Defence Technology

Indigenous Defence Innovation: Key Technologies used in Operation Sindoor

Context: Operation Sindoor has highlighted India's military might and indigenous weapons. Indigenous development of the defence ecosystem has been made possible by contributions of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and lately by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).  

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about iDEX, Indigenous Defence Technologies (SkyStriker; D-4 Anti-Drone System)

Key Indigenous Technologies used in Operation Sindoor: 

SkyStriker Loitering Munitions: 

  • Suicide drones developed by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies in collaboration with Elbit Systems (Israel).
  • The precision-striking drone can carry a 5-10 kg warhead and has a range of 100 km. 
  • Its electric propulsion system helps reduce noise, making it suitable for covert missions at low altitudes.
  • Cost-effective solution for long-range precision strikes. The drone supports direct aerial fire missions and enhances operational awareness and survivability for ground forces.
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D-4 Anti-Drone System:

  • Anti-drone system developed by DRDO. 
  • Capability to neutralise hostile drones by disrupting GPS signals.
  • Equipped with advanced radar, RF jammers, and laser-based kill mechanisms, the D4 system can disrupt and disable enemy UAVs mid-flight.
  • Can be utilised for other purposes like- real-time battlefield monitoring and surveillance.
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Akashteer

  • Akashteer is an indigenous AI-powered Air Defence System (India’s own Iron Dome). 
  • Designed and manufactured jointly by: DRDO, ISRO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
  • Part of India's overall C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system.
  • Akashteer works in coordination with ISRO satellites and Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC) GPS. 
  • Integrates data from radars and sensors, and provides real-time situational awareness and enables swift responses to aerial threats (drones, missiles, UAVs and other loitering munitions).
  • Through automated detection-and-response mechanisms, Akashteer can neutralise hundreds of incoming threats with unmatched precision. 
  • Its vehicle-based, mobile configuration guarantees flexibility in high-risk areas. 
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Akash Missile Defence System

  • Indigenously developed by DRDO. 
  • Medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
  • Operates on a command-guidance system with datalink for mid-course corrections and switches to active radar homing in the terminal phase.
  • Propulsion: The missile is propelled by an integrated ramjet-rocket engine, allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds (Mach 1.8 to 2.5) throughout its flight.
  • Range: Its range extends up to 25–45 km, with the ability to intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile carries a 60 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead, detonated by a digital proximity fuse for maximum impact.
  • Supported by a sophisticated radar network. Real time multi-sensor data processing enables simultaneous engagement of multiple targets from any direction.
    • Rajendra phased array radar can track up to 64 targets and guide eight missiles simultaneously.
    • 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR) provides long-range surveillance and target acquisition.
  • Akash has evolved over the years, with variants like Akash-1 (25 km range), Akash-NG (up to 30 km with improved guidance), and Akash Prime (up to 35 km, optimised for low-altitude threats).

The Akash’s integration with advanced command-and-control systems like Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) enabled real-time threat neutralisation.

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Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): 

  • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Defence launched in 2018. 
  • It brings together all the key innovation ecosystem actors, including start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutions, and academia, to foster self-reliance in defence technologies.
  • Funding and Management: iDEX is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), a Section 8 company, whose founding members were Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). 
  • iDEX adopts an open innovation approach. E.g., Through Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC), iDEX launches challenges for start-ups to offer solutions to specific technological needs of the Indian Armed Forces. 
  • iDEX has facilitated domestic-global collaboration. E.g., iDEX partners with the US Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit to facilitate joint co-development of innovation between Indian and US start-ups.

Lately, iDEX has accelerated the defence innovation ecosystem in India. It has signed over 350 agreements with start-ups as of June 2024. This approach ensures an alignment between the operational needs of the defence sector and innovative solutions developed.  

What are Harop Drones?

Context: Indian armed forces reportedly deployed Israeli-origin Harop drones to carry out precision strikes on air defence systems in Pakistan as part of their ongoing 'Operation Sindoor'.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about HAROP Drone. 

