DRDO - Boon or Bane?

[Indian Patriot]

Defence Research and Development Organisation, commonly known as DRDO, was formed in 1958 to make India self-reliant in the field of defence production. The reality however has been painfully opposite.

Even since its induction he organisation has to show nothing but failure. It's very first task was Project Indigo where hey were supposed to make surface-to-air missiles. Needless to say Project Indigo was a failure. India even in 60s had to import weapons be it the centurion tanks, Mig-21, Jaguars etc. and even in 2015 it is still negotiating for acquisition of Rafale aircraft.

Far from being self-reliant India has had to become one of he world's largest, if not the largest, weapons importers. It is not a mater of pride but shame. India a country of 1.2 billion people is so helpless that they need to import arms and weapons for its security from foreign countries. Imports and production are two different things. Highest importer does not mean India is the highest producer or is any more powerful.

The most painful episode of India's foreign reliance came forward during he Bofors crisis. Bofors was blacklisted because of corruption. India was supposed to field 1,500 of hese cannons but thanks to scandal only about 400-450 were being inducted. Post bofors not a single, I repeat not a SINGLE, 155 arty gun has been inducted and for a quarter of a century Indian army is without a new arty gun. As of 2015 IA arty back-up remains very VERY poor.

In 1999 Kargil war the deficiency was evident. Barring Bofors other arty guns were inadequate or ineffective. The pakistanis had fire-finding radars which allowed them to pin-point Indian arty positions and rain accurate fire. Indians had no fire-finding radars and were fighting on the backfoot. US had offered India to sell fire-finding radars before 1999. But some geniuses in the DRDO came up saying they have the resources to make an "indigenous" fire finding radar and the US offer was rejected. Till date India is still waiting for the "indigenous"radar.

A lot of casualties took place in Kargil because Indian soldiers were poorly armed and equipped. They had the INSAS rifle which is first and foremost a piece of sh1t. The weapon is too heavy, inaccurate (contrary to what DRDO bhakts claim), lacks fire power, jams and is unreliable. Faced against AK-47 armed pakistanis he Indian jawans had a tough time fighting them back with 20 round magazines semi-auto, inaccurate INSAS.

Indian jawans also lacked bullet proof jackets, bullet proof helmets, night vision goggles, UAV support and a host of other equipment which was routine for many militaries across the world.

Being he DEFENCE - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - ORGANISATION, it was the duty of DRDO to ensure IA was well equipped with he latest weapons and equipment. From 5.56 caliber rifles to 155 caliber arty guns DRDO failed everywhere. And oh, even the laser bombs dropped by IAF were imported FOREIGN MAAL. If Israel did not come to India's rescue then India would have lost Kargil.

So what good is DRDO?

Some DRDO bhakts claim Arjun and LCA are the "success story". Facts aside, even if we assume hat Arjun and Tejas are not the abject failures the fact still remains that both these machines operate on imported FOREIGN MAAL engines. That's right people, DRDO since its inception in 1958 has still not being able to make a successful tank or an aircraft engine.

On plane earth which has more than 190 countries not a SINGLE country is interested in DRDO made weapons. Nepal was stupid enough to buy INSAS during their civil war against maoists and they have been cursing and abusing the rifle ever since.

More than 57 years after DRDO was formed India still remains he world's highest arms importer speing money both in buying weapons and at the same time wasting money keeping a hopeless and worthless organisation like DRDO alive.

Isn't it time that private sector in India be given their rightful share of responsibility? Unlike DRDO the private sector has no unlimited funding but they have a sense of professionalism and a respect for deadlines. For 26 years DRDO failed but TATA teamed up with Denel to make India's 155 mm 52 cal arty gun. DRDO still cannot figure out what the full form of MRAP is, but private players have teamed up with foreign partners and are ready with prototypes.

So is DRDO really good for India? Should India really depend on DRDO and compromise national security or should India trust the private sector to ensure that it's future defence needs are met?

Please discuss.

 

[Indian Patriot]

@Arsalan @nair @Donatello @Nihonjin1051

 

[Skull and Bones]

As long as they don't make OS and microprocessors, DRDO is another coolie organization. @Rain Man will concur.

