DRDO successfully flight-tests Surface-to-Air Missiles

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an Indian Government-controlled military research and development (R&D) agency, successfully flight-tested two of its state-of-the-art Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) against live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, as per an official announcement on August 4. The two surface-to-air missiles were charged with the objective of engaging two live targets and successfully completed the mission. The QRSAM, with its many revolutionary technologies, navigated different ranges and altitudes to pass the test. 

With the help of various Electro Optical Tracking Systems, Radar Systems and Telemetry Systems, the entire mission was captured for further research and analysis. These systems are being developed for the Indian Army, with search and track-on-move capabilities without compromising on short reaction times. Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, congratulated the DRDO on its achievement. India offers highly-advanced and cost-competitive defence and aerospace equipment and innovation, having found growing interest worldwide, with this successful test serving as another notable accomplishment. 

India’s budget for the financial year 2019-20 offered a 6.9 per cent hike in allocation for national defence and security. With current spending for the sector pegged at US$44.7 billion this year, the Indian defence sector is set to experience its highest ever allocation. Meanwhile, India’s state-run space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has emerged as one of the world’s most successful satellite launching agencies. The Government’s “Make in India” initiative is aiming to develop India as a R&D and manufacturing destination for the world’s defence and aerospace requirements.