Harop Drones

About Harop Drone

  • Developed by: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
  • It is a loitering munition - a cross between a drone (UAV) and a missile. This category of weapons loiter in the air close to the designated target. 
  • It is capable of independently identifying and destroying high-value targets, particularly radar systems and air defence platforms. 
  • The drones are launched from canister-based systems mounted on mobile ground vehicles or naval platforms, making them deployable across diverse terrains and suitable for fast, targeted strikes.
  • Designed for deep precision attacks, the Harop can loiter over target zones for up to 9 hours using an electro-optic seeker to locate, identify, and strike from multiple angles. 
  • They cause destruction by crashing into their targets with the explosive payload that they carry, earning names such as “suicide drones” and “kamikaze drones”.
  • Its immunity to satellite jamming (GNSS) and real-time human oversight give it both autonomy and flexibility in complex battlefield environments.

Harop does not only eliminate terror infrastructure but is also capable of degrading Pakistan’s defensive capabilities to prevent further incursions. 

How Air Defence Systems work?

Context: India’s Air Defence Systems have been instrumental in thwarting Pakistani aerial attacks along the western border, amid the ongoing India-Pakistan face-off. Controlling the skies is of paramount importance in modern warfare, and thus air defence systems are vital. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: India’s Air Defence Systems: Types and Working. 

What is the Air Defence System?

  • The primary objective of Air Defence Systems is to eliminate threats from the sky- be it enemy fighter aircraft, unmanned drones, or missiles. A capable and operational air defence system offers protection against enemy air strikes.
  • This is done with the help of a complex system of radar, control centres, defensive fighter aircraft, and ground-based air defence missile, artillery, and electronic warfare systems.

How do Air Defence Systems work?

An air defence system can be sub-categorised into three interlinked operations.

1. Detection: 

  • The ability to detect threats in the first place, is the key to the success of any air defence system. This is typically done by radar. In some cases, such as an enemy launching an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), satellites may be used for detection. 
  • Radar sends out beams of electromagnetic radio waves through a transmitter. These waves are reflected by the objects that they hit (such as an enemy aircraft). A receiver then collects the returning radio waves. Based on which, the radar is able to interfere with the distance of the threat, its speed, and its specific nature (what kind of aircraft/ missile).

2. Tracking: 

  • The efficiency of an air defence system is also determined by its ability to constantly and accurately track an aerial threat. This is typically done using a combination of radar and other sensors such as infrared cameras or laser rangefinders.
  • The air defence system has to identify and track multiple, fast-moving threats in complex and cluttered environments, which may also include friendly aircraft.
  • The accuracy of tracking is crucial for effectively neutralising the enemy without targeting false threats.

3. Interception: 

  • Once the threat has been detected and tracked, it must be neutralised. The specifics of the threat, i.e., its range, type (what kind of missile/ aircraft), speed, etc., determine the ways in which air defences work.

All these three aspects of an air defence system have to work together as a whole. This is called C3 or a “command, control and communication” system in military parlance.

To establish air superiority over enemy territory, the enemy’s air defence systems have to be neutralised. Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) operations target enemy air defences with missiles, EW, bombs, UAVs or even ground attacks. 

How are Targets Intercepted?

Depending on the challenges they foresee, nations utilise a wide assortment of weapons to neutralise aerial threats. These include the following:

1. Fighter Aircraft: 

  • Interceptors are fighters that take on attacking enemy aircraft, especially bombers. These agile aircraft can be scrambled at a moment’s notice, and they climb quickly to altitude and neutralise an enemy aircraft before it deploys its weapons.
  • Interceptors are equipped for air-to-air combat with cannon, rockets, a suite of visual-range and beyond-visual-range missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
  • Aircraft such as MiG-21 (an upgraded variant of which is still in service with the Indian Air Force) were dedicated interceptors; latest fighter aircraft have multirole capabilities. 
  • India can deploy Sukhoi Su-35s, MiG-29s, HAL Tejas, Mig-21 Bisons, and Dassault Rafales for interceptor missions.

2. Surface-To-Air Missiles (SAMs): 

  • SAMs can be used to target enemy fighters, helicopters, and missiles. They are generally radar-guided, infrared-guided, or laser-guided. 
  • In addition to being operated from the ground, SAMs can also be launched from ships. The three unofficial classes of SAMs are:
    • Heavy long-range systems which are fixed or semi-mobile
    • Medium-range vehicle-mounted systems that can fire on the move
    • Short-range man-portable air-defense systems (or MANPADS).
  • India’s arsenal of SAMs include: indigenously-developed medium-range Akash missiles, the medium-to-long range Barak missiles, and the long-range S-400 missiles.