 

[SpArK]

DRDO’s prowess in strategic systems led the way with a series of milestones achieved and touched new heights with the spectacular maiden launch of India’s long range strategic missile Agni 5. Agni 3 joined Agni 1, Agni 2 & ‘Prithvi two’ to further strengthen India’s strategic might, while Agni 4 and Agni 5 are being readied for the Armed Forces’ arsenal. Over 70 launches of major missile systems went on to demonstrate DRDO’s strength in this crucial sector.

Production clearance of Bo5 underwater system after a series of successful trials incorporating many novel technologies, proving the reliability of the system, was another breakthrough.

INS Arihant, India’s first indigenous nuclear powered submarine .

The long range cruise missile, Nirbhay had its maiden flight proving the required critical technologies.

In the direction of establishing a credible two layer Ballistic Missile Defence system; a series of successful interceptions, mostly, with direct hit, demonstrated its reliability.

In the arena of tactical systems – productionisation and induction of Akash, the medium range air defence system with multi-target, multi directional capability is another shining achievement.

Brahmos, the best supersonic cruise missile in operation, designed to be launched from land, air, sea and sub-sea platforms, with its high speed and precision of attack, became the preferred weapon. Its block II version with target discrimination capability and block III version with steep diving capability even at supersonic speeds were developed making it a deadly weapon.

Prahar, a novel, highly manoeuvrable precision strike, Surface-to- Surface tactical missile capable of being fired in salvo mode is all set to extend the reach of our artillery fire to over 150 Km, filling the gap between PINAKA rockets and Prithvi Missile.

Integration of mission systems with the much needed AEW&CS platform fitted with indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array radar antenna was yet another significant achievement of DRDO. The systems are undergoing comprehensive flight tests.

Avionics upgrades of MiG 27, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 aircrafts was indigenously accomplished, significantly enhancing their combat capabilities.

India’s first indigenously designed & developed aircraft engine Kaveri is undergoing Certification Tests after series of successful flight trials. Successful development of indigenous Wankel rotary engine for UAVs and its flight demonstration to power “UAV Nishant” was another significant achievement.


Two regiments of Main Battle Tank Arjun became proud possession of Indian Army. Arjun Mark-II, developed in a record time, with about 70 improved features, has entered advanced phase of User Trials.


A number of Battlefield support systems including Armoured Amphibious Dozer, Armoured Engineering Recce Vehicle and Tracked Armoured Ambulance were developed and led to production.


Pinaka rocket launcher entered the operational command of the Indian Army, giving a boost to their fire power. Pinaka II, with longer range is undergoing trials. Thermo-baric ammunition capable of delivering a devastating, simultaneous fragmentation, Thermal and blast effect has been developed for MBT Arjun to further boost its firepower.


A new Modular Bridging System capable of yielding single span of up to 46 mtrs and capable of bearing load up to 70 ton was developed and is undergoing user trials.

In the area of naval sensors, very high degree of self-reliance has been achieved with design development, and induction of sonars meeting needs of Indian Navy. Thus USHUS an Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system, NAGAN, an active cum passive towed array sonar & HUMSA NG, a new generation hull mounted sonar for ships; were integrated with their respective platforms.


Among the weapon systems, VARUNASTRA, a heavy weight torpedo, underwent extensive sea trials on its way to induction.

Radars and electronic warfare systems has emerged as yet another strong area. DRDO’s technological strength in this highly security sensitive and critical area is exemplified by the development, productionisation and acceptance of WLR, an advanced electronically scanned pulse Doppler weapon locating radar; 3D TCR, a 3 dimensional tactical control radar; Bharani, a Low Level Lightweight Radar and ASLESHA, a 3D Low Level Lightweight Radar.


Completion and acceptance of Varuna, a modern ESM system for Navy with capability to intercept and process all modern radars including LPI radars was another step in achieving self-reliance in the field of Electronic Warfare.


