Science and Technology

Defence
Defence
After independence Ministry of Defence was created under the charge of a Cabinet Minister, and,
each Service was placed under its own Commander-in-Chief.

In 1955, the Commanders-in-Chief were renamed as the Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of the
Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff. In November 1962, a Department of Defence
Production was set up to deal with research, development and production of defence equipment.

In November 1965, the Department of Defence Supplies was created for planning and execution of
schemes for import substitution of defence requirements.

These two Departments were later merged to form the Department of Defence Production and
Supplies. In 2004, the name of Department of Defence Production and Supplies was changed to
Department of Defence Production. In the year 1980, the Department of Defence Research and
Development was created.

While In 2004, the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare was created. Another Department i.e.
Department of Military Affairs was created in December 2019. The Defence Secretary functions
as head of the Department of Defence and is additionally responsible for coordinating the activities
of the five Departments in the Ministry.
Missiles

A missile is also referred to as a guided missile in military jargon. A guided

missile is a self-propelled flying weapon that is typically driven by a fighter jet
engine or rocket motor.
Ballistic Missile vs. Cruise Missile
The terms ‘ballistic missile’ and ‘cruise missile’ appear in news articles wherever there is a missile
test.

Ballistic Missile
● A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a
predetermined target.
● A ballistic trajectory is the path of an object that is launched but has no active propulsion
during its actual flight (these weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods of
flight).
● Consequently, the trajectory is fully determined by a given initial velocity, effects of gravity,
air resistance, and motion of the earth (Coriolis Force).
Types of ballistic missiles based on the range
● Short-range (tactical) ballistic missile (SRBM): Range between 300 km and 1,000 km.
● Medium-range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM): 1,000 km to 3,500 km.
● Intermediate-range (Long-Range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM): 3,500 km and
5,500 km.
● Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): 5,500 km +
 Cruise missile
● A cruise missile is a guided missile (target has to be pre-set) used against terrestrial targets.
● It remains in the atmosphere throughout its flight.
● It flies the major portion of its flight path at approximately constant speed.
● Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision.
● Modern cruise missiles are capable of travelling at supersonic or high subsonic speeds, are
self-navigating, and are able to fly on a non-ballistic, extremely low-altitude trajectory.

Types of cruise missiles based on speed:

● Hypersonic (Mach 5): these missiles would travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach
5). E.g. BrahMos-II.
● Supersonic (Mach 2-3): these missiles travel faster than the speed of sound. E.g. BrahMos.
● Subsonic (Mach 0.8): these missiles travel slower than the speed of sound. E.g. Nirbhay.
Tactical Nuclear missiles vs Strategic nuclear missiles

SALT

START

NEW START

https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/USRussiaNuclearAgreements
IGMDP
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was launched in 1982-83 by

the Indian Government:

● Prithvi (Short range surface to surface missile)

● Trishul (short range surface to air missile)
● Aakash (Medium range surface to air missile)
● Nag (Third generation anti-tank missile)
● Agni-I
The Prithvi-I is an Indian short-range ballistic missile with a range of 150 km. It is the first in a lineage of indigenous land
and sea-based missiles which includes the Prithvi-II, the ship-launched Dhanush, and the Prithvi Air Defense interceptor.
The Indian Army has withdrawn the Prithvi-I from service and replaced it with the Prahaar missile.

Prithvi II class is also a single-stage liquid-fueled missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg, but
with an extended range of 250 km (160 mi). It was developed with the Indian Air Force being the primary user. It was first
test-fired on 27 January 1996 and the development stages were completed in 2004. This variant has been inducted into the
army as well. In a test, the missile was launched with an extended range of 350 km (220 mi) and had improved navigation
due to an inertial navigation system. The missile features measures to deceive anti-ballistic missiles.