Types of SAMs: Each SAM class has a different function: 

  • Heaviest SAMs: Russian-made S-400 system used by India take on enemy ballistic missiles or aircraft at long range of up to 400 kilometres. 
  • Medium range SAMs have the capability to hit targets in the 50-100 km range but are more mobile, and can be launched in next-to-no time. E.g., Akash Missile System; Akash-NG (New Generation); Barak-8. 
  • MANPADS are used for low-lying targets such as hovering helicopters or drones, or fixed-wing aircraft engaged in ground attack roles. These are far more cost-effective than the other classes, and are also used by non-state actors in unconventional warfare.

3. Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA): 

  • Augmented with automated fire-control systems, they remain crucial last-ditch defences, and are also used for specialised anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) roles.
  • AAA fire shells rapidly, at rates of over 1,000 rounds per minute. AAA shells are designed to explode at pre-determined altitudes so as to disperse shrapnel over a wide area. This makes an AAA battery effective even if it does not achieve a direct hit.

4. Electronic Warfare (EW): 

  • EW systems are designed to disrupt, deceive, or destroy threats using the power of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • EW is most often used to jam enemy radar and targeting systems, so as to impede its ability to accurately and effectively deploy its weapon. EW can confuse attack drones or prevent enemy air-to-surface missiles from homing in on targets.
  • E.g.,
    • DRDO’s Netra AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control).  
    • DRDO’s Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite 'Shakti' for Indian Naval Ships.

Also Read: S-400 Missile System: India's Sudarshan Chakra 

Establishing air superiority allows an Air Force to operate with a degree of impunity, and without fear of attrition in bombing, tactical air support, paratroop insertion, or supply-drop missions. 

India’s Precision-guided Long Range Weapons

Context: Amid ongoing India-Pakistan face-off, India is using new-age weapons to carry-out precision strikes to hit terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Precision-guided Long Range Weapons. 

India’s Precision-guided Long Range Weapons

Indian military has built up a formidable arsenal of new-age weapons that includes a range of precision-guided long-range weapons and drones, including loitering munitions. Some examples include: 

1. HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range):

  • Air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system for the Rafale fighter aircraft.
  • Built by: Safran Group, France
  • Range of up to 70 km. Integrated with Rafale fighter Aircraft. 
  • Autonomous guidance system (Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and laser).
  • Used for precision strikes against a range of targets in medium-range tactical operations.
  • Can be launched from low altitude over rough terrain.
  • Can also be fitted to bombs and various guided systems.
  • All-weather and insensitive to jamming.

2. SCALP (SCALP-EG or Storm Shadow):

  • Air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range deep strikes. 
  • Manufactured by: MBDA (European multinational group)
  • Range of 450 km. Has stealth features. Can be operated at night and in all weather conditions. 
  • Integrated with Rafale fighter Aircraft. 
  • Difficult to detect due to its low-flying capability when fired from an aircraft. Can penetrate bunkers and ammunition stores.
  • Has advanced and highly accurate navigation system, which uses Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and terrain referencing.

3. METEOR:

  • Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) system designed to deliver unmatched performance in complex electronic-warfare environments.
  • Manufactured by: MBDA (European multinational group)
  • Equipped with a solid-fuel ramjet engine. Sustains thrust throughout the flight, unlike conventional rocket-powered missiles. 
  • Offers the largest ‘No Escape Zone’ of any air-to-air missile system (i.e., a much greater area within which the target cannot evade the missile).
  • Range over 100 kilometres. Integrated into Rafale aircrafts. Highly resistant to jamming. 

4. BRAHMOS:

  • Supersonic cruise missiles built by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
  • Range: ~450 km (earlier 290 km) 
  • Operates at close to Mach 3 speed in the cruise phase, which ensures reduced flight time, lower dispersion of targets, and quicker engagement time and non-interception.
  • Operates on a ‘Fire and Forget Principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target.
  • Terminal Altitude: 10- 15 km
  • The missile carries a conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kg.

5. Loitering Munitions:

  • Used for surveillance and identification of targets. 
  • Can carry out precision strikes, autonomously or otherwise.
  • Range: 30-100 km
  • E.g., SkyStriker (Israeli-origin)

DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor for over 1000 seconds. Earlier, DRDO had successfully conducted the ground test of the scramjet engine for 120 seconds. This marks a significant milestone in development of scramjet-powered hypersonic technology.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Hypersonic Missiles; Scramjet Engine. 