A series of secure communication systems based on Software Defined Radio, ranging from hand held sets, to aircraft and ship based systems have been developed. The compact system is capable of operating on multiple frequency bands, avoiding need for multiple systems.


Acceptance of light weight integrated Multifunction Sight, for surveillance and speedy engagement of targets and an electro-optical fire control system EON-51 for Navy was yet another achievement. (Show thermal imager, laser range finder, CCD camera, a global positioning system and a digital magnetic compass in image)


An advanced Holographic Sight facilitating accurate aiming with both eyes open, developed for INSAS rifle was accepted by Army. Design and fabrication of System on Chip (SoC) for mission computers and its integration with On-Board Computers for major missile systems and aeronautical platforms, was another significant milestone.


DRDO has always played a pioneering role in the development of special materials for defence requirements. Recent achievements include productionisation of light armour for Mi 17 helicopter and more than 30,000 tons of DMR steel for Indian Navy. The setting up of Titanium sponge production facility at KMML is a boost for the country’s aeronautical, missile and space programs.


Alive to the needs of emerging war scenarios DRDO has taken up development of Unmanned War Machines as a major thrust area and has made significant achievements, including the delivery of state-of-the-art Remotely Operated Vehicle Daksh, an invaluable asset for bomb disposal, series of successful flights of long endurance UAV Rustom -1 in its final configuration and demonstration of an advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. Series of mini and micro UAVs have been developed.


Bulk production orders were received for Submarine Escape Suite for Navy, Combat Free Fall System for Paratroopers and Lightweight Helicopter Oxygen System for Indian Air Force. On-board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) has been developed.


Development of Solar Powered Modular Green Shelters was another significant achievement in supporting our soldiers.


Series production of Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for comprehensive evaluation of candidates was commenced and systems were handed over to users.


The NBC Recce Vehicle designed for ‘surveillance and on-site collection & analysis of samples from contaminated environment’, was handed over to the users.


As spin-offs for civil sector and social cause, Bio-digesters developed for environment friendly disposal of human excreta in extreme cold regions of high altitudes were adapted for Railway coaches and Lakshadweep islands. The technology has been selected to equip over two lakh Gram Panchayats with bio-toilets.


The sonar technologies developed for detection of ships and underwater threats were innovatively employed to develop Sanjeevini, a life detector to locate victims trapped under debris or a bore-well and ‘Tarangini’, a portable device to measure depth and bottom hardness in water bodies.


All these endeavours have a single-minded focus: to transform India into a world-class centre for design development and production of defence systems and technologies, ensuring freedom from denial regimes and external controls.

DRDO is leading the way in taking India’s defence strength to new heights in making: One of 4 countries with multi level strategic deterrence capability; One of 5 countries with own BMD Program; One of 6 countries with own Main Battle Tank; One of 7 countries with own 4th Gen Combat Aircraft.

LRDE


Achievements


Radar Systems

Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA-I): INDRA is a 2D mobile surveillance radar for low level target detection. The radar is housed in two wheeled vehicles. Some of the main features are automated Track While Scan (TWS), integrated IFF and high scan rate for high speed target detection. The radar is produced by M/s BEL and inducted into Service.

Indra-II PC Radar: It is a variant of INDRA radar for ground controlled interception of targets for the Indian Air Force. The radar uses pulse compression for detection of low flying aircrafts in heavy ground clutter with high range resolution. Radar has good ECCM capabilities. The radar has been produced by M/s BEL and is used by Indian Air Force and Army.

Battle Field Surveillance Radar – Short Range (BFSR-SR):The Battle Field Surveillance Radar - Short Range (BFSR-SR) is a man portable, battery operated Surveillance Radar. The system has capability to detect, track and classify variety of moving ground surface targets. BFSR-SR is a reliable sensor for all weather, and day and night operation. The radar can be carried in three man-packs.The radar is a simple, easy to use and user friendly surveillance e-sensor, in that an Infantry soldier can install and effectively put the radar into operation within five minutes. It has been built to be a reliable surveillance and tracking radar to search a specific sector to detect and perform track while scan for multiple targets like crawling man, single / group of walking light / heavy vehicle.
Men and Audio and visual aids help identify and classify a target decisively. The radar has a facility to operate from a distance of more than 100 meters, using field cable to help a soldier to operate the radar from the safety of bunkers or trenches, and deploy the radar at a suitable spot to meet technical and tactical requirements.

