Context
- Recently, in Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing defence self-reliance, citing over 75% indigenous content in INS Vikrant and the successful testing of the Pralay and Astra missiles.
Defense Indigenisation
- Defence indigenisation is the development and production of defence equipment within India to reduce import dependence and strengthen strategic autonomy.
- Major Indigenous Defense Achievements
1.INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier.
Key Features
- Commissioned in 2022
- Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design
- Around 76% indigenous content
- Operates MiG-29K fighter aircraft and helicopters
- Symbolises India’s growing indigenous naval capability.
2.Pralay Missile
Pralay is an indigenously developed conventional tactical ballistic missile.
Key Features
- Developed by DRDO
- Surface-to-surface missile
- Approximate range: 150–500 km
- High accuracy with manoeuvrable trajectory
- Designed to strike high-value military targets
3.Astra Missile
Astra is India’s first indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
Key Features
- Developed by DRDO
- Air-to-air missile
- Beyond Visual Range capability
- Equipped with active radar seeker
- Integrated with Indian Air Force fighter aircraft including Su-30MKI and Tejas (integration underway/ongoing for variants)
Other Government Initiatives for Defence Self-Reliance
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
- Defence Industrial Corridors
- Uttar Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Positive Indigenisation Lists
- SRIJAN Portal
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
The DRDO is India’s premier defence research organisation responsible for developing advanced military technologies and weapon systems.
About DRDO
- Established: 1958
- Ministry: Ministry of Defence
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Motto: Balasya Mulam Vigyanam (Strength’s Origin is Science)
Major Indigenous Systems Developed by DRDO
- Agni Missile Series
- Prithvi Missile Series
- Akash Surface-to-Air Missile
- Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile
- Pralay Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile
- Light Combat Aircraft (Technology Support)
- Arjun Main Battle Tank
- AEW&C Systems
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Q. With reference to India's defence indigenisation, consider the following statements:
1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) functions under the Ministry of Defence.
2. INS Vikrant is India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier.
3. Astra is an indigenous surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a. 1 and 2 only
Explanation
• Statement 1 is Correct. DRDO is India's premier defence R&D organisation under the Ministry of Defence.
• Statement 2 is Correct. INS Vikrant is India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect. Astra is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, whereas Pralay is the indigenous surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile.