HEAVY VEHICLES FACTORY-----AVADI
AKASH----MEDIUM RANGE MULTI TARGET SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE
DEFENCE SERVICES STAFF COLLEGE-----WELLINGTON
the following has taken over as the Chief of Integrated
Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) from Vice Admiral
SPS Cheema?
[A]Naresh Chandra Marwah
Army
General of india--
Agni-II
launch was successfully executed by Army’s Strategic Forces
Command (SFC).
The
Missile after its launch from the Wheeler Island travelled more than 2,000
km
in 700 seconds and hit the target area in Bay of Bengal accurately.
It
is nuclear-capable missile which can carry warheads of one tonne.
The
success of the launch marks the preparedness of the Army to handle it
independently.
The
Ministry of Defence announced a penalty of 20 % to be imposed on foreign
military
vendors who are ubable to fulfill offsets obligation within the prescribed time
frame
as part of the Defence Procurement Procedure.
·
No cap on penalty for inability to implement offset obligations during the
period
exceeding
the main procurement contract, which can extend to a maximum period
of
two years.
·
Vendors signing deals over Rs 300 crore have to re-invest at least 30 % of the
worth
of the contract back into Indian defense, civil aerospace and homeland
security
sector.
| Name | Class | Range | Payload | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | SRBM | 700 km | 1,000 kg | Operational |
| Agni-II | MRBM | 2,000 km - 3,000 km | 500 kg - 1,000 kg | Operational |
| Agni-III | IRBM | 5,000 km | 2,490 kg | Operational |
| Agni-IV | MRBM | 3,000 km - 3,800 km | 500 kg - 1,500 kg | Induction by 2014-15 |
| Agni-V | ICBM | 5,000 km - 6,000 km | 1500 kg+ | Induction by 2014-15 |
| Agni-VI | ICBM | 5,200 km - 10,000 km | 700 kg - 1,400 kg | Under development |
| Dhanush | SRBM | 350 km | 500 kg | Developed but not used |
| Nirbhay | Subsonic Cruise Missile | 1,000 km | ? | Under development |
| Brahmos I | Supersonic Cruise Missile | 290 km | 300 kg | Operational |
| Brahmos II | Hypersonic Cruise Missile | 290 km | 300 kg | Under development |
| 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 (K-15) | SLBM | 700 km - 2,200 km | 150 kg - 1000 kg | Awaiting Arihant SSBN's |
| K-4 | SLBM | 3,500 km | 150 kg - 1000 kg | Under trials |
| Shaurya | TBM | 700 km - 2,200 km | 150 kg - 1,000 kg | Operational |
- Short range surface-to-surface missile (code-named Prithvi)
- Short range low-level surface-to-air missile (code-named Trishul)
- Medium range surface-to-air missile (code-named Akash) and
- Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named Nag).
India test-fired the first Prithvi missile in 1988, and the Agni missile in 1989, the Missile Technology Control Regime (then
an informal grouping established in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) decided to
restrict access to any technology that would help India in its missile
development program. To counter the MTCR, the IGMDP team formed a consortium of DRDO laboratories,
industries and academic institutions to build these sub-systems,
components and materials. Though this slowed down the progress of the
program, India successfully developed indigenously all the restricted
components denied to it by the MTCR[5].
[edit]Prithvi missile system
Main article: Prithvi missile
| Missile | Type | Warhead | Payload (kg) | Range (km) | Dimension (m) | Fuel/Stages | Weight (kg) | In service | CEP (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prithvi-I | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 1,000 | 150 | 8.55X1.1 | Single stage liquid | 4,400 | 1988 | 30-50 |
| Prithvi-II | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 350-750 | 350 | 8.55X1.1 | Single stage liquid | 4,600 | 1996 | 10-15 |
| Prithvi-III | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 500-1,000 | 350-600 | 8.55X1 | Single stage solid | 5,600 | 2004 | 10-15 |
The Prithvi missile (from Sanskrit पृथ्वी pṛthvī "Earth") is a family of tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles(SRBM)
and is India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile.
Development of the Prithvi began in 1983, and it was first test-fired on
February 25, 1988 from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre, Pottisreeramulu
Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km.