BFSR-SR has built-in networking facility, which offers significant wide area surveillance with integrated surveillance picture available centrally at an identified location. All radars can be controlled from the central location. BFSR-SR with co-mounted IR sensor for enhanced target information is also available. The radar has been productionised by M/s BEL and inducted into Army.

Maritime Patrol Airborne Radar XV – 2004 is versatile maritime surveillance airborne radar delivering excellent performances in maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions. The radar is easily adaptable on multiple platforms to search, detect and track multiple targets at long range. The radar has good sea clutter suppression features to detect small targets. In addition to the standard air to surface search modes with TWS, this radar provides high resolution Range Signature (RS) profile and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) image of the target. This enables the classification of the intercepted target. The radar can detect and track aerial targets. Secondary modes of the radar include coastal mapping, weather avoidance and SART beacon. The radar provides full azimuth coverage either in belly mounted or in chin mounted configuration.

3D Medium Range Surveillance Radar: Rohini: 3D Medium Range Surveillance Radar, Rohini is a ground based mechanically scanning S-Band pulse Doppler radar for air space surveillance to detect and track air targets with reliability, even under hostile EW operational environment for the Indian Air Force. The radar scans the air space 360 in Azimuth and 30 in elevation upto 18 km height. The flexible architecture is a reliable and adaptable technology for multiple applications early warning for air defence weapon system, air defence sensor at airbases. The radar has advanced technologies like digital receiver, programmable signal processor providing high resolution, accuracy, response and information availability. The software controlled high-speed digital technologies offer real time configuration to the operational crew.
The advanced software algorithms, multiple high speed processors, and state-of-the-art digital technologies have made the radar an effective but user friendly sensor providing 24 x 7 airspace awareness to the Commanders during peace and war time. The radar is packaged on two high mobility TATRA vehicles to meet operational and battlefield mobility requirements. 2 x 125 kVA generators are housed on a third TATRA vehicle. The radar, which is easy to operate, mobile, transportable by air, rail and road, can be deployed and decamped in less than 30 minutes.

3D Surveillance Radar System : Revathi: The scope of the radar is: Medium Range 3D air surveillance for interception, 3D Target tracking and indication, and sea surface surveillance as primary sensor. The radar is based on state-of-the-art technology. The radar has been realised using concurrent Engineering approach with industry partners: M/s BEL and M/s L&T.

3D Tactical Control Radar (3D TCR): The 3D Tactical Control Radar (TCR) is a Tatra VVL mounted, mobile stand-alone medium range, all weather 3D surveillance Radar for detection and identification of aerial targets. Pertinent data can be collected at Target Data Receiver (TDR), 20 Kms away from the Radar. The radar operates in S-band and is capable of Track-While-Scan (TWS) of airborne targets up to 90kms for fighter aircrafts and 65 Kms for UAVs, subject to radar horizon. The antenna is mechanically rotated in azimuth to provide 360 deg and 50 deg elevation coverage upto 10 Kms height.

 

[SpArK]

Low level Light Weight 2D Radar - BHARANI: Low level Light Weight L-Band 2D Radar is a light weight, battery powered and compact sensor which provides 2D surveillance solution to alert Army Air Defence Weapon Systems mainly in mountainous terrain against hostile aerial targets like UAVs, RPVs, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft flying at low and medium altitudes. The radar can be transported by vehicles, animal transport or group of men or as helislung loads. It can be dismantled into packages to facilitate quick installation and re-location in mountainous terrain. It will act as an early warner to air defence weapon systems employed to provide protection to vulnerable areas or vulnerable points.
The system consists of radar, Commander Display Unit (CDU) and messaging unit Target Designation Unit (TDU) and Target Data Receivers (TDR). One radar can service upto 10 TDRs using existing combat radio resources/ network. The CDU can be located upto 750m from the radar. The radar with modular architecture, advanced ECCM features, ruggedness as per Mil standards can be operated in varied conditions including extreme climatic and geographical conditions and in battle field situations, especially offensive EW environment. The radar detects and tracks short range air-to-ground threats with a high probability of detection. The radar has an integrated IFF that can detect, confirm, classify and attain IFF status on every target in the battle space under surveillance.