What are Hypersonic Missiles?

  • Hypersonic Missiles are a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5.
  • Key Features: 
    • Speed: Over Mach 5 (five times speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hr)
    • Manoeuvrability: Hypersonic missiles can change course mid-air, making it very difficult for an interceptor to intercept it.
    • Altitude: Travels at relatively lower altitudes than a conventional missile, thereby, evading detection by radar.
    • Thus, they have the potential to bypass existing Air Defence Systems and deliver rapid and high-impact strikes.
  • Engine: The key to hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets engines which are capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds.
  • Several nations including the USA, Russia, India and China are actively pursuing Hypersonic technology. 

What is a Scramjet Engine?

  • Scramjets are air-breathing engines capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without the need for any moving parts (functions without turbines or compressors).
  • The Scramjet engine designed by ISRO uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser.
  • Working:
    • A scramjet engine collects oxygen from the atmosphere (rather than carrying an oxidiser) as it is travelling, and mixes the oxygen with its hydrogen fuel.
    • Combustion occurs at supersonic speed (exceeding Mach 1), needed for hypersonic travel of the missile. 
scramjet

Recent successful ground test by DRDO

The ground test of the scramjet combustor showcased several notable achievements like successful ignition and stable combustion.

  • Stable combustion:
    • Ignition in a scramjet engine is like ‘keeping a candle lit in a hurricane.’
    • Scramjet combustor incorporates an innovative flame stabilisation technique that holds continuous flame inside the combustor with airspeed of over 1.5 km per second.
  • Scramjet fuel: Endothermic scramjet fuel (central to this breakthrough) was developed for the first time in India jointly by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), and industry.
    • The fuel offers dual benefits of significant cooling improvement and ease of ignition.
  • Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation tools were used for their evaluation and performance prediction.
  • Thermal Barrier Coating: Thermal Barrier Coating was designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight. The coating is applied inside the Scramjet engine using special deposition methods that enhance their performance and longevity.

Significance:  The achievement is a crucial milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic missions. 

Shahastra Shakti: Laser-Directed Energy Weapon system

Context: Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully demonstrated a 30-kilowatt (kW) MKII Laser Directed Energy Weapon system (Sahastra Shakti). It masters the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about the Laser-Directed Energy Weapon system. 

Sahastra Shakti Laser Weapon System (MK-II)

  • Indigenously developed by: DRDO 
  • The 30-kilowatt laser weapon system uses six 5 kW high-energy laser beams to damage or destroy enemy targets. 
  • Designed to: counter aerial threats such as drones, swarm UAVs, and helicopters within a range of 5 kilometers. It can be used to destroy enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.
  • Effective Range: Up to 5 kilometres (under current test conditions)
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Key Features

  • It is equipped with a 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor enabling precision targeting of aerial threats.
  • It offers instantaneous engagement and low per-shot cost, making them ideal for neutralising low-Radar Cross Section threats (like drones and incoming munitions).
  • It features advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including jamming communication and satellite signals.
  • It can be adapted for both ground-based and shipborne applications.

Working of Sahastra Shakti Laser Weapon System

The Sahastra Shakti laser weapon system is mounted on two 4×4 vehicles. 

  • The first vehicle carries a Command and Control unit (C2): It is equipped with an electro-optical (EO) targeting and tracking system which ensures real-time 360 degree tracking and targeting of airborne threats. 
  • The second vehicle houses the Beam Control Unit: It directs the powerful laser beam toward the target based on the inputs from C2. 

Significance: 

  • The low-cost alternative reduces the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage. It significantly enhances India’s counter-drone and air defence capabilities.
  • The success has put India in the exclusive club of nations (US, Russia and China) which have the high-power Laser-DEW system.

The advancement aligns with global trends emphasising high-power lasers for missile defense and counter-drone operations. It strengthens India's position in modern warfare.  

Centre approves deal to procure 26 Rafale-M jets from France

Context: India and France formally concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement valued at nearly ₹64,000 crore to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy in April 2025. Deliveries are set to begin from mid-2028 and likely to be completed by 2030.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Rafale-M fighter jets.

