in UN missions in the coast of Somalia and has provided security to an African Union summit held in Mozambique. The Indian Navy is increasing its capabilities as a true blue-water navy; the Indian Navy's doctrine states that this is for the collective good of nations.

Indian Navy is expected to spend about US$40 billion on military modernization from 2008 to 2013.[37] The modernization program includes the Russian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, indigenously built Vikrant class aircraft carriers, Lease of Akula-II class submarine, indigenously built Arihant class nuclear-powered submarines, Shivalik class frigate, Kolkata class destroyer, Scorpène class submarine, Improved Talwar class frigate and eight P-8 Poseidon .[38][39]

[edit]Indian Air Force

Main article: Indian Air Force

IAF engineers conduct post-flight maintenance on Su-30 MKI fighters following a Red Flag mission in Nevada.

With a strength of approximately 170,000 personnel, and 1,500+ aircraft in active service, the Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world.[40][41]In recent years, the IAF has undertaken an ambitious expansion and modernization program and is increasingly used for India's power projection beyond South Asia. Historically, the IAF has generally relied on Soviet, British, Israeli and French military craft and technology to support its growth. In recent times however, India has manufactured its own aircraft, including the HAL Tejas, a 4th generation fighter, and the HAL Dhruv, a multi-role helicopter, which has been exported to several countries, including Israel, Burma, Nepal and Ecuador. India also maintains UAV squadrons which can be used to carry out ground attacks and aerial surveillance.

India is testing its own long range BVR air to air missile named Astra [42]  and also building a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called Rustom.[43] India and Russia are building number of next generation aircraft like 5th generation stealth aircraft called Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [44]  and medium-lift military transport aircraft called Multirole Transport Aircraft.[45]

[edit]Indian Coast Guard

HAL Dhruv naval variant.

Main article: Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard is the maritime Military Force created to guard Republic of India's vast coastline. It was created on 18 August 1978 as an independent entity as per the Coast Guard Act. its primary objective is to guard India's vast coastline and operates under the effective control of the Ministry of Defense.

The coast guard works closely with the Indian Navy and the Indian Customs Department, and is usually headed by a naval officer of the rank of Vice-Admiral. India's coast guard has a large number of fast craft including hovercrafts and hydrofoils. They patrol the seas and river mouths. The coast guard has performed a number of commendable tasks of rescuing distressed personnel. It has also apprehended pirates on high seas and cleaned up oil spills. Heavy patrolling of sensitive areas such as Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Mumbai have resulted in the nabbing of a large number of smugglers and illegal immigrants.

[edit]Nuclear Command Authority

Main article: India and weapons of mass destruction

Agni missile range.

Agni-II

India possesses an arsenal of nuclear weapons and maintains a no-first use, non-use against non-nuclear nations and a credible nuclear deterrence policy against nuclear adversaries. India's nuclear missiles include the Prithvi, the Agni, the Shaurya, Sagarika, Dhanush, and others. India has long range strategic bombers like the Tupolev Tu-22 M3 and Tupolev Tu-142 as well as fighter jets like Sukhoi Su-30MKI,[46] Dassault Mirage 2000,[47] MiG-29 [48]  and HAL Tejascapable of being armed with nuclear tipped bombs and missiles. Since India doesn't have a nuclear first use against an adversary, it becomes important to protect from a first strike. Presently, this protection is provided by the two layered Anti-ballistic missile defense system. The first test of Agni-V, which is a MIRVed ICBM is expected in the year 2011. India's Strategic Nuclear Command controls its land-based nuclear warheads, while the Navy controls the ship and in future submarine based missiles and the Air Force the air based warheads. India's nuclear warheads are deployed in four areas:

1. Ship based mobile, like Dhanush. (operational)2. Land-based mobile, like Agni. (operational)3. Submarine based, like Sagarika. (under deployment)4. Air-based warheads of the Indian Air Forces' strategic bomber

force (operational)[show]v · d · e

Indian missiles

[edit]Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program

Main article: Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered Ballistic missile defense system to protect India from missile attacks.[49][50]

[edit]Development

[edit]Phase 1

Launching of Advanced Air Defense (AAD) missile

Development of ABM System began in 1999. Around 40 public and private Companies were involved in the development of ABM System. They include Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Astra Microwave, ASL, Larsen & Toubro, Vem Technologies Private Limited and KelTech. Development of LRTR (Long Range Tracking Radar) and MFCR (Multi-function Fire Control Radar) was led by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (ERDE).[51][52]

For the AAD Missile System, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) developed the mission control software. Research Centre, Imarat (RCI) developed navigation, electromechanical actuation systems and Active Radar Seeker. Advanced System Laboratory (ASL) provided the motors, jet vanes and structures for the two missiles. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) supplied the propellants for the missile.[52]

