Pinaka To Agni — DRDO To Showcase India's Cutting-Edge Defence Might At 75th Republic Day Parade

Among an array of demonstrations before PM Narendra Modi and President Macron, the DRDO will showcase India's defence technologies and strength.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation's Pinaka missile system on display during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade

Source : PTI

In a grand celebration of the 75th Republic Day, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to display a formidable array of weapons and equipment, showcasing India's technological prowess in defence. French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the celebrations as the chief guest.

Among an array of demonstrations before PM Narendra Modi and President Macron, the DRDO will showcase India's defence technologies and strength.

Here's what the DRDO will display on Kartavya Path on Friday: 

Weapon Locating Radar (WLR): The Weapon Locating Radar, an electronically scanned phased array radar, is a sophisticated system designed to automatically detect hostile artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers. With the capability to track friendly fire and locate the impact point of friendly artillery, the WLR issues necessary corrections. Available in two versions - Swathi Plains and Swathi Mountains - it can detect projectiles with small cross-sections across the battle space horizon and handle simultaneous fire from weapons deployed at multiple locations.

MRSAM Missile: The Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) is a high-response, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile. Engineered to neutralize a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters, the MRSAM provides point-and-area air defence for ground assets. Deployed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force in different variants, it offers a robust defence against various threats, including subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles.

NAG (Anti-Tank Guided Missile): Developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions, the NAG missile boasts "Fire & Forget" and "Top Attack" capabilities with passive homing guidance. It is designed to defeat Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) equipped with composite and reactive armour.

PINAKA MLRS: The Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launching System is an all-weather, free-flight artillery weapon system developed by DRDO. Capable of delivering a large volume of fire in a short time, the Pinaka is a flagship project showcasing successful public-private partnership in defense technology.

SARVATRA Bridging System: One of the world's longest multi-span bridging systems, the Sarvatra bridging system features individual spans of 15m each, allowing for the construction of a class 70 bridge with spans up to 75m. Suitable for various service vehicles, including the MBT Arjun, this system demonstrates cutting-edge engineering in military infrastructure.

TEJAS LCA (Light Combat Aircraft): The Tejas LCA Mk-1A variant represents a state-of-the-art, 4+ generation fighter aircraft equipped with critical operational capabilities. Featuring an Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, Beyond Visual Range Missile, Electronic Warfare Suite, and air-to-air refuelling, the Tejas LCA is a potent platform designed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.

AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control): Mounted on Embraer-145 aircraft, the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system is a force multiplier for detecting and tracking enemy/hostile aircraft, UAVs, and more. The fully indigenous system includes a primary radar system (PR) designed and manufactured in India. It is a net-centric system with complete command and control functions, providing a composite picture of the environment to operators on board and on the ground.

The display of these cutting-edge defence technologies underscores India's commitment to innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector, marking a milestone in the nation's journey towards enhanced security and technological prowess.

DRDO Tableu To Highlight Women's Contributions

The DRDO will also highlight on its tableau the invaluable contributions of women scientists in hardcore defence research. The DRDO tableau for 2024 will feature the theme 'Women power in protecting the nation by providing the Defence Technologies and Systems in all 5 dimensions (Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Space).'

Led by Smt Sunita Devi Jena, an Outstanding Scientist serving as the Contingent Commander, the tableau showcases a range of cutting-edge systems and subsystems developed by DRDO. Other 

Cyber Security Systems, Semiconductor Fabrication Facilties and Command & Control Systems will be demonstrated by P Lakshmi Madhavi, J Sujana Choudary, Akula Bhuvaneswari.

Here's more that the DRDO tableau will feature: 

MPATGM (Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile): A third-generation Fire-and-Forget missile, MPATGM is equipped with Lock-On before Launch (LOBL) and autonomous homing guidance. Designed for Indian Army infantry battalions, it boasts a low weight, Fire-and-Forget capability and is launched from a man-portable launcher integrated with thermal sight.

QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile): Developed by DRDO, QRSAM is an advanced air defence system providing mobile air defence cover to mechanized assets of the Indian Army in the Tactical Battle Area. It includes a Surveillance Radar, a Multi-Function Radar, a Command Post, and a Mobile Launcher capable of firing six canisterized missiles.

AGNI-V: Agni-V is a land-based nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 kilometres. A three-stage, road-mobile, canisterized, solid-fueled ICBM, Agni-V incorporates advanced technologies involving a ring laser and accelerometer for navigation and guidance.

HELINA: A third-generation Fire-and-Forget anti-tank guided missile launched from the ALH helicopter, HELINA is designed and developed by DRDO for the Aviation Wing of the Indian Army. It is guided by an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the Lock-on-Before Launch mode, making it one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons globally.

ASTRA Missile on LCA: Astra Mk-I is a state-of-the-art Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets. Integrated with the indigenous light combat aircraft TEJAS, ASTRA features dual guidance with inertial guidance in the midcourse and active radar seeker-based homing guidance in the terminal phase.

VSHORADS Missile (Very Short Range Air Defense System): An indigenous 4th generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), VSHORADS is developed by DRDO. It neutralizes low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges, incorporating technologies like IIR Seeker, Miniaturized Reaction Control System, and Integrated Avionics.

Command and Control of Missile Systems: Command and Control centers play a pivotal role in transforming sensors and weapons into an integrated weapon system. These centers continuously integrate target data, classify and identify targets, allocate resources for target engagements, and provide automatic and semi-automatic engagement solutions. They control radars, launchers, missiles, and data links for cohesive synergy.

Semiconductor Fabrication Facility: DRDO's focus on semiconductor devices and technologies for defence applications is crucial for strategic areas such as radars, satellites, missiles, night vision, avalanche detection, chemical sensing, and laser detonators.

EW SHAKTI (Electronic Warfare System): Developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) of DRDO, EW SHAKTI provides an electronic layer of defense for detection and jamming of modern radars and anti-ship missiles. Successfully integrated with the Indian Navy's Capital warships, it enhances the nation's electronic warfare capabilities.

Cyber Security: DRDO's Cyber Warriors actively engage in securing the nation's digital infrastructure by identifying and eliminating cyber threats. From fortifying critical infrastructure to contributing to the nation's digital development, these warriors play a crucial role in maintaining a secure and resilient digital environment.

ASAT Mission Shakti: The Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon, showcased as Mission Shakti, represents India's capability to defend against space-based threats. This achievement signifies a decisive edge in maintaining military superiority and deterrence against adversaries in space.

In a groundbreaking display, DRDO's Republic Day tableau not only showcases advanced defence technologies but also emphasizes the vital role played by women scientists in these significant achievements, aligning with the nation's pursuit of self-reliance and innovation in the defence sector.