Make in India

The existing VSHORADS is already a major technological advance over older-generation infrared-guided missiles. Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, the fourth-generation system incorporates an uncooled Imaging Infrared seeker, miniaturised reaction-control system, integrated avionics and a dual-thrust solid-propellant motor. These technologies give the missile better target discrimination, manoeuvrability and resistance to conventional infrared countermeasures.

The compact platform has been developed around the requirement for a small, rapidly deployable aircraft capable of carrying useful tactical sensors without the logistical footprint associated with larger reconnaissance UAVs. S7 Systems says the drone offers a 20-minute flight endurance, an operational range of 2 kilometres and payload capacity of up to 300 grams, while supporting configurable sensors, communications and mission equipment.

Vajra is particularly significant because its proposed mission closely resembles the direction in which the Indian Navy itself has been moving. Rather than merely developing another remotely piloted aircraft, AvionX is attempting to build what is increasingly called a Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA — an unmanned aircraft capable of operating as part of a combat formation with crewed fighters .

The achievement marks the transition of the AK-203 programme from progressively localised production to complete indigenisation of the manufacturing supply chain, with every component and material used in the latest rifle sourced from Indian industry.

India’s northern frontiers present conditions in which the environment itself can become a serious operational threat. Soldiers deployed at extreme altitude must contend not only with sub-zero temperatures but also strong winds, snow, moisture, reduced oxygen and rapidly changing levels of physical activity.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed an increasingly sophisticated family of indigenous radar-stealth materials that could form an important part of this low-observable ecosystem as the AMCA moves towards prototype development.