[edit]Phase 2

Two new anti-ballistic missiles that can intercept IRBM/ICBMs are being developed. These high speed missiles (AD-1 and AD-2) are

being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with the range of 5000 km.[53] The test trials of these two systems is expected to take place in 2011.[54] The new missile will be similar the THAAD missile deployed by the U.S.A. These missiles will have to travel at hypersonic speeds and will require radars with scan capability of over 1500 kilometers to successfully intercept the target.[55]

India is also planning to develop a laser based weapon system as part of its Ballistic Missile Defence to intercept and destroy missiles soon after they are launched towards the country. DRDO's Air Defence Programme Director V K Saraswat says its ideal to destroy a ballistic missile carrying nuclear or conventional warhead in its boost phase. Saraswat further added that it will take another 10–15 years for the premier defence research institute to make it usable on the ground.[56]

[edit]Security pacts and Overseas Bases

India and Russia share an extensive economic, defence and technologicalrelationship.[57] Shown here

is President Pratibha Patil  with President Dmitry Medvedev.

In 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, India made obligation to actively assist Nepal in national defence and military preparedness, and made both nations not to tolerate threats to each others security.[58][59] In 1958, the then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Bhutan and reiterated India's support for Bhutan's independence and later declared in the Indian Parliament that any aggression against Bhutan would be seen as aggression against India.[60] India also operates the Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan. India started the process to bring the island country Maldives into India's security grid.[61] India can use Iranian bases for war with Pakistan.[62][63] India is also one of three countries with whom Japan has a security pact, the others being Australia and the United

States.[64] India and Russia have a military cooperation pact until 2010 which is likely to be extended or renewed.[65] In 1951,India and Burma signed a Treaty of Friendship in New Delhi. Article II of the treaty stipulated that "There shall be everlasting peace and unalterable friendship between the two States who shall ever strive to strengthen and develop further the cordial relations existing between the peoples of the two countries".[66]India had signed a pact to develop ports in Myanmar and various bilateral issues, including economic cooperation, connectivity, security and energy.[67] India and Israel have increased cooperation in military and intelligence ventures since the establishment of diplomatic relations. While India and Israel were officially "rivals" during the Cold War, the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of Islamic terrorism in both countries have generated a solid strategic alliance.[68] India has maritime security arrangement in place with Oman and Qatar.[69] In 2008, a landmark defense pact was signed, under which India committed its military assets to protect "Qatar from external threats".[70]

[edit]Budget

Military spending of the world

India has the world's 10th largest defense budget. In 2009, India's official military budget stood at US$]32.7 billion.[71] In 2004, the GlobalSecurity.orgestimated India's budget to be around US$100 billion in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).[72] According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India's military budget (PPP) stood at US$72.7 billion in 2007.[73] A major portion of India's current defense budget is devoted to the ambitious modernization program of the country's armed forces. Between 2007 and 2012, India is expected to spend about US$50 billion on the procurement of new weapons.[74] India boosted defence spending by 21% in 2009.[75]

[edit]Gallantry awards

The India Gate is the largest war memorial in India

The highest wartime gallantry award given by the Military of India is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), followed by the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and the Vir Chakra(VrC). Its peacetime equivalent is the Ashoka Chakra. The highest decoration for meritorious service is the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

[edit]Ex Servicemen (ESM)

According to military sources, more than 55,000 armed forces personnel retire from the army every year, most of them at a relatively younger age.[citation needed] A total of 1,567,390 ex servicemen are registered with the Indian Army, majority of them hailing from UP (17.35%), Punjab (12.23%), Haryana (10.57%), Maharashtra (9.18%), Kerala (8.16%), TN (6.58%), Rajastan (6.42%) and HP (5%). Many of them are re-employed in various Central government sectors.[76]

[edit]Future

Analysis of the Central Intelligence Agency indicates that India is projected to possess the fourth most capable concentration of power by 2015.[77] According to a report published by the US Congress, India is the developing world's leading arms purchaser.[78]

Ongoing efforts at modernization of the armed forces, however, unless accompanied by significant political reforms, may fail to change India's military-strategic position, particularly with Pakistan. Despite importing large numbers of conventional weaponry over the last three decades, if India wishes to effectively confront critical security challenges it must address a civil-military imbalance that

hampers coordination and an illegitimate procurement process that threatens to further entrench government corruption.[79]

[edit]Recruitment and training

Soldiers from the 4th Rajput Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army handling INSAS rifles during a training mission.