Major Highlights of the deal

  • The deal includes 22 single-seater jets that can operate from aircraft carriers, and 4 twin-seater trainer jets which are not carrier-compatible. 
  • The delivery of the jets will begin three-and-a-half years after the contract is signed and is expected to be completed in about six- and-a-half years. 
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Rafale-M Fighter Jet

  • Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole 4.5th generation fighter aircraft. Designed and built by: Dassault Aviation (France)
  • Omnirole aircraft, i.e., it can conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions simultaneously. 
  • Designed for: Maritime strike, air defence and reconnaissance missions. Capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
  • Combat Range: 780 kms - 1850 kms
  • Armed with: 
    • Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles (70 km range)
    • MICA air-to-air missiles (70 km range)
    • Meteor air-to-air missiles (120-150 km strike range)
    • Scalp air-to-ground cruise missile (>300 km range) 

Note: Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets, acquired under a ₹60,000-crore deal signed in September 2016. Due to modifications, the Rafale M is slightly heavier than the IAF Rafale.

Significance: 26 Rafale-M fighter jets will operate from INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers and bolster Indian Navy’s capabilities. At present, the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant operate with the Russian Mikoyan MiG-29K fighter aircraft.

Gaurav - Glide Bomb designed by DRDO

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from the Sukhoi aircraft. During the trials,  Gaurav demonstrated its capabilities by hitting a target at a range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Gaurav - Long Range Glide Bomb.

Gaurav - Glide Bomb designed by DRDO

About Gaurav

  • It is an air-launched one-thousand-kilogram class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distances. 
  • After launch, the bomb navigates towards its target using a precise hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS data.
  • It has been designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

About glide bomb

  • It is a stand-off bomb/weapon that uses aerodynamic surfaces to extend its range and accuracy compared to a conventional gravity bomb.
  • It's released from an aircraft at a distance from the target.
  • It has control surfaces, such as wings or fins, that allow them to glide and adjust their path, following a flatter trajectory than a traditional bomb, often guided by GPS, laser, or other targeting systems.
  • It allows aircraft to stay out of the range of enemy defences while still delivering a precision strike.

India Successfully Test-Fires VLSRSAM

Context: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the indigenously-developed Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM), in collaboration with the Indian Navy at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur, Odisha.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about VLSRSAM (Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile). 

About VLSRSAM

  • VLSRSAM (Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile) is a ship-borne surface-to-air missile.
  • Designed To: Neutralise airborne threats including- aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other incoming missiles, particularly at short ranges.

Key details of VLSRSAM:

  • Launch Mode: Fired from a land-based vertical launcher.
  • Weight: ~170 kg, and is powered by a solid propellant.
  • Maximum speed: Mach 4.5
  • Maximum altitude: 16 km, and has a range sufficient to engage high-speed targets.
  • Guidance System:
    • Mid-course phase: Uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system, ensuring stable flight towards the target.
    • Terminal phase: Switches to active radar homing for precise target acquisition and guidance. Can engage targets with high accuracy even at low altitudes.

Recent Successful flight-Test

  • Near-Boundary-Low Altitude Capability: Demonstrated the missile’s ability to operate effectively at low altitudes.
  • Technological aspects: The missile successfully destroyed the target, exhibiting:
    • High turn rate for engaging close-range threats.
    • Pin-point accuracy and reliability in operation.
  • Key components tested: Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker; Multi-Function Radar; Weapon Control System. All elements performed as expected in combat configuration.

Significance:

  • Tested for reliability and accuracy. Demonstrates agility and precision in targeting, making it highly effective against fast-moving, low-flying aerial threats. 
  • Force multiplier for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing its air defence capabilities, particularly in protecting high-value assets in the maritime domain.
  • Enhances India's self-reliance in defence technology. 

NAMIS (Tracked) Anti-Tank Weapon Platform

Context: The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited  for the acquisition of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version of the anti-tank weapon platform. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: NAMIS (Tr) anti-tank weapon platform.

NAMIS (Tracked)

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  • NAMIS (Tracked) is a sophisticated anti-tank weapon system, which serves as a mobile platform to launch Nag anti-tank guided missiles. 
  • Purpose: To greatly enhance the Mechanised Infantry's strength and enhance Indian Army’s operational readiness across a varied spectrum of operations. 
  • Developed by: Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDO).