Low level Light Weight 3D Radar - ASLESHA: ASLESHA is a multifaceted ground based S-Band 3D Low Level Light Weight Surveillance Radar for deployment in diverse terrains like plains, deserts, mountain tops and high altitude regions. Aslesha detects and tracks heterogeneous air targets, including helicopters, fighters and UAVs at low and medium altitudes. The radar can scan the valley. It provides accurate range, azimuth and height information for each target with electronically steerable multi-beam technology in elevation. The radar sweeps 360 degree in azimuth and 30 degree in elevation to provide air space awareness. Semi-distributed active aperture radar uses advanced VLSI and high-speed digital technologies like high efficiency T/R modules, DDS, digital receiver and programmable signal processor to provide 3D air space awareness with high accuracy, resolution and reliability.
As all the main radar subsystems are on the rotating platform, this radar architecture obviates the two most common single point failures by dispensing with high power rotary joints and central transmitter; thereby making the radar system extremely reliable. The radar is easily re-locatable and can be deployed or decamped in less than 15 minutes. The radar is engineered in multiple packages to enable easy transportability in mountainous terrain by vehicles, group of men, or as an under slung carriage by a helicopter. The remote operation of the radar through Commander's Display Unit (CDU) upto 1 km from the radar provides safety to the crew during operation. The facility also enables the Commander to deploy the radar at a tactically favorable point. The quadripod-mounted radar is built to operate in networked or stand-alone mode to support joint or independent operations by Air Force. Multi ECCM features help the radar to deliver intended performance even under intense hostile EM environment. Aslesha being compact, light weight and modular, can be used in different innovative roles like air space surveillance in urban areas for VVIPs, large critical installations.




Long Range Solid State Active Phased Array RADAR

LSTAR system developed under the Technology Demonstration Programme, is a Long Range, Multifunction Solid-State Active Phased Array Radar, mainly for surveillance, detection and tracking of airborne targets. The Radar carries out target detection and provides measurements of range, azimuth, elevation and target speed. The Radar Data Processor (RDP) built into the system provides target identity, target state vector and maintenance of multiple target tracks based on updates. The Radar operates with Low as well as Medium PRF waveforms using Pulse Doppler processing.



FLR : Flight Level Radar for Air Force (RAJENDRA):

RAJENDRA, a multifunction electronically scanned phased array Radar, is the primary sensor at the Flight level for Akash Weapon System which is an air defence system for the Armed Services. The radar has the capability to perform extensive search, track multiple targets and missiles, and to command and guide own multiple functions missiles concurrently. The Rajendra fulfils multiple radar functions like surveillance, tracking and guidance. The radar system is mounted on two wheeled vehicles � Flight Level Radar (FLR) and Flight Control Centre (FCC) - to provide sensor support for all Air Defence operations. The distributed hardware - radar in FLR and control center in FCC - provides distributed work environment and facilities to operate the radar from control center. It is engineered to support Akash Weapon System deployment either in group or autonomous configuration. The radar has built-in UHF communication component providing voice and data communication with squadron control center when deployed in a group. Also, Integrated Radio Line Modem (IRLM) provides data communication to the launchers and to the surveillance radar. Environmentally hardened engineering, flexible architecture for tracked or wheeled platforms, aesthetically designed ergonomics, consistent performance over the years and advanced ECCM capabilities enable the commander to plan the operations for effectiveness and success.

Upgrades for Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) � Swathi:

WLR is a coherent, electronically scanned C-Band pulse doppler radar. The radar automatically locates hostile artillery, mortars and rocket launchers and tracks friendly fire to locate the impact point of friendly artillery fire to issue necessary corrections.





