Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Commander of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, visited the Ranchi military station and met with key state officials to discuss the current security environment and community outreach efforts in Jharkhand.
During his visit, Lt Gen Tiwari called on Jharkhand’s Governor Shri CP Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Champai Soren.
The discussions focused on the various initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army to enhance security and support the civilian population in the region. Both the Governor and the Chief Minister expressed their appreciation for the army’s efforts, acknowledging the positive impact of these initiatives on the local communities.
The visit highlights the ongoing commitment of the Indian Army to foster a secure and supportive environment for the people of Jharkhand, reinforcing the strong ties between the military and state governance.
In a significant move to foster bilateral military cooperation, a delegation of ten officers from the Vietnam Army, headed by Colonel Nyugen Quang Huy, Deputy Leader of the Military Youth Committee, recently visited several premier Indian defense training institutions.
The visit is part of the ongoing Officers Exchange Program aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and sharing best practices between the armed forces of the two nations.
The Vietnamese delegation’s itinerary included visits to the Mechanised Infantry Centre & School (MIC&S), Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar, and the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune.
During their visit, the officers were extensively briefed on the varied training methodologies employed at these institutions. They also had the opportunity to observe the state-of-the-art training infrastructure and military practices firsthand.
This visit underscores the growing strategic ties between India and Vietnam, with defense training and cooperation being key components of their bilateral relations.
The exchange is expected to lead to greater collaboration in defense technology and knowledge sharing in the future.
In a significant development for the Pune Cantonment area, Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, has officially inaugurated the new Southern Star Auditorium.
This state-of-the-art facility, with a seating capacity of 600, is designed to accommodate a variety of events including seminars, conferences, conclaves, and social gatherings for military personnel of all ranks and their families.
The Southern Star Auditorium is more than just a venue for events; it is a cultural hub that encapsulates the rich history and arts of India’s diverse states and Union Territories.
The design and decor of the auditorium reflect this dedication to cultural enrichment, making it a symbol of the Command’s commitment to fostering community ties and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of India.
This new facility is expected to serve as a vital community center for the personnel stationed at Pune Cantonment, providing them with a versatile space to host both professional and social gatherings.
The inauguration of the auditorium is a proud moment for the Southern Command, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for its members and their families.
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, visited Reasi today to closely assess the current security dynamics in the region. Accompanied by key officers including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps and the GOC of Romeo Force, the visit underscores a high-level focus on maintaining and enhancing security measures.
During his visit, Lt Gen Kumar was thoroughly briefed on the prevailing security situation, including the recent actions taken by the security forces in the area. The briefings aimed to ensure that the Army Commander was fully updated on all aspects of security management and operational readiness in Reasi.
This visit highlights the continued vigilance and proactive measures undertaken by the Indian Army in strategically important regions, reflecting their commitment to national security and stability in the area.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully concluded its No 3 ‘Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program’ (WASP) with a high-profile capstone seminar at the AF Auditorium in New Delhi. The event was graced by distinguished guests including Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff.
The seminar also saw the participation of senior officers from all three services, senior bureaucrats, as well as noted scholars in aerospace power and academia.
Centered on the theme ‘India’s Strategic Culture and Imperatives for Contemporary National Security’, the seminar aimed to foster strategic thinking among its participants.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, delivered a compelling keynote address, urging the attendees to enhance their strategic thinking capabilities and stay updated with the changing global geopolitical landscape.
In a landmark move, this edition of WASP also included participants from the Indian Army and Indian Navy, alongside officers from the IAF and members of the civilian academic community.
This collaborative approach marks a significant shift in the training module, promoting an integrated learning environment among the different branches of India’s defense services and civilian academia.
The seminar concluded with the awarding of Postgraduate Diplomas in Strategic Studies to the graduates by Rashtriya Raksha University, celebrating their achievement and readiness to contribute to national security with renewed expertise and perspective.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), a pivotal initiative by the Ministry of Defence, marked a significant milestone by signing its 350th contract with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. This historic agreement, signed on June 25, 2024, in New Delhi, involves the design and development of an innovative miniaturised satellite capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kg, including Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral sensors.
