On January 1st, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) commemorated its 67th Foundation Day, honoring the legacy of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the Missile Man of India. The event underscored DRDO’s pivotal role in enhancing India's defense capabilities.
Key Facts About DRDO
- Established: DRDO was founded in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
- Structure: Initially comprising 10 laboratories, DRDO now operates 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs).
- Mission: DRDO’s mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies and systems while equipping the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art weaponry, as per the requirements of all three services.
- Philosophy: The guiding principle of DRDO is "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (Strength lies in science), fueling India's advancement in both peace and wartime.
DRDO’s Technology Clusters
In 2007, a committee led by Dr. P. Rama Rao restructured DRDO into seven technology clusters:
- Aeronautics Systems (Aero): Focuses on UAVs, aerostats, and related technologies.
- Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS): Develops missile systems, including long and short-range missiles.
- Naval Systems and Materials (NSM): Works on naval platforms, underwater systems, sonar systems, and submarine technologies.
- Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems (MED/CoS): Specializes in electronics, radars, cybersecurity, and AI for defense.
- Armament and Combat Engineering Systems (ACE): Develops armaments, ammunition, explosives, and combat vehicles.
- Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS): Focuses on military electronics, sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare.
- Soldier Support System (SSS): Enhances the psychological, physiological, and nutritional well-being of personnel alongside weaponry.
DRDO’s Key Achievements
In 2024, DRDO marked significant advancements:
- System Handovers: DRDO delivered key systems, including Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR), Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM), and Medium Range Anti-ship Missile (MRAshM).
- Advanced Platforms: The Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) and Anti-Tank Influence Mine PRACHAND were among the delivered platforms.
- AI Innovations: DRDO developed ‘Divya Drishti,’ an AI tool integrating face recognition with gait and skeletal features for advanced security applications.
Flagship Programs
DRDO's flagship projects include the Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the establishment of a new Missile Test Range in Andhra Pradesh.
Missiles and Systems
DRDO has made strides in various missile systems:
- Air-to-Air: MICA, Astra
- Surface-to-Air: Trishul, Akash, Barak 8
- Surface-to-Surface: Agni, Prithvi, Dhanush, Shaurya
- Cruise: BrahMos, Nirbhay
- Combat Aircraft: Tejas Light Combat Aircraft
- Naval Systems: Humsa, Nagan, Ushus, Mihir sonar systems
- Rocket Systems: Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher
Contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to DRDO
Dr. Kalam’s legacy at DRDO is monumental, particularly in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), initiated in 1983. Under his leadership, India developed several indigenous missile systems, including:
- Missiles Developed: Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag, Agni
- Technological Breakthroughs: Innovations in propulsion, navigation, and control systems.
Dr. Kalam’s leadership not only positioned India as a missile-producing nation but also reduced the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Key Contributions
- Birth and Early Life: Dr. Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
- Presidency: He served as India's 11th President from 2002 to 2007.
- Awards: Dr. Kalam received the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), and Bharat Ratna (1997).
- Literary Works: His influential books include Wings of Fire, India 2020, My Journey, and Ignited Minds.
Scientific and National Contributions
- ISRO: Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role in India’s first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-III, leading to the successful launch of the Rohini satellite in 1980.
- Pokhran-II: He oversaw India’s nuclear tests in 1998, establishing the country as a nuclear power.
- Vision 2020: Dr. Kalam proposed a national plan to transform India into a developed nation by 2020.
- Kalam-Raju Stent: In collaboration with Dr. B. Soma Raju, he co-developed an affordable coronary heart disease stent.
Dr. Kalam’s leadership continues to inspire the DRDO, ISRO, and India’s scientific community, strengthening the nation’s defense and technological capabilities.