Prithvi III class is a two-stage SURFACE-to-SURFACE missile. The first stage is solid fueled with a 16 metric ton force (157 kN)
thrust motor. The second stage is liquid-fueled. The missile can carry a 1,000 kg warhead to a distance of 350 km (220 mi)
and a 500 kg warhead to a distance of 600 km (370 mi) and a 250 kg warhead up to a distance of 750 km
Dhanush is a variant of the surface-to-surface or ship-to-ship Prithvi III missile, which has been developed for the

Indian Navy. It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads with payload capacity of 500

kg-1000 kg and can strike targets in the range of 350 km. Range- 350 km, naval variant of the Prithvi II

Trishul is the name of a short range surface-to-air missile developed by India as a part of the Integrated Guided

Missile Development Program. It has a range of 12 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg warhead. Designed to be used

against low-level (sea skimming) targets at short range, the system has been developed to defend naval vessels

against missiles and also as a short-range surface-to-air missile on land.

Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 30 km.

Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and tested in 1989. After

its success, Agni missile program was separated from the IGMDP upon realizing its strategic importance. It was

designated as a special program in India’s defence budget and provided adequate funds for subsequent

development. As of November 2019, the missiles in the Agni series are being inducted into service.
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India is the authority responsible for command, control and operational decisions

regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme.

On 4 January 2003, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) constituted the Political Council and the Executive Council of the

NCA. The Executive Council gives its opinion to the Political Council, which authorises a nuclear attack when deemed necessary.

While the Executive Council is chaired by the National Security Advisor (NSA), the Political Council is chaired by the Prime

Minister. This mechanism was implemented to ensure that Indian nukes remain firmly in civilian control and that there exists a

sophisticated Command and Control (C2) mechanism to prevent their accidental or unauthorised use.

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), sometimes called Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of India’s Nuclear Command

Authority (NCA). It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons

stockpile.[

The directives of the NCA are to be operationalised by the Strategic Forces Command under the control of a CDS in charge of the

management and administration of the tactical and strategic nuclear forces.

The Defence Planning Committee was notified by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in April 2018, the National Security

Adviser (NSA) was appointed as the chairperson of the committee, with the chairperson, Foreign Secretary, Defence

Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, and expenditure

secretaries of Ministry of Finance being its members and the chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) being its

member-secretary, the NSA was also given the mandate to co-opt members as they see fit.

According to the notification issued by Indian Government the DPC will have several mandates namely to

1. Prepare a draft National Security Strategy.

2. Develop a capability development plan.
3. Work on defence diplomacy issues.
4. Improving defence manufacturing ecosystem in India

Defence Space Agency The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is a tri-service agency of the Indian Armed Forces.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The agency is tasked with operating the space-warfare and Satellite

Intelligence assets of India. The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.
Agni Missiles:
Name Type Range Payload in kg

Agni-I MRBM 700 – 900 km 1,000

Agni-II MRBM 2,000 – 3,000 km 750 – 1,000

Agni-III IRBM 3,500 – 5,000 km 2,000 – 2,500

Agni-IV IRBM 3,000 – 4,000 km 800 – 1,000

Agni-V ICBM 5,000 – 8,000 km (Testing) 1,500 (3 – 10

MIRV)

Agni-VI ICBM 8,000 – 10,000 km (Under 1,000 (10 MIRV)

development)
The Chief of Defence Staff
The Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces (CDS) is the head of the military staff of the
Indian Armed Forces and the chief executive of the Department of Military Affairs. As the
highest-ranking serving officer in the Indian Armed Forces, the CDS is the commanding officer and
chairperson of the Joint Commanders and Staff Committee – making him the chief military adviser to
the government of India and the Ministry of Defence.

As the professional head of the armed forces, the Chief of Defence Staff is also aided by the newly
formed office of Vice Chief of Defence Staff, the nation’s second highest ranking military officer,
and the three chiefs of staff of the army, navy and air force, who are the leaders of each respective
branch.

Lt General Anil Chauhan appointed next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)

● In March 2019, India successfully tested its ASAT missile.

● The ASAT missile destroyed a live satellite in Low Earth orbit
(283-kilometre).
● As per DRDO, the missile is capable of shooting down targets moving at a
speed of 10 km per second at an altitude as high as 1200 km.
Anti Ballistic Missile Defence System
India’s ballistic missile defence (BMD) program, which began development two decades ago, is reported to be ready for
deployment in a configuration for India’s national capital territory, with future phases to fine-tune and expand capabilities.
At present, the BMD system includes the endo-atmospheric Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor and the
exo-atmospheric Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) systems.