The contract was exchanged in a ceremony attended by key figures such as the Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), Shri Anurag Bajpai, and the Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies, Shri Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri. Also present were Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other high-ranking civil and military officials.
This latest agreement highlights a significant acceleration in iDEX’s contract signings, with the 150th contract being signed in December 2022 and reaching the 350th in just 18 months. This rapid advancement underscores iDEX’s role in driving innovation within the defence sector, particularly in sophisticated space electronics. The miniaturisation of payloads traditionally used in larger satellites facilitates quicker, more economical deployment and manufacturing, and offers scalability and adaptability while minimizing environmental impact.
Defence Secretary Shri Aramane praised the relentless effort of defence innovators in advancing technology and enhancing national security. He emphasized the synergy between indigenisation and innovation, which not only fosters domestic capabilities but also encourages the development of home-grown technologies.
iDEX has notably been at the forefront of the defence innovation landscape since its inception by the DIO under the Department of Defence Production. Having been recognized with the Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category in 2021, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and introduced the ADITI scheme to boost critical defence technologies.
The initiative now collaborates with over 400 startups and MSMEs, having facilitated procurement of 35 items worth over Rs 2,000 crore, thus significantly contributing to job creation and the overall growth of the defence ecosystem.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), recently engaged with participants of the Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP), a key professional military education initiative of the Indian Air Force.
During the WASP Capstone Seminar, themed ‘India’s Strategic Culture & Imperatives for Contemporary National Security,’ Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari delivered the keynote address, underscoring the importance of strategic culture in shaping national security policies.
The seminar, a culmination of a rigorous 15-week course, was attended by select mid-level officers from the Tri-Services, who received in-depth training in strategic thinking.
The curriculum included insights on statecraft from Arthashastra, and discussions on the dynamics of strategic partnerships and geopolitical alliances. This training was facilitated by subject matter experts from the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) and other prominent think tanks.
Highlighting the significance of continuous professional development in the military, General Chauhan awarded 18 officers with Postgraduate Diploma Certificates in Strategic Studies from Rashtriya Raksha University.
This initiative reflects the Indian military’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of strategic imperatives among its officers, aiming to enhance their capabilities in dealing with contemporary security challenges.
In a significant meeting at the national capital, Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), called on Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), at South Block on Monday.
The visit commenced with a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the South Block Lawns, highlighting the importance of the occasion. Air Marshal Balakrishnan, during his discussions with Admiral Tripathi, provided an extensive briefing on several critical developments concerning the strategic command.
Key points of the briefing included the infrastructural augmentation, surveillance capability enhancement, and force accretion within the Andaman and Nicobar Command. These enhancements are expected to significantly boost the operational capabilities of the command, further securing the strategic interests in the region.
This high-level interaction underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-service cooperation and operational readiness within the Indian Armed Forces. More details on the outcomes of this meeting and its implications on national security are awaited.
India’s missile capabilities have been a driving force in shaping its military prowess and strategic positioning on the global stage. From the development of indigenous ballistic and cruise missile systems to the successful integration of advanced guidance and propulsion technologies, the country’s missile programs have been instrumental in bolstering its defensive and offensive capabilities.
This comprehensive article delves into the intricate details of India’s missile landscape, examining the features, significance, and diverse types of missiles that have elevated the nation’s defense readiness.
At the core of India’s missile programs lies a profound understanding of the key components that define these airborne ranged weapons. Missiles are typically composed of five essential systems: the guidance system, targeting system, flight system, engine, and warhead. The interplay of these elements determines the missile’s accuracy, range, and lethality, making them a crucial component of modern warfare.