The land variant is called Prithvi while the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class missiles are codenamed Dhanush (meaning Bow). Both variants are used for surface targets.
The Prithvi is said to have its propulsion technology derived from the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.[6] Variants
make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a
battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a
tactical nuclear weapon.
The
initial project framework of the IGMDP envisioned the Prithvi missile
as a short-range ballistic missile with variants for the Indian Army,
Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.[7] Over the years the Prithvi missile
specifications have undergone a number of changes. The Prithvi I class
of missiles were inducted into the Indian Army in 1994, while Prithvi II
with an extended range were being inducted in 2006. Prithvi III class has a longer-range of 350 km, and was successfully test fired in 2004.[8]
[edit]Agni missile system
Main article: Agni missile system
| Missile | Project | Type | Warhead | Payload (kg) | Range (km) | Dimension (m) | Fuel/Stages | Weight (kg) | In service | CEP (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,000 | 700-800 | 15X1 | Single stage solid | 12,000 | 2002 | 25 |
| Agni-II | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 750-1,000 | 2,000-3,000 | 20X1 | Two and half stage solid | 16,000 | 1999 | 30 |
| Agni-III | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 2,000-2,500 | 3,500-5,000 | 17X2 | Two stage solid | 44,000 | 2011 | 40 |
| Agni-IV | Agni-IV | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 800-1,000 | 3,000-3,500 | 20X1 | Two stage solid | 17,000 | Tested | |
| Agni-V | Agni-V | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,500 (3-10 MIRV) | 5,500-5,800 | 17X2 | Three Stage solid | 50,000 | Tested | |
| Agni-VI | Agni-VI | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,000 (10 MIRV) | 8,000 - 10,000[9] | 40X1.1[9] | Three Stage solid | 55,000[9] | Under Development |
The Agni missile (Sanskrit: अग्नि, Agnī, root of English ignite) is a family of Medium to Intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by DRDO of India.
The initial Technology demonstrator version had a range of 1500 km but
were based on a solid and a liquid stage making for long preparation
before firing. Learning from this the production variants of Agni are
solid fuel based to allow for swift retaliation against adversaries.[10] Indian
government stated in its official press release that its nuclear and
missile development programmes are not Pakistan-centric. That the
Pakistani threat is only a marginal factor in New Delhi's security
calculus and Agni is at the heart of deterrence in the larger context of
Sino-Indian equation.[11] Missiles of Agni series are developed byDRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
While the Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III were developed under the IGMDP, Agni-IV, Agni-V and Agni-VI are
under development as independent projects pursuant to the policy
changes made by the DRDO after the end of the IGMDP in 2008.
[edit]Trishul missile system
Trishul (Sanskrit: त्रिशूल, meaning trident) 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 9 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. Guidance consists of three different guiding beams, with the
guidance handed over progressively to a narrower beam as the missile
approaches the target.
According
to reports, the range of the missile is 12 km and is fitted with a
15 kg warhead. The weight of the missile is 130 kg. The length of the
missile is 3.1 m.[12]
Development costs of the missile touched almost US$70 million to the taxpayers.
India officially shut the down Trishul Missile project on February 27, 2008.[13] The
program, one of the five missiles being developed by Defense Research
and Development Organization as part of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program, has been shelved. Defence Minister George Fernandes
indicated this in Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament), when he said
the Trishul missile had been de-linked from user service, though it
would be continued as a technology demonstrator.[14]
[edit]Akash missile system
Main article: Akash missile
Akash (Sanskrit: आकाश meaning Sky)
is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India's
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program to achieve
self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles. It is the most
expensive missile project ever undertaken by the Union government in the
20th century. Development costs skyrocketed to almost US$120 million which is far more than other similar systems.[13]
Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 30 km. It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.8 metres. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5.