Key facts

● The AAD is part of the two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by the DRDO, the research
and development wing of the Defence Ministry, with the Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
● The endo-atmospheric missile is capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 kms.
● The interceptor is a 7.5-metre long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a
navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
● The second level of the system is the exoo-atmosphere PAD missile. (80kms)
● The interceptor missile has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent
tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.
Mach Number

Mach number expresses the speed of an object in air relative to the speed of sound.
For example, Mach number 6 here implies that the vehicle was moving at six times
the speed of sound.
Velocity zones according to Mach numbers:
Subsonic Mach < 1.0
Transonic Mach ~ 1.0
Supersonic Mach > 1.0
Hypersonic Mach > 5.0
Air-breathing engines
The basic difference between air-breathing systems and others is the material that plays the role of
oxidiser (used to support the combustion of a rocket propellant).

Generally, launch vehicles use combustion of propellants consisting of oxidiser and fuel for deriving
the energy. Air breathing propulsion systems use atmospheric oxygen, which is available up to
about 50 km of earth’s surface to burn the fuel stored on-board thereby making the system much
lighter, more efficient and cost effective.

Types of air-breathing systems: Ramjet, Scramjet and Dual Mode Ramjet

Ramjet Engine: A ramjet is a form of air-breathing jet engine that uses the vehicle’s forward motion to
compress incoming air for combustion without a rotating compressor. Fuel is injected in the
combustion chamber where it mixes with the hot compressed air and ignites.

A ramjet-powered vehicle requires an assisted take-off like a rocket assist to accelerate it to a speed
where it begins to produce thrust.

Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3. However, the ramjet efficiency
starts to drop when the vehicle reaches hypersonic speeds.
Scramjet Engine: A scramjet engine is an improvement over the ramjet
engine as it efficiently operates at hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic
combustion. Thus it is known as Supersonic Combustion Ramjet, or Scramjet.

The Scramjet engine designed by ISRO uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen
from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser.

Dual mode ramjet: It is a type of jet engine where a ramjet transforms into
scramjet over Mach 4-8 range, which means it can efficiently operate both in
subsonic and supersonic combustor modes.
SOLID FUEL DUCTED RAMJET (SFDR) TECHNOLOGY
Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully
flight tested SFDR booster.
SFDR
● It is a missile propulsion system that includes a thrust modulated ducted rocket
with a reduced smoke nozzle-less missile booster.
● First flight of SFDR, developed under a joint Indo-Russian R&D project, was
tested in 2018. It had achieved the speed of Mach 3.
● The system utilises a solid fuelled airbreathing Ramjet Engine.
● Unlike solid-propellant rockets, the Ramjet takes up oxygen from the
atmosphere during flight. Thus, it is light in weight and can carry more fuel.
● Range: Air targets in the ranges from 70 - 340 km.
 GSAT 7 SERIES SATELLITES
Indian Army reportedly tested the operational readiness of its satellite-based systems deployed
across the country under operation ‘Skylight’.

Unlike the Indian Air Force and the Navy, the army currently does not have a dedicated satellite.

Currently, the Army is using 30% of the communication capabilities of the GSAT 7A.

Defence Acquisition Council has cleared an army proposal for a GSAT-7B satellite.

GSAT 7 series satellites

GSAT 7 series satellites are advanced satellites developed by ISRO to meet the communication needs
of the defence services.

GSAT 7 satellite (launched in 2013) is mainly used by the Indian Navy for its communication needs. It
helps the Navy to have a secure, real time communication link.

GSAT 7A (launched in 2018) helps in boosting the connectivity between the ground radar stations,
airbases and the airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) of the IAF (Indian Air Force).