Primary Radar for Airborne Early Warning and Control (PR for AEW&C)

LRDE is developing primary radar (PR) for the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) programme.







Development of Medium Power Radar (MPR) � Arudhra:

The objective of this project is to develop 4D Medium Power Radar (MPR) as a sophisticated multi �function sensor using advanced active array technology.












Low Level Transportable Radar (Ashwini)

LLTR is a state-of-the-art 4D active array technology based multifunction radar. This radar is being developed by LRDE to provide airspace awareness about high manoeuvrable targets to gain superiority.

Avalanche Victim Detector (AVD):It is a life saving device for use by soldiers operating in the snow-bound avalanche prone areas to detect victims buried under an avalanche debris. AVD is a transmitter-cum-direction finding receiver with a built in directional antenna. The equipment consists of fully surface mounted device electronic circuitry enclosed in a sealed light-weight container of glass filled nylon. The system has been manufactured by private industry in large numbers and is being used effectively by Services.

 

[vsdave2302]

DRDO rocks. They have made world class products and thier R &Deed products have touched almosr 2 lakh crore worth of order.

 

[Indian Patriot]

DRDO rocks. They have made world class products and thier R &Deed products have touched almosr 2 lakh crore worth of order.

Their "world class products" unfortunately do not include a 5.56 mm rifle, a sound tank design or for hat mater tank and aircraft engine designs all of which India at present has to IMPORT.

And what 2 lakh crore order has DRDO exported?

 

[vsdave2302]

DRDO made akash missile system has gog an order worth more than 30 K crore INR. Druv and Rudra are highly successful so as many other radars and S to S missile.

And what 2 lakh crore order has DRDO exported?

Pl know that DRDO is not a production agency. They are products designed by DRDO and manufactured by public sectors and other private sector.

Their "world class products" unfortunately do not include a 5.56 mm rifle, a sound tank design or for hat mater tank and aircraft engine designs all of which India at present has to IMPORT.

And what 2 lakh crore order has DRDO exported?

Do you know that INSAS rifle of DRDO which costed Rs. 3.5 crore in R & D got an order valued 6000 crore?

 

[Indian Patriot]

Pl know that DRDO is not a production agency. They are products designed by DRDO and manufactured by public sectors and other private sector.

Please know that DRDO has even failed to make an engine so far.

INSAS was supposed to be an AK-47 clone, one look at the structural design of INSAS and people will understand how far off the mark the rifle is.

Do you know that INSAS rifle of DRDO which costed Rs. 3.5 crore in R & D got an order valued 6000 crore?

From who, Oman?

 

[Indian Patriot]

@vsdave2302 - If INSAS cost 3.5 crore in R&D then it shows the stupidity of DRDO.

INSAS is a copy of the AK-47 minus the fire-power and efficiency.

 

[dev_moh]

India have successfully made each and everything, which i denied by other countries.
may it be space program or ICBMs or Nuclear technology.

 

[Indian Patriot]

India have successfully made each and everything, which i denied by other countries.
may it be space program or ICBMs or Nuclear technology.

Teri hi kami thi yahaan pe.

 

[Nilgiri]

DRDO was instrumental in giving India its most basic nuclear delivery options (ballistic missiles of all ranges).

Before any Indian goes on criticizing DRDO, keep this pertinent fact in mind.

You are living under protection offered to you by what DRDO did.

It can only be a boon....no matter what failures one can claim it has been involved in.

 

[Indian Patriot]

You are living under protection offered to you by what DRDO did.

It is the army protecting India not DRDO. How many DRDO morons died fighting terrorists in Kashmir and in Kargil war?

 

[Arsalan]

Getting private sector involved will be a good idea. However India will need to keep DRDO functional, it is not USA you see, with private sector will come a major problem of kick backs corruption and even security leaks/breaches. So DRDO needs to be the main organization controlling the matter of research and development and even overlook production matters.

I heard that the new multi caliber gun is awesome, also they have got LCA flying now and the trench 2 is rumored to be on par with euro fighters and other 4.5 generation planes. We cannot be sure unless the are operational but if true that will be a major boost.