Key Features of NAMIS (Tr):

  • Armed with Nag ATGM: It is equipped with Nag missile, an all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). It can deploy multiple Nag missiles in succession. 
  • Thermal Imaging: It is equipped with an advanced sighting system to engage targets even in low visibility conditions and for enhanced firepower and lethality.

Significance: The system is part of India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to bolster indigenous capabilities in military technology. 

Also Read: Anti-tank guided missile Nag Mark-2 

China’s PLA deploys AI tool DeepSeek

Context: Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its military operations particularly in non-combat support roles.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: Applications of AI in Defence. 

Applications of AI in Military Operations: 

  • AI in Military Healthcare: DeepSeek’s large language model (LLM) is being used in PLA hospitals, armed Police (PAP) and national defence mobilisation units to provide:
    • treatment plan suggestions to doctors.
    • healthcare of senior Chinese officials and military officers.
  • AI in Military Training: 
    • As a support tool to assist military commanders, rather than autonomously making battlefield decisions. 
    • Assisting in physical training programs, and exercise plan creation for paramilitary forces.
  • AI in Psychological Support: Psychological counseling to help soldiers cope with stress and anxiety.

Future Prospects:

  • Analysts predict that AI models like DeepSeek will soon be used for:
    • Battlefield intelligence gathering and surveillance.
    • Real-time data processing for enhanced situational awareness.
    • Improving combat strategy through predictive analysis and decision-making support.
  • PLA has already explored AI for drone swarm tactics, pilot training simulations, and combat scenario analysis.

Also Read: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Defence 

Advantages of DeepSeek:

  • Low-cost AI model: making it more accessible than competitors like ChatGPT.
  • Lower computational requirements: making it more scalable for military and civilian uses.
  • Indigenously built by China: ensures data security by storing and processing information on local servers, and reducing external cybersecurity threats.

Tavasya: India’s Advanced Indigenous Frigate launched

Context: Recently, Goa Shipyard Limited has launched Tavasya, an indigenous frigate boosting India's Naval power with advanced weaponry and stealth features. 

Relevance of the topic : Prelims : About Tavashya, INS Tushil, INS Tamal.

About Tavasya

  • Tavasya is a Krivak-class (Talwar-class) stealth frigate built domestically at Goa Shipyard Ltd.  (GSL) with technology transfer from Russia. 
  • It is the second locally-built frigate under the 2016 India-Russia defence cooperation under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates. 
  • Key features:
    • Length: 124.8 metres
    • Maximum speed: 28 knots
    • Equipped to conduct offensive and defensive tasks. 
    • Designed for multi-role operations: naval warfare capabilities across air, surface, and sub-surface domains.  
    • Warship features stealth capabilities, new weapons, sensors, and platform management systems.  
Tavasya

What are Stealth Frigates ?

  • A frigate is a medium-sized warship used by the Navy for escorting larger vessels, patrolling, and combat operations.
  • A "stealth frigate" is designed with advanced stealth technology to minimise its radar cross-section and overall visibility to enemy detection systems, making it harder to detect by radar, visual, sonar, and infrared methods. 

Krivak-class Frigates: 

  • Krivak-class frigates are a series of multi-role warships originally designed by Russia. 
  • India operates its variant called the Talwar-class frigates, customised for the Indian Navy. 
  • In October 2016, under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement to procure four additional Krivak-class frigates.
    • Two were to be imported from Russia, while two were to be built in India at GSL, Goa under technology transfer. 
    • Built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned 2024), INS Tamal (to be commissioned in 2025)
    • Built in India: INS Triput (launched 2024), INS Tavasya (launched 2025). 

The achievement underscores India’s growing technological prowess in naval warfare and marks progress in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in warship construction.  

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Strategic Importance 

  1. Strengthening India’s Naval Power – These stealth frigates enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  2. Push for Self-Reliance (Atma Nirbhar Bharat) – Technology transfer from Russia helps develop India's shipbuilding industry.
  3. India-Russia Defence Ties – Despite geopolitical shifts (Russia-Ukraine war, US sanctions on Russia), India continues its strong defence cooperation with Russia.
  4. Strategic Importance – The frigates are crucial for India’s maritime security, countering China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific

The launch of Tavasya is a defining moment in India’s naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance. The successful localization of these warships highlights India’s progress in Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, reducing reliance on foreign defence imports and enhancing national security

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