Defense Research and Development Organisation
Defense Research and Development Organisation started in 1958 is one of the leading government agencies in India.
DRDO consists of a network of 52 laboratories across the country. These laboratories are engaged in a wide range of activities covering various aspects such as aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering. DRDO also deals with other elements such as life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.
More than 5000 scientists work at Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS). Twenty-five thousand people work at the scientific, technical, and supporting team.
THE FIRST PROJECT:
DRDO started its journey with surface-to-air missiles (SAM). This project is also known as Project Indigo. SAM received a little success. So, DRDO discontinued its first project.
Although DRDO has faced a failure in its first step, this organization achieved a couple of milestones. DRDO developed major systems and critical technologies. Some of the significant technologies developed by DRDO include:
1: Aircraft Avionics
2: UAV
3: Small Arms
4: Artillery Systems
5: Tanks and Armored Vehicles
6: Sonar systems and control systems
7: Missiles
ACHIEVEMENTS OF DRDO:
1: In 2016, DRDO successfully tested its first indigenously developed heavy-duty drone named Rustom 2. DRDO designed Rustom 2 on the lines of US’s Predator. This vehicle is a combat vehicle and can support during the odd times.
2: DRDO co-developed INS Arihant. Arihant is the country’s first nuclear submarine. Arihant started serving the Indian Military since 2018.
Arihant has a self-ejectable black box. This black box for an aircraft helps the rescuers to locate the debris during a crash event.
3: In March 2019, India became a superpower when DRDO designed the country’s first anti-satellite system.
4: DRDO has done excellent work to meet the three military forces of India. The developments for airforce include:
1: Flight Simulators for aircrafts
2: 68mm reusable rocket pod
3: Brake parachute for rescuing the pilot
4: Remotely Piloted Vehicle
5: DRDO developed Cluster Weapon System for fighter aircraft.
6: DRDO advanced low-level tracking radars named Indra-1 and Indra 2 for the airforce. These radars light field artillery radar and battlefield surveillance radar. These radars have achieved secondary surveillance.
DRDO has helped the soldiers by inventing battle equipment like:
1: A new family of light-weight small arms systems that include a light field gun.
2: DRDO has developed a charge line mine-clearing vehicle that ensures a clear passage of cars on the battlefield. This vehicle also illuminates the ammunition that enhances night fighting capability for the soldiers.
3: DRDO helps soldiers by providing naval mines, next-generation bombs. These bombs have a vast range. In addition to these, DRDO also developed a mountain gun, a 130 mm SP gun.
DRDO contributed many advanced technical types of equipment to the marine field like:
1: DRDO advanced Bridge-layered tank. This tank is capable of withstanding a tank load. This tank also contains unique features like advanced ship sonar systems, advanced sonobuoys, and naval decoys.
2: DRDO invented plenty of marine simulators, torpedo launchers, superior materials. DRDO extended many military applications and processing computers for the development of aerodynamic computations.
In addition to these achievements, DRDO initiated some programs like Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, Akash, and Nag.
DEVELOPING PROJECTS:
Currently, DRDO is working on high-technology projects that are in various stages of development. Some of the projects are:
1: DRDO is developing the main battle tank ARJUN. This tank consists of different high-end technologies like superior firepower, high mobility, and excellent protection. DRDO produced a couple of tanks that are in the final stages of evaluation by the Army.
2: A lighter combat aircraft is a great advantage during the battle. DRDO is designing an aircraft that incorporates several art technologies. Currently, this project is under full-scale engineering development.
3: Missiles are an asset to a country. So DRDO is presently undergoing an Integrated Guided Missile to develop five missile systems.
- Prithvi is a surface-surface tactical battlefield missile.
- Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile.
- Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air missile.
- Nag is a third-generation anti-tank missile.
- Agni is an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
TRAINING:
DRDO offers specialized training at two influential institutes known as the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune and Defence Institute of Work Study, Mussoorie. These institutes meet the requirements of DRDO, Department of Defence Production, and Supplies and the three Services.
INTERNSHIP
DRDO offers internships to provide an opportunity for graduates and post-graduates. This internship helps the students to get exposed to the various technologies and warfares of the DRDO. DRDO offers a course in various fields of the Defence Sector.
DRDO offers training to students in various fields. DRDO provides a chance for the students to get an opportunity to work with projects collaborated by DRDO. The training period is from 4 weeks to 6 months.
DRDO collaborates with the state-owned Ordnance Factories Board for its items. With this collaboration, DRDO gets a good quality of stuff. The factory board maintains the regulations set up by OFB. DRDO maintains and plays a crucial role in the materials and manufacturing of the products for various purposes. One of the significant products made by this board is the INSAS rifle. This rifle stands as glory for Indian Pride.
During the initial days, the soldiers faced numerous problems when the board compromised with the quality of the rifle. The rifle has failed to withstand the extreme conditions.
India produces up to 45%-50% of the warfare. India imports the rest of the combat equipment from various countries. To become a technology research and production leader, reduce the imports, the DRDO chief started collaborating with many industries, private sectors. DRDO began its study with the top-most institutes of India IITs and NITs.
Currently, India is using various advanced combat equipment that includes Varunastra, Maareech, Ushus, TAL.
Vast electrical components and radar components like LCA, AEW&C, Astra, BrahMos are the principal weapons of the country.
DRDO follows a primary principal “DRDO Policy and Procedures for Transfer of Technology” and released information on “DRDO-Industry Partnership: Synergy and Growth and DRDO Products with Potential for Export.”