It can reach an altitude of 18 km. A digital proximity fuse is coupled
with a 55 kg pre-fragmented warhead, while the safety arming and
detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A
self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by a solid
fuelled booster stage. The missile has a terminal guidance system
capable of working through electronic countermeasures. The entire Akash SAM system allows for attacking multiple targets (up to 4 per Battery). The Akash missile's use of ramjet propulsion system allows it to maintain its speed without deceleration, unlike the Patriot missiles.[15] The missile is supported by a multi-target and multi-function phased array fire control radar called the 'Rajendra' with a range of about 80 km in search, and 60 km in terms of engagement.[16]
The
missile is completely guided by the Radar, without any active guidance
of its own. This allows it greater capability against jamming as the
aircraft self protection jammer would have to work against the high
power Rajendra, and the aircraft being attacked is not alerted by any
terminal seeker on the Akash itself.
Design of the missile is similar to that of the SA-6 with
four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For
pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on
mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons
are mounted before the tail. However, internal schema shows a completely
modernised layout, including an Onboard computer with special optimized
trajectories, and an all digital Proximity fuse.
The Akash system meant for the Army uses the T-72 tank
chassis for its launcher and radar vehicles. The Rajendra derivative
for the Army is called the Battery Level Radar-III. The Air Force
version uses an Ashok Leyland truck platform to tow the missile launcher, while the Radar is on a BMP-2 chassis
and is called the Battery Level Radar-II. In either case, the launchers
carry three ready-to-fire Akash missiles each. The launchers are
automated, autonomous and networked to a command post and the guidance
radar. They are slewable in azimuth and elevation. The Akash system can
be deployed by rail, road or air.
The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997.
The IAF has initiated the process to induct the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles developed
as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The
Multiple target handling capability of Akash weapon system was
demonstrated by live firing in a C4I environment during the trials. Two
Akash missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous
engagement mode in 2005 itself. The Akash System's 3-D central
acquisition radar (3-D car) group mode performance was then fully
established.[17][18]
In December,2007 Indian Air Force completed
user trials for the Akash missile system. The trials, which were spread
over ten days were successful and the missile hit its target on all
five occasions. Before the ten day trial at Chandipur, the Akash
system's ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air force
base while mobility trials for the system vehicles were carried out at
Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the
Akash's consistency in engaging targets. The following trials were
conducted: Against low flying near range target, long range high
altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of
two missiles from the same launcher against a low altitude receding
target.[19] Following
this, the IAF declared that it would initiate the induction of 2
squadrons strength (each squadron with 2 batteries) of this missile
system, to begin with. Once deliveries are complete, further orders
would be placed to replace retiring SA-3 GOA (Pechora) SAM systems.[20][21] In
February 2010, the Indian Air Force ordered six more squadrons of the
Akash system, taking orders to eight of the type. The Indian Army is
also expected to order the Akash system.
[edit]Nag missile system
Main article: Nag Missile
Nag (Sanskrit: नाग meaning cobra) is India's third generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile. It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 3 to 7 km.
The missile uses an 8 kg tandem HEAT warhead capable of defeating modern armour including ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) and composite armour.
Nag uses Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) guidance with day and night
capability. Mode of launch for the IIR seeker is LOBL (Lock On Before
Launch). Nag can be mounted on an infantry vehicle; a helicopter
launched version will also be available with integration work being
carried out with the HAL Dhruv.
Separate
versions for the Army and the Air Force are being developed. For the
Army, the missiles will be carried by specialist carrier vehicles
(NAMICA-Nag Missile Carrier) equipped with a thermal imager for target
acquisition. NAMICA is a modified BMP-2 IFV licence
produced as "Sarath" in India. The carriers are capable of carrying
four ready-to-fire missiles in the observation/launch platform which can
be elevated with more missiles available for reload within the carrier.
For the Air Force, a nose-mounted thermal imaging system has been
developed for guiding the missile's trajectory. The missile has a
complete fiberglass structure and weighs around 42 kg.
Nag was test fired for the 45th time on March 19, 2005 from the Test Range at Ahmednagar (Maharastra),
signalling the completion of the developmental phase. It will now enter
production phase, subject to user trials and acceptance by the Indian Army.
Further
versions of the missile may make use of an all-weather Milli Metric
Wave (MMW) seeker as an additional option. This seeker has reportedly
been developed and efforts are on to integrate it into the missile.
