Counter-Drone Technology and UAV Development

• 10 Jan 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made substantial strides in developing a comprehensive counter-drone system, as well as focusing on the advancement of high-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

What are the Recent Developments in Counter-Drone Technology and UAV Development?

• Counter-Drone Technology Development:
  • DRDO has developed a comprehensive anti-drone system encompassing detection, identification, and neutralization of drones.
  • The technology is capable of countering attacks, soft kill and hard kill of all types of drones, including micro drones.
  • Also, the technology has been transferred to