Several cutting-edge weapons systems that India is developing indigenously are expected to become a reality in the coming years. DRDO chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamath, in a recent interview, outlined the progress of several key projects ranging from two types of hypersonic missiles to a fifth-generation fighter jet. These initiatives aim to bolster India’s offensive and defensive capabilities across land, sea, and air domains.
BrahMos Next Generation
The BrahMos missile, developed through an India-Russia joint venture, is currently deployed in various configurations by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. A variant capable of being launched from fighter jets is already in service, currently limited to the Russian-origin SU-30MKI aircraft. The DRDO is now working on a next-generation version, BrahMos-NG, which is lighter and more compact, making it compatible with a wider range of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force. Dr Kamath noted that this upgrade would significantly enhance the IAF’s strike capabilities.
Sudarshan Chakra and Surface-to-Air Missiles
Under the ‘Kusha’ project, DRDO is developing long-range surface-to-air missiles comparable to Russia’s S-400 air defence system. In parallel, under a project named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, India is developing Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) that use lasers and microwave technology to neutralise aerial threats such as drones.
Air-to-Air Missile Modernisation :Astra Mk & Rudram
DRDO is also modernising its air-to-air missile systems through upgrades to the Astra missile family. The Astra Mk-1 has already been inducted, while longer-range versions, Mk-2 and Mk-3, are currently under development. In addition, the Rudram series, comprising Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4, is being developed as air-to-surface missiles launched from fighter aircraft to neutralise ground targets.
Hypersonic Missiles
India is advancing two hypersonic missile projects, a cruise missile powered by scramjet propulsion and a hypersonic glide vehicle. The glide vehicle is expected to be tested within the next two to three years and inducted into the armed forces thereafter. Scramjet propulsion for the hypersonic cruise missile has already been tested successfully for a duration of 1,000 seconds. Full-scale testing is awaiting government clearance, and if approved, the missile could be inducted in five to seven years.
Light Tank ‘Sarovar’ for Mountain Warfare
Dr. Kamath also shared updates on the development of a 25-tonne light tank named Sarovar, being developed in partnership with L&T. This tank is specifically designed for deployment in high-altitude areas along the India-China border and is expected to join the Indian Army’s arsenal in the near future.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
India’s indigenously developed ATAGS is being transformed into a mobile artillery system. The government has already cleared the proposal for the procurement of 814 truck-mounted 155mm calibre towed guns. The estimated Rs 15,000 crore project involves both public sector units and private defence manufacturers including Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge, and Mahindra Defence.
Submarine Warfare and Naval Technologies
DRDO is simultaneously advancing underwater warfare capabilities by developing torpedoes, naval mines, and other key systems for the Indian Navy. Several of these technologies are on the verge of being inducted into active service, enhancing India’s underwater combat capabilities.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
The AMCA project, officially approved in 2024, is India’s response to the reported plan by China to supply 40 J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. According to Dr. Kamath, the AMCA is expected to be completed by 2035, and the Indian Air Force is slated to procure an initial batch of 20 aircraft. The development of AMCA underscores India’s commitment to building a self-reliant and advanced air combat capability to counter regional threats.
These ambitious initiatives reflect India’s growing defence self-reliance and technological advancement, aiming to position the country as a formidable power with modern, indigenously developed weapon systems for the future.