[edit]Other developments
There were a number of failures and successes, which led to an expansion of the program in the 1990s, to develop the long range Agni missile, a ballistic missile (codenamed Sagarika), which would be the naval version of the Prithvi, and an inter-continental-ballistic-missile (codenamed Surya missile) with a range of 8,000-12,000 km.[22]
In
1998, the Government of India, signed an agreement with Russia to
design, develop, manufacture and market a Supersonic Cruise Missile
System which has been successfully accomplished by 2006. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that
can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. At speeds of
Mach 2.5 to 2.8, it is the world's fastest cruise missile and is about
three and a half times faster than the American subsonic Harpoon cruise
missile. BAPL is contemplating a hypersonic Mach 8 version of the
missile, named as the BrahMos II. BrahMos II will be the first
hypersonic cruise missile and is expected to be ready by 2012-13. The
laboratory testing of the missile has started.[23]
According
to a statement by Dr. S Prahlada (DRDO Director), new missile and
weapons systems would henceforth be developed in five-year programs and
include both Indian private industries as well as foreign partners to
lower costs. Further development work on Nag and Surya missile would continue independently.[24] In addition, the DRDO is
also developing a laser-based weapon system as part of its ballistic
missile defense program to intercept and destroy missiles soon after
they are launched towards the country.[25]
Since
2008, follow on strategic projects are being either pursued singly
(e.g. the Agni project) whereas tactical systems could involve joint
ventures with foreign partners.[26]
India is said to be in the intermediate stages of developing a new cruise missile, Nirbhay (Sanskrit: निर्भय meaning fearless).
The subsonic Nirbhay is said to be 6 m in length with a 520 mm
diameter, weigh 1,000 kg and have a 1,000 km range with a speed of 0.7
mach. The technology demonstrator flight is planned for end-2009.[27]
In
September 2008, Indian scientists developed a path-breaking technology
that has the potential to increase the range of missiles and satellite
launch vehicles by at least 40%.The enhanced range is made possible by
adding a special-purpose coating of chromium metal to the blunt nose
cone of missiles and launch vehicles. This would add-up on the stated
range.[28]
A new tactical missile that will fill the gap between the Pinaka rocket
system and the Prthvi series of missile has been developed. The first
successful test of the missile was carried on 17 July 2011. The 150 km
range missile has been named Prahaar. Each Road mobile launcher is designed to carry six missiles.
recent
recent
Agni-II
launch was successfully executed by Army’s Strategic Forces
Command (SFC).
The
Missile after its launch from the Wheeler Island travelled more than 2,000
km
in 700 seconds and hit the target area in Bay of Bengal accurately.
It
is nuclear-capable missile which can carry warheads of one tonne.
The
success of the launch marks the preparedness of the Army to handle it
independently.
The
Ministry of Defence announced a penalty of 20 % to be imposed on foreign
military
vendors who are ubable to fulfill offsets obligation within the prescribed time
frame
as part of the Defence Procurement Procedure.
·
No cap on penalty for inability to implement offset obligations during the
period
exceeding
the main procurement contract, which can extend to a maximum period
of
two years.
·
Vendors signing deals over Rs 300 crore have to re-invest at least 30 % of the
worth
of the contract back into Indian defense, civil aerospace and homeland
security
sector.
Army Chief of India: Lt General Bikram Singh
The next Army Chief of India will be Lt General Bikram Singh. He will succeed General V.K. Singh, who retires on May 31, 2012.served in multi-nation
UN Peace Keeping Mission in Congo and also as UN Observer in Nicaragua and El Salvador in the 1990s.
Amy chief’s letter to PM leaked
The contents of a letter written by General V.K. Singh to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the lack of
defence preparedness appeared in a national daily. Those close to the General — who was in Kashmir on
Wednesday — deny that the letter was leaked from his office, stressing he had nothing to gain by its
contents being made public. Defence Minister A.K. Antony assured Parliament that the government was committed to
ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
The March 12, 2012 letter from Army Chief to PM says that India’s security may be at risk as tanks are running out of
ammunition; air defence is becoming obsolete; and the infantry lacks critical weapons.