Recruitment is through four military related academies. These include the National Defence Academy, Pune, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy,Ezhimala, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Officers Training Academy, Chennai. For entrance, one must display that they are both physically and mentally fit to be in the military by written examinations, physicial endurance tests and passing medical fitness tests. After being commissioned,these officers are posted and deputed. They are at the helm of affairs not only inside the nation but also at abroad. The officers are appointed and removed only by the President of India. These officers are accorded high status of the nature of the officers of the Indian Administrative Service. The complete list of institutions training Indian army were listed in Military academies in Indiasection.

[edit]Indian Peace Keeping And Anti-piracy Mission

In November 2008, an Indian navy warship destroyed a suspected Somali pirate vessel after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. India is regular contributor to United Nations and other Peacekeeping missions. The troop-contributions to UN peacekeeping operations as of March 2007 were 9,471.[80] It also suffered 127 soldier deaths while serving on peacekeeping missions.

[81] India also provided army contingent performing a peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 as Indian Peace Keeping Force and in November 1988, India also helped restore government of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in Maldives under Operation Cactus.[82]

[edit]Anti-piracy Mission

India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger INS   Mysore  to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the U.S. and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.[83]An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."[84] India also expressed consideration to deploy up to four more warships in the region.[85]

[86] And in response increased activity of the INS   Tabar . On 2010-09-06 A crack team of Indian marine commandos(MARCOS)from INS Delhi boarded the boat and overpowered the pirates - seven heavily-armed Somalians and one Yemeni national. A cache of arms, several drums of fuel and ship boarding equipment was also found.As part of the Indian response to the piracy menace in the area, the Indian Navy has escorted over 1,200 ships so far.

[edit]Relief Operation of IAF

Indian Air Force provides regular relief operation for food and medical facility around the World by its Cargo aircraft most notably Ilyushin Il-76.The most recent relief operation of IAF was inKyrgyzstan.[87]

[88] During the Leh floods Two Ilyushin Il-76. and four Antonov-32 aircraft of the IAF carried 30 tonnes of load, which include 125 rescue and relief personnel, medicines, generators, tents, portable X-ray machines and emergency rescue kits.A MI-17 helicopter and cheetak helicopters had been pressed to increase the rescue operations.

[edit]IAF Efforts In Eclipse Study

The Indian Air Force successfully undertook sorties to help Indian scientists study the total solar eclipse that took place on July 23. Two separate missions from Agra and Gwalior were flown along the path

of the moon's shadow, a mission that was deemed hugely successful by scientists associated with the experiment. While one AN-32 transport aircraft carrying scientific equipment, cameras and scientists that took off from Agra landed back after a three-hour flight, a Mirage-2000 trainer from Gwalior took spectacular images of the celestial spectacle from 40,000 feet. With weather being clear at the altitudes and coordinates planned by the IAF pilots, both AN-32 and Mirage-2000 pilots were able to accomplish the mission successfully.[89]

[edit]

very least.

1 U.S.A.

2 China

3 Russia

4 India

5 U.K.

6 France

7 Germany

11 Israel

12 South Korea

13 Italy

14 Indonesia

15 Pakistan

16 Taiwan

17 Egypt

8 Brazil

9 Japan

10 Turkey

18 Iran

19 Mexico

20 North Korea

elow is the list of missiles currently in India's inventory or under development that can carry Nuclear

Warheads. Information on the missiles is given below.

Agni II was India's first long range missile

Agni missile range.

India's Nuclear Capable Missiles

Name Class Range Payload Status

Agni-I SRBM 700 km 1,000 kg Operational

Agni-II MRBM 2,200 km 500 kg - 1,000 kg Operational

Agni-II Prime MRBM 2,750 km - 3,000 km 500 kg - 1,500 kg Under Development

Agni-III IRBM 3,500 km 2,490 kg Under induction

Agni-V ICBM 5,000 km - 6,000 km 3,000 kg+ Under Development

Surya-I ICBM 5,200 km - 11,600 km 700 kg - 1,400 kg Under Development

Dhanush SRBM 350 km 500 kg Operational

Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile 1,000 km ? Under Development

Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile 290 km 300 kg Operational

P-70 Ametist Anti-shipping Missile 65 km 530 kg Operational

P-270 Moskit Supersonic Cruise Missile 120 km 320 kg Operational

Popeye ASM 78 km 340 kg Operational

Prithvi-I SRBM 150 km 1000 kg Operational

Prithvi-II SRBM 250 km 500 kg Operational

Prithvi-III SRBM 350 km 500 kg Operational

Sagarika (missile) SLBM 700 km - 2,200 km 150 kg - 1000 kg Under Development

Shaurya TBM 700 km - 2,200 km 150 kg - 1,000 kg Under Development

17/4/2011