GSAT 7B will primarily fulfil the communication needs of the Army. ✓ It will help the Army enhance
its surveillance in border areas.
BRAHMOS
Recently, Philippines signed a deal for purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles

BrahMos is a universal long range supersonic cruise missile system that can be launched
from land, sea and air against surface and sea-based targets.

BrahMos is a collaboration between India (Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO)) and Russia (NPO Mashinostoyenia).

Name represents Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.

It is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine as first stage and liquid
ramjet as second stage. It operates at fire and forget principle

The range of the missile was originally capped at 290 km as per obligations of the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

Following India’s entry in MTCR in 2016, it was decided to extend the range to 450 km and
to 600 km at a later stage.
Chinese HD-1 supersonic missile is a comprehensive weapon system
consisting of missile, launch, command and control, target indication and
comprehensive support systems.
Tomahawk (used by U.S and its allies) is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic
cruise missile that launches from ships and submarines and can strike targets
precisely from 1,000 miles away.
Israel’s Sea Breaker, the 5th generation long range, autonomous,
precision-guided missile system, is meant to hit high-value maritime and land
target.
P-800 Oniks/Yakhont is a Russian supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles that
has an effective guidance system and is a fire-and-forget missile
S-400

India on track for sanctions waiver from US for buying Russian S-400 missile
system.

S-400 is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system.

Equipped with four different missiles, it can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic
missiles, and Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) planes at 400km,
250km, medium-range 120km and short-range 40km.

It has the capability to engage 80 targets at one time with a response time of
9-10 seconds.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs from

Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun.

ATGM employs a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat

explosive reactive armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles.

Also, it has multi-platform launch capability.

Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

DRDO successfully flight tested the final deliverable configuration of MPATGM.

The indigenously developed anti-tank missile is a low weight, fire & forget
missile and is launched from a man portable launcher, integrated with
thermal sight.

Missile has miniaturized infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics for
on-board control and guidance.
Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

DRDO successfully flight tested indigenously designed and developed

VLSRSAM.

VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system, is to strike aerial threats at close

ranges (40 to 50 km at an altitude of around 15 km), including sea-skimming
targets.

Its design is based on Astra missile, which is a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air
missile.
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)

DRDO successfully completed six flight-tests of QRSAM system.

QRSAM is a short-range surface-to-air missile system, indigenously

designed and developed by the DRDO.

It provides a protective shield to moving armoured columns of the Army from

enemy aerial attacks.

It has a range of 25 to 30 km.

Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile

DRDO conducted a successful test flight of VSHORADS missile.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and

developed indigenously by the DRDO.

It can neutralise low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.

It is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor and incorporates miniaturized

Reaction Control System and integrated avionics.
HELINA

Indigenously developed (by DRDO) helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided

Missile (ATGM) ‘HELINA’ was successfully flight tested.

It is third generation fire and forget class ATGM system mounted on the
Advanced Light Helicopter.

The system has all weather day and night capability.

Astra Mk-I beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles
Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) for
Astra Mk-I missiles. DRDO has transferred technology to BDL to produce these
missiles and associated systems.
BVR missiles can engage beyond the visual range of 37 kilometers.
Air-to-Air missiles are fired from an airborne asset to destroy an airborne
target.
Missile has been designed for deployment on fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 MKI
and Tejas of the IAF and the Mig-29K of Navy.
Pralay Missile

Maiden flight test of Pralay missile was successfully conducted by DRDO.

Indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile.

Has a range of 150-500 kilometres with an accuracy of less than 10 metres.

Has a guidance system that includes state-of-the-art navigation mechanisms

and integrated avionics.
SUBMARINES
Fifth Scorpène-class submarine Vagir was delivered to Navy.

Built under: Six Scorpene submarines are being built indigenously under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under technology transfer from Naval Group of France.

Other 5 are: Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagsheer. Operating Range: anti-warship and
anti-submarine operations, intelligence gathering and surveillance and naval mines laying.