Army recruitment test to go online from 2013
The Indian Army has considered a proposal to hold online written test for recruiting jawans in the
force.
Objective of this Move: For making the recruitment process high-tech and to maintain transparency in the recruitment
processes.
By the end of this year, trial of online written test will be conducted at the Lucknow and Uttarakhand recruitment
offices. If the trial is successful, the format will be applied pan–India in the 2013-14 recruitment process. To get rid of
any kind of bug, the master software has also been prepared at the Lucknow headquarters.
What can be the major issue with this system of recruitment?
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
The Army has inducted the highest Male Recruitment Population (RMP) of 17. 3% from Uttar Pradesh. However, the
main concern is that the youth hailing from villages of U.P. are not much adapted to computers.
SC dismisses PIL challenging appointment of next Army Chief
The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL challenging appointment of Lt. General Bikram Singh as the
next Army Chief as the apex Court did not find any justifiable ground to entertain the petition.
The Supreme Court adjudged that the dismissal of the PIL shall not affect any pending proceedings
against Lt. Gen. Singh and it also observed that the Government had gone through all allegations
against Lt. Gen. Singh before clearing his appointment.
What this dismissal of plea may mean?
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
This dismissal of plea by Supreme Court now clears the way for appointment of Lt. General Bikram Singh as the next
Army Chief.
| Name | Class | Range | Payload | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | SRBM | 700 km | 1,000 kg | Operational |
| Agni-II | MRBM | 2,000 km - 3,000 km | 500 kg - 1,000 kg | Operational |
| Agni-III | IRBM | 5,000 km | 2,490 kg | Operational |
| Agni-IV | MRBM | 3,000 km - 3,800 km | 500 kg - 1,500 kg | Induction by 2014-15 |
| Agni-V | ICBM | 5,000 km - 6,000 km | 1500 kg+ | Induction by 2014-15 |
| Agni-VI | ICBM | 5,200 km - 10,000 km | 700 kg - 1,400 kg | Under development |
| Dhanush | SRBM | 350 km | 500 kg | Developed but not used |
| Nirbhay | Subsonic Cruise Missile | 1,000 km | ? | Under development |
| Brahmos I | Supersonic Cruise Missile | 290 km | 300 kg | Operational |
| Brahmos II | Hypersonic Cruise Missile | 290 km | 300 kg | Under development |
| 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 (K-15) | SLBM | 700 km - 2,200 km | 150 kg - 1000 kg | Awaiting Arihant SSBN's |
| K-4 | SLBM | 3,500 km | 150 kg - 1000 kg | Under trials |
| Shaurya | TBM | 700 km - 2,200 km | 150 kg - 1,000 kg | Operational |
- Short range surface-to-surface missile (code-named Prithvi)
- Short range low-level surface-to-air missile (code-named Trishul)
- Medium range surface-to-air missile (code-named Akash) and
- Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named Nag).
India test-fired the first Prithvi missile in 1988, and the Agni missile in 1989, the Missile Technology Control Regime (then
an informal grouping established in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) decided to
restrict access to any technology that would help India in its missile
development program. To counter the MTCR, the IGMDP team formed a consortium of DRDO laboratories,
industries and academic institutions to build these sub-systems,
components and materials. Though this slowed down the progress of the
program, India successfully developed indigenously all the restricted
components denied to it by the MTCR[5].
[edit]Prithvi missile system
Main article: Prithvi missile
| Missile | Type | Warhead | Payload (kg) | Range (km) | Dimension (m) | Fuel/Stages | Weight (kg) | In service | CEP (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prithvi-I | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 1,000 | 150 | 8.55X1.1 | Single stage liquid | 4,400 | 1988 | 30-50 |
| Prithvi-II | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 350-750 | 350 | 8.55X1.1 | Single stage liquid | 4,600 | 1996 | 10-15 |
| Prithvi-III | Tactical | Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, chemical | 500-1,000 | 350-600 | 8.55X1 | Single stage solid | 5,600 | 2004 | 10-15 |
The Prithvi missile (from Sanskrit पृथ्वी pṛthvī "Earth") is a family of tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles(SRBM)
and is India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile.
Development of the Prithvi began in 1983, and it was first test-fired on
February 25, 1988 from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre, Pottisreeramulu
Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km.
The land variant is called Prithvi while the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class missiles are codenamed Dhanush (meaning Bow). Both variants are used for surface targets.
The Prithvi is said to have its propulsion technology derived from the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.[6] Variants
make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a
battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a
tactical nuclear weapon.
The
initial project framework of the IGMDP envisioned the Prithvi missile
as a short-range ballistic missile with variants for the Indian Army,
Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.[7] Over the years the Prithvi missile
specifications have undergone a number of changes. The Prithvi I class
of missiles were inducted into the Indian Army in 1994, while Prithvi II
with an extended range were being inducted in 2006. Prithvi III class has a longer-range of 350 km, and was successfully test fired in 2004.[8]
[edit]Agni missile system
Main article: Agni missile system
| Missile | Project | Type | Warhead | Payload (kg) | Range (km) | Dimension (m) | Fuel/Stages | Weight (kg) | In service | CEP (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,000 | 700-800 | 15X1 | Single stage solid | 12,000 | 2002 | 25 |
| Agni-II | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 750-1,000 | 2,000-3,000 | 20X1 | Two and half stage solid | 16,000 | 1999 | 30 |
| Agni-III | IGMDP | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 2,000-2,500 | 3,500-5,000 | 17X2 | Two stage solid | 44,000 | 2011 | 40 |
| Agni-IV | Agni-IV | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 800-1,000 | 3,000-3,500 | 20X1 | Two stage solid | 17,000 | Tested | |
| Agni-V | Agni-V | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,500 (3-10 MIRV) | 5,500-5,800 | 17X2 | Three Stage solid | 50,000 | Tested | |
| Agni-VI | Agni-VI | Strategic | Nuclear, HE, penetration, sub-munitions, FAE | 1,000 (10 MIRV) | 8,000 - 10,000[9] | 40X1.1[9] | Three Stage solid | 55,000[9] | Under Development |
The Agni missile (Sanskrit: अग्नि, Agnī, root of English ignite) is a family of Medium to Intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by DRDO of India.
The initial Technology demonstrator version had a range of 1500 km but
were based on a solid and a liquid stage making for long preparation
before firing. Learning from this the production variants of Agni are
solid fuel based to allow for swift retaliation against adversaries.[10] Indian
government stated in its official press release that its nuclear and
missile development programmes are not Pakistan-centric. That the
Pakistani threat is only a marginal factor in New Delhi's security
calculus and Agni is at the heart of deterrence in the larger context of
Sino-Indian equation.[11] Missiles of Agni series are developed byDRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
While the Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III were developed under the IGMDP, Agni-IV, Agni-V and Agni-VI are
under development as independent projects pursuant to the policy
changes made by the DRDO after the end of the IGMDP in 2008.
[edit]Trishul missile system
Trishul (Sanskrit: त्रिशूल, meaning trident) 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 9 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. Guidance consists of three different guiding beams, with the
guidance handed over progressively to a narrower beam as the missile
approaches the target.
According
to reports, the range of the missile is 12 km and is fitted with a
15 kg warhead. The weight of the missile is 130 kg. The length of the
missile is 3.1 m.[12]
Development costs of the missile touched almost US$70 million to the taxpayers.
India officially shut the down Trishul Missile project on February 27, 2008.[13] The
program, one of the five missiles being developed by Defense Research
and Development Organization as part of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program, has been shelved. Defence Minister George Fernandes
indicated this in Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament), when he said
the Trishul missile had been de-linked from user service, though it
would be continued as a technology demonstrator.[14]
[edit]Akash missile system
Main article: Akash missile
Akash (Sanskrit: आकाश meaning Sky)
is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India's
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program to achieve
self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles. It is the most
expensive missile project ever undertaken by the Union government in the
20th century. Development costs skyrocketed to almost US$120 million which is far more than other similar systems.[13]
Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 30 km. It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.8 metres. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5.