Hallmarks of India’s Missile Prowess
India’s indigenous missile systems are renowned for their exceptional capabilities, which have been honed through rigorous research and development efforts. Accuracy, quick reaction time, and high lethality are the hallmarks of these advanced weapon systems. Leveraging cutting-edge guidance technologies, such as inertial navigation, satellite-based positioning, and precision targeting, India’s missiles, including the formidable Agni-V and the supersonic BrahMos, have consistently demonstrated their ability to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Tracing the Trajectory of India’s Missile Programs
India’s pursuit of missile self-reliance began soon after the establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), launched in 1983, was a pivotal initiative that aimed to establish indigenous missile development capabilities and produce a comprehensive range of missiles for the armed forces. This ambitious program gave birth to a diverse array of missiles, including the Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Trishul, and the Agni series.
In addition to the IGMDP, India has also undertaken other successful missile programs, such as the BrahMos Aerospace Joint Venture with Russia and the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme. These initiatives have expanded the country’s missile arsenal, enabling it to address a wide spectrum of strategic and tactical requirements.
Classifying India’s Missile Capabilities
India’s missile inventory can be categorized based on various criteria, including speed, trajectory, launch mode, and strategic or tactical importance. Subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic missiles cater to different operational needs, while ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic glide vehicles offer diverse capabilities in terms of range, maneuverability, and evasion.
Missiles Classified by Speed
Subsonic Missiles:Â Missiles that travel at speeds slower than the speed of sound, such as the Prithvi short-range ballistic missile.
Supersonic Missiles:Â Missiles that exceed the speed of sound (Mach 1) but remain below Mach 5, exemplified by the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Hypersonic Missiles:Â Missiles that attain speeds of at least five times the speed of sound (over Mach 5), including the Shaurya/Sagarika missiles.
Missiles Classified by Trajectory
Ballistic Missiles:Â Missiles that follow a ballistic trajectory, such as the Agni series of strategic ballistic missiles.
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles:Â Ballistic missiles that achieve hypersonic velocities during the re-entry phase, including the experimental Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) being developed by India.
Cruise Missiles:Â Guided missiles that remain in the atmosphere and fly at approximately constant speeds, like the Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS):Â A warhead delivery system that utilizes a low Earth orbit trajectory, which is currently being explored by global powers.
A ballistic missile (BM) is a type of missile that uses projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target.
Missiles Classified by Launch Mode
Surface-to-Surface:Â Launched from land-based platforms to strike ground targets, exemplified by the Prithvi, Agni, and BrahMos missiles.
Surface-to-Air:Â Launched from land-based platforms to intercept aerial threats, such as the Akash and MRSAM surface-to-air missiles.
Air-to-Surface:Â Air-launched missiles used to attack ground-based targets, like the Helina anti-tank missile fired from the Rudra helicopter.
Air-to-Air:Â Missiles launched from aircraft to engage hostile aerial targets, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Ship-to-Ship:Â Naval anti-ship missiles launched from warships or submarines, including the BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile.
Ship-to-Air:Â Naval surface-to-air missiles for fleet air defense, exemplified by the Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missile.
Submarine-Launched:Â Missiles fired from submerged submarines, such as the K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile.
Shoulder-Fired:Â Man-portable missiles fired from launchers carried by infantry, like the FIM-92 Stinger and Igla shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles.
Types of Missiles Based on the Launch Mode
Launch Mode
Description
Examples
Surface-to-Surface
Land-based platforms launching missiles at ground targets
Prithvi, Agni, BrahMos
Surface-to-Air
Land-based systems designed to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, helicopters, and drones
Akash, MRSAM
Air-to-Surface
Missiles launched from aircraft targeting ground-based assets
Helina anti-tank missile (from Rudra helicopter)
Air-to-Air
Aircraft deploying missiles against other aerial targets
Astra BVR air-to-air missile (from Tejas)
Ship-to-Ship
Naval vessels launching missiles at other ships or submarines
Naval ships equipped with missiles to defend against aerial threats
Barak-8 LR-SAM (on naval ships)
Submarine-launched
Missiles fired from submerged submarines
K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile
Shoulder-fired
Portable missile systems operated by individual soldiers
FIM-92 Stinger, Igla shoulder-fired SAMs
Missiles Classified by Strategic Importance
India’s missile arsenal encompasses both strategic and tactical systems, each serving distinct purposes in the country’s defense doctrine.
