Answer: The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was initiated under the leadership of APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDL, Hyderabad, in 1983 to bolster the Indian missile program. DRDO announced the successful completion of IGMDP in 2008.
Objectives of India’s IGMDP were:
- Self-Reliance: To achieve self-sufficiency in the development and production of various missile systems to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
- Strategic Deterrence: To enhance India’s strategic capabilities by developing a robust and indigenous missile arsenal for deterrence against potential threats.
- National Security: After the 1962 war with China and the 1965 & 1971 wars with Pakistan, India realized the importance of self-reliance in vital military equipment to safeguard national security.
Components of IGMDP:
- Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile designed for tactical battlefield use.
- Prithvi-I: Range – 150 km, Prithvi II: Range – 350 km, Prithvi III: Range – 750 km; Dhanush is the naval variant of the Prithvi III missile
- Agni: Medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles.
- Agni-1 to Agni-3 were developed under IGMDP. Ranging from Agni-1 (700 km) to Agni-III (3,500 km), these missiles are pivotal to India’s nuclear deterrence strategy
- Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed for air defense against aerial threats.
- An intercept range of 30 km. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5. It can reach an altitude of 18 km.
- Trishul: Short-range, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system
- It has a range of 12 km and is used as anti-sea skimmer from ships against low-flying attacks.
- Nag: Third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile.
- NAMICA (Nag Missile carrier), HELINA (Helicopter version)
Strategic Significance:
- Overcoming Technological Challenges: IGMDP enabled India to achieve self-reliance in critical missile technology despite restrictions imposed by the MTCR.
- Nuclear Deterrence: Agni missiles support India’s nuclear deterrence strategy based on a no-first-use policy.
- Strategic Deterrence: Prithvi and Agni missiles provide deterrence against potential threats from China and Pakistan.
- Technological Spin-offs: IGMDP led to the development of crucial technologies like phase shifters, magnesium alloys, and carbon fibers.
- International Standing: IGMDP elevated India’s reputation as a technologically advanced defense player globally.
- National Security: IGMDP’s missile defense system enhances India’s national security by countering aerial and missile threats effectively.
- Make in India: IGMDP’s success contributes to India’s Make in India initiative, paving the way for future missile exports.
DRDO has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s defence capabilities. DRDO’s recent achievements underscore India’s growing autonomy in defence production, reducing dependence on foreign imports.
DRDO’s Recent Achievements
- Advancements in Missile Systems
- Agni-5 with MIRV (Mission Divyastra) & Agni-Prime → Boosting India’s strategic deterrence.
- BrahMos Missile: A joint Indo-Russian development; India has taken over full design and production to ensure strategic autonomy.
- Rudram-1 & 2 → India’s first anti-radiation missile to target enemy radar systems.
- Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology → Enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds.
- Advancements in Air Defence SystemsÂ
- Akash-NG Missile, Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) → Enhancing air defence capabilities.
- Indigenous Defence Systems
- High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) – ABHYAS, Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System (MPATGM), Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART), Varunastra Torpedo.
- Pinaka MBRL, Dhanush Artillery Gun, Indigenous Light Tank – Zorawar → Boosting artillery strength.
- Defence Technologies & Equipment
- ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat) → Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets.
- Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket: This system reduces radar detection, enhancing stealth capabilities of naval platforms.
- Life Support Systems:
- Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) technology for pilot of LCA Tejas.
- ‘HANS’ (High Altitude parachute with Navigation & advanced Sub-assemblies) → Military combat parachute system.
- Crew Module Parachute System for Gaganyaan Programme.
Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat :
- Indigenous R&D → DRDO is reducing India’s dependency on foreign defence imports through extensive research and development.
- Self-Reliance in Defence → Focus on self-reliant design, development, and manufacturing, in line with the “Make in India” initiative.
- Private Sector Collaboration → Encouraging the private sector to contribute to defence production, fostering a robust indigenous defence industry.
- Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of technology to industries, enhancing domestic production and export potential.
Through its cutting-edge innovations, DRDO has significantly contributed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities and realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring strategic autonomy and enhanced national security.