It can reach an altitude of 18 km. A digital proximity fuse is coupled
with a 55 kg pre-fragmented warhead, while the safety arming and
detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A
self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by a solid
fuelled booster stage. The missile has a terminal guidance system
capable of working through electronic countermeasures. The entire Akash SAM system allows for attacking multiple targets (up to 4 per Battery). The Akash missile's use of ramjet propulsion system allows it to maintain its speed without deceleration, unlike the Patriot missiles.[15] The missile is supported by a multi-target and multi-function phased array fire control radar called the 'Rajendra' with a range of about 80 km in search, and 60 km in terms of engagement.[16]
The
missile is completely guided by the Radar, without any active guidance
of its own. This allows it greater capability against jamming as the
aircraft self protection jammer would have to work against the high
power Rajendra, and the aircraft being attacked is not alerted by any
terminal seeker on the Akash itself.
Design of the missile is similar to that of the SA-6 with
four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For
pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on
mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons
are mounted before the tail. However, internal schema shows a completely
modernised layout, including an Onboard computer with special optimized
trajectories, and an all digital Proximity fuse.
The Akash system meant for the Army uses the T-72 tank
chassis for its launcher and radar vehicles. The Rajendra derivative
for the Army is called the Battery Level Radar-III. The Air Force
version uses an Ashok Leyland truck platform to tow the missile launcher, while the Radar is on a BMP-2 chassis
and is called the Battery Level Radar-II. In either case, the launchers
carry three ready-to-fire Akash missiles each. The launchers are
automated, autonomous and networked to a command post and the guidance
radar. They are slewable in azimuth and elevation. The Akash system can
be deployed by rail, road or air.
The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997.
The IAF has initiated the process to induct the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles developed
as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The
Multiple target handling capability of Akash weapon system was
demonstrated by live firing in a C4I environment during the trials. Two
Akash missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous
engagement mode in 2005 itself. The Akash System's 3-D central
acquisition radar (3-D car) group mode performance was then fully
established.[17][18]
In December,2007 Indian Air Force completed
user trials for the Akash missile system. The trials, which were spread
over ten days were successful and the missile hit its target on all
five occasions. Before the ten day trial at Chandipur, the Akash
system's ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air force
base while mobility trials for the system vehicles were carried out at
Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the
Akash's consistency in engaging targets. The following trials were
conducted: Against low flying near range target, long range high
altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of
two missiles from the same launcher against a low altitude receding
target.[19] Following
this, the IAF declared that it would initiate the induction of 2
squadrons strength (each squadron with 2 batteries) of this missile
system, to begin with. Once deliveries are complete, further orders
would be placed to replace retiring SA-3 GOA (Pechora) SAM systems.[20][21] In
February 2010, the Indian Air Force ordered six more squadrons of the
Akash system, taking orders to eight of the type. The Indian Army is
also expected to order the Akash system.
[edit]Nag missile system
Main article: Nag Missile
Nag (Sanskrit: नाग meaning cobra) is India's third generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile. It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 3 to 7 km.
The missile uses an 8 kg tandem HEAT warhead capable of defeating modern armour including ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) and composite armour.
Nag uses Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) guidance with day and night
capability. Mode of launch for the IIR seeker is LOBL (Lock On Before
Launch). Nag can be mounted on an infantry vehicle; a helicopter
launched version will also be available with integration work being
carried out with the HAL Dhruv.
Separate
versions for the Army and the Air Force are being developed. For the
Army, the missiles will be carried by specialist carrier vehicles
(NAMICA-Nag Missile Carrier) equipped with a thermal imager for target
acquisition. NAMICA is a modified BMP-2 IFV licence
produced as "Sarath" in India. The carriers are capable of carrying
four ready-to-fire missiles in the observation/launch platform which can
be elevated with more missiles available for reload within the carrier.
For the Air Force, a nose-mounted thermal imaging system has been
developed for guiding the missile's trajectory. The missile has a
complete fiberglass structure and weighs around 42 kg.
Nag was test fired for the 45th time on March 19, 2005 from the Test Range at Ahmednagar (Maharastra),
signalling the completion of the developmental phase. It will now enter
production phase, subject to user trials and acceptance by the Indian Army.
Further
versions of the missile may make use of an all-weather Milli Metric
Wave (MMW) seeker as an additional option. This seeker has reportedly
been developed and efforts are on to integrate it into the missile.
[edit]Other developments
There were a number of failures and successes, which led to an expansion of the program in the 1990s, to develop the long range Agni missile, a ballistic missile (codenamed Sagarika), which would be the naval version of the Prithvi, and an inter-continental-ballistic-missile (codenamed Surya missile) with a range of 8,000-12,000 km.[22]
In
1998, the Government of India, signed an agreement with Russia to
design, develop, manufacture and market a Supersonic Cruise Missile
System which has been successfully accomplished by 2006. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that
can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. At speeds of
Mach 2.5 to 2.8, it is the world's fastest cruise missile and is about
three and a half times faster than the American subsonic Harpoon cruise
missile. BAPL is contemplating a hypersonic Mach 8 version of the
missile, named as the BrahMos II. BrahMos II will be the first
hypersonic cruise missile and is expected to be ready by 2012-13. The
laboratory testing of the missile has started.[23]
According
to a statement by Dr. S Prahlada (DRDO Director), new missile and
weapons systems would henceforth be developed in five-year programs and
include both Indian private industries as well as foreign partners to
lower costs. Further development work on Nag and Surya missile would continue independently.[24] In addition, the DRDO is
also developing a laser-based weapon system as part of its ballistic
missile defense program to intercept and destroy missiles soon after
they are launched towards the country.[25]
Since
2008, follow on strategic projects are being either pursued singly
(e.g. the Agni project) whereas tactical systems could involve joint
ventures with foreign partners.[26]
India is said to be in the intermediate stages of developing a new cruise missile, Nirbhay (Sanskrit: निर्भय meaning fearless).
The subsonic Nirbhay is said to be 6 m in length with a 520 mm
diameter, weigh 1,000 kg and have a 1,000 km range with a speed of 0.7
mach. The technology demonstrator flight is planned for end-2009.[27]
In
September 2008, Indian scientists developed a path-breaking technology
that has the potential to increase the range of missiles and satellite
launch vehicles by at least 40%.The enhanced range is made possible by
adding a special-purpose coating of chromium metal to the blunt nose
cone of missiles and launch vehicles. This would add-up on the stated
range.[28]
A new tactical missile that will fill the gap between the Pinaka rocket
system and the Prthvi series of missile has been developed. The first
successful test of the missile was carried on 17 July 2011. The 150 km
range missile has been named Prahaar. Each Road mobile launcher is designed to carry six missiles.
recent
recent
Agni-II
launch was successfully executed by Army’s Strategic Forces
Command (SFC).
The
Missile after its launch from the Wheeler Island travelled more than 2,000
km
in 700 seconds and hit the target area in Bay of Bengal accurately.
It
is nuclear-capable missile which can carry warheads of one tonne.
The
success of the launch marks the preparedness of the Army to handle it
independently.
The
Ministry of Defence announced a penalty of 20 % to be imposed on foreign
military
vendors who are ubable to fulfill offsets obligation within the prescribed time
frame
as part of the Defence Procurement Procedure.
·
No cap on penalty for inability to implement offset obligations during the
period
exceeding
the main procurement contract, which can extend to a maximum period
of
two years.
·
Vendors signing deals over Rs 300 crore have to re-invest at least 30 % of the
worth
of the contract back into Indian defense, civil aerospace and homeland
security
sector.
New Commandant of OTA: Maj Gen Rajavelu
Major General U M Rajavelu, Sena Medal took the command of the OTA (Officers Training
Academy)
OTA: India's premier Defence Training establishement
Succeeded Commandant Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee
Gita instructions in Schools of MP
Gita instructions to be taught in Madhya Pradesh Schools
Earlier Surya Namaskaar (Sun Salutation) and singing of the National Song: Vande Mataram was
initiated
Implemented in Classes I to X in the current academic session
Both Surya Namaskaar and Vande Mataram voluntary and the minorities exempted from it in MP
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