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vagsheer : Vagsheer, sixth and last submarine of Project 75, has been
launched. o Vagsheer is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well as access
denial warfare. P75 is one of two lines of submarines, other being P75I, as part of a plan for
indigenous submarine construction with technology taken from overseas firms. Under P75,
Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela have been commissioned. Sea trials are on for Vagir. Constructed
by: Mazagon Dock Ltd

Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear (SSBNs)

Serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental missiles. Designed specifically for
stealth and precise delivery of nuclear warheads. INS Arihant is India’s SSBN.
Nuclear-Power attack Submarines (SSNs)

Nuclear-powered attack submarine armed with non-nuclear weapons.

Designed to engage in mine warfare, seek out and destroy enemy ships, and
support battle group operations.

Countries currently have nuclear-powered submarines- UK, US, China, Russia,

India and France

Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs)

They have diesel engines. Battery capacity constraints amount of time a diesel
sub can stay underwater, leading to frequent resurfacing. India’s SSKs include
Shishumar Class (from Germany); Kilo Class or Sindhughosh Class (from
Russia); Kalvari Class Scorpene.
INS Vikrant- First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)
INS Vikrant is likely to be commissioned in 2022.

India currently operates a solitary aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya.

Vikrant, a STOBAR (short take-off but arrested landing) aircraft carrier, has an indigenous content of 76%.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, Vikrant has been built at the state-owned Cochin
Shipyard Limited.

Apart from India, only US, UK, Russia, France and China have the capability to build aircraft carriers.

It will operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon-to-be-inducted
MH-60R multi-role helicopter, and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters.

It will provide the ability to project air power over long distances, airborne anti-submarine warfare and airborne
early warning etc.
Project 15 B
Mormugao and Surat ship of Project 15B launched recently.
Project 15B is a continuation of Kolkata class destroyers, which were part of
Project 15A commissioned in the previous decade.
Being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Four ships under Project 15 B are viz. Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and
Surat.
These are stealth guided missile destroyers.
Project 17A
Taragiri and Udaygiri ship of Project 17A Frigates were launched.
These ships are advanced version of P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class).
P17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design
Bureau.
75% of the orders for equipment & system of Project 17A ships are being
placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs.
Project 75(I) Ministry of Defence extended the proposal deadline for six
advanced submarines under Project75(I). Project 75(I) envisages indigenous
construction of six modern conventional submarines with contemporary
equipment, advanced torpedoes etc. It has been cleared under the strategic
partnership model under overall arch of ‘Make in India’.
Kamikaze Drones
Army to induct kamikaze drones in eastern Ladakh. Kamikaze Drones are
small, unmanned aircraft that are packed with explosives that can be flown
directly at a tank or a group of troops that are destroyed when it hits the
target and explodes. Also called Switchblade drones as their bladelike wings
spring out on launch.

Hermes Starliner unmanned system: Israel becomes first country to allow

drones (Hermes Starliner) in civilian airspace. It will allow Hermes Starliner
drone to fly in civilian airspace rather than being restricted to unsegregated
airspace.
Dirty bomb

Russia claimed that Ukraine is planning to use a dirty bomb. Dirty Bomb is a
bomb that contains radioactive material, such as uranium, which is scattered
through the air when its conventional explosive detonates.

It doesn't need to contain highly refined radioactive material, as is used in

a nuclear bomb. Instead, it uses radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear
power stations or research laboratories.

This makes them much cheaper and quicker to make than nuclear weapons.
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) System

Armenia has placed the first export order for India’s Pinaka MBRL.

Pinaka MBRL System is an indigenous rocket system designed and developed

by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO.

It is a mobile rocket launching system (mounted on a Tatra truck) with

maximum range varying from around 40 km (Pinaka Mk-1) to 75 km
(Pinaka-ER or Extended Range).
Butterfly Mines
Russia is accused of using PFM-1, known as butterfly mines, which look like
toys and are therefore dangerous for children.
PFM-1 and PFM-1S are two kinds of anti-personnel landmines that are
commonly referred to as ‘Butterfly mines’ or ‘Green Parrots.
These mines can be deployed by being dropped from helicopters or through
ballistic dispersion.
Anti- personnel mines are banned by international convention on land mines,
but Russia and Ukraine are not signatories to it.
Doubts?