Strategic Missiles
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs):Â Long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents, with the Agni-V being India’s first ICBM.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs):Â Missiles launched from nuclear-powered submarines, such as the K-15 Sagarika and the K-4, which complete India’s nuclear triad.
Agni-V is a land based nuclear MIRV-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India. The missile has a range of more than 7,000 km.
Tactical Missiles
Prithvi Missiles:Â Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, including the Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II, and Prithvi-III naval variant.
BrahMos Missile:Â The world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, with variants for land, ship, submarine, and air-launched applications.
The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft or TEL. It is a joint venture between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace.
Significance of India’s Missile Capabilities
India’s indigenous missile programs have significantly enhanced the country’s military might and strategic deterrence. These advanced weapon systems serve multiple purposes, ranging from providing a credible nuclear deterrent to strengthening conventional battle readiness and coastal defense.
Strategic Deterrence
India’s long-range ballistic missiles, such as the Agni series, play a crucial role in establishing minimum credible deterrence and ensuring a robust second-strike capability against potential nuclear threats.
Tactical Battle Capability
Short-range missiles like the Prithvi and BrahMos allow India to conduct deep tactical strikes against enemy assets, including airbases, logistics, and other critical infrastructure, thereby gaining a decisive edge on the battlefield.
Coastal Defense
Anti-ship variants of the BrahMos missile and surface-to-air missile systems safeguard India’s vast coastline against hostile naval forces and aircraft, bolstering the country’s maritime security.
Enhanced Air Power
Air-to-air missiles like the Astra enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force for air combat and strikes, while air-launched cruise missiles transform fighter jets into potent missile carriers.
Challenges in Defence Indigenisation
While India has made remarkable strides in developing advanced missile technologies, the country still faces several challenges in achieving complete self-reliance in this domain.
Indigenous Infrastructure
India’s dependence on imports for critical components, such as seekers, RF seekers, and propulsion systems, affects large-scale manufacturing and the development of comprehensive domestic production capabilities.
DRDO Project Delays
Strategic missile programs have sometimes experienced developmental delays and modest success rates, which can impact their timely operationalization. Prioritization frameworks and robust review mechanisms are essential to address these challenges.
Technology Transfer Barriers
The transfer of key defense technologies is not always straightforward, necessitating a balanced approach that combines self-sufficiency and global lobbying efforts.
Funding Constraints
The capital-intensive and technically demanding nature of missile projects requires adequate and sustained financing. Attracting private capital through appropriate public-private partnership models is crucial to overcome funding constraints.
By addressing these challenges and continuing to invest in the development of indigenous missile technologies, India can further strengthen its defense capabilities and solidify its position as a regional and global power.
Conclusion
India’s missile programs have been a cornerstone of its defense strategy, serving as a powerful deterrent against potential adversaries and enhancing the country’s conventional and nuclear capabilities. From the precision-guided Agni and BrahMos missiles to the cutting-edge hypersonic technologies, India’s missile arsenal showcases the nation’s technological prowess and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its strategic interests. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of defense indigenization, the future of its missile programs holds the promise of even greater advancements, ensuring India’s position as a formidable military power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
In a significant leadership transition, Captain V S Guru has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of INS Kadamba, one of the major naval bases located at Karwar, Karnataka. He succeeds Captain Vivek Singh in this prestigious role. The change of command ceremony was marked by the traditional pomp and circumstance reflective of the navy’s rich traditions.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2002, Capt V S Guru brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously commanded the INS Sumitra and has held several key appointments including positions at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Naval Headquarters (NHQ), and on various fleet ships under the Western Naval Command (WNC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
INS Kadamba is the third largest naval base in India and plays a crucial role in the country’s maritime operations. It is strategically significant and, with the ongoing Phase II expansion, is poised to become the largest naval base in the Eastern Hemisphere. The expansion is expected to enhance the operational readiness and capacity of the Indian Navy, further bolstering India’s maritime interests.
Capt Guru’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as INS Kadamba continues to expand and modernize, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the Indian Navy’s strategic operations.
