Last year was a bit lucky for defence from manufacturing to the acquisition. The end of 2015 seems to be a missile dominated year for Indian defence service. Indian defence manufacturing is going up with both indigenously (Dhanush, Agni) and in foreign cooperation also (Barak-8, Brahmos). As the AFCAT interviews are approaching and NDA result has been declared recently, all SSB aspirants are required to be aware of the major missile tests that was done at the end of last year. Some other defence development like submarines, ships, military weapons, etc. that took place last year will be discussed shortly.
Agni IV – Another hit on the target was done when Agni-IV missile was successfully test fired. The nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile has the range of 4000 kms. The missile has its own navigation system, which is made with jam proof capability. The sources also revealed that the missile is made with the capability to correct its path during inflight disturbances. Ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and micro-navigation system (MINGS) ensures its accuracy towards the target. It also has a feature of re-entry heat shield that helps it to bear high temperature of 4,000 degree Celsius and maintaining the internal temperature below 50 degree Celsius. Upcoming version of Agni (Agni V) is awaited with more specification and diverse strike range.
Download:
Dhanush missile – Dhanush missile was tested which is a nuclear capable ballistic missile. The missile was tested from INS Subhadra in Bay of Bengal checking its surface to surface targeting trait. It is a naval version of Prithvi missile and is capable of hitting land or sea targets. The missile has a strike range of 350 kms and can carry a pay load of 300 kg. India’s DRDO has manufactured both the missiles i.e. Prithvi and Dhanush missile.
Interceptor missile – In the mid of November, last year, India successfully test fired indigenously developed interceptor missile. The missiles specialised in shielding any ballistic missile. Nick named as Advanced Air Defence missile, it is equipped with navigation system and is a solid rocket propelled guided missile. The first phase of missile can neutralize the threats in range of 2000 km, while second stage is for threats out of the range of 2000 km. Indian government is indulged into discussions to deploy missile defence system in major cities to avert air threats.
Brahmos – Indian army had tested Brahmos land attack cruise missile in November last year in Pokharan (popular form smiling Budha). The missile was launched by mobile autonomous launcher (MAL) and was done under experienced army personals. The missile is a joint project of Indian and Russia and 3 regiments of Brahmos have been inducted in the Indian army.
Barak- VIII missile – In a boost to the security scenario of India, Indian navy successfully test fired Barak-VIII missile from INS Kolkata. The missile was developed by joint efforts of India and Israel. Along with missile, the system Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) was also tested, which has the responsibility of detecting, targeting and guiding the missile over its path. This radar can detect any threat in range of 250 km. The missile is developed for naval vessels to avert any sky born threat. The missile is nick named as LR-SAM which means long range-surface to air missile. The missile will enhance the capability of navy to secure Indian seas.
Also Read:
- Missile Regime and India
- Agni IV Missile: The New Face Of Nuke-Mounted India
- BrahMos II Hypersonic Missile To Be Named After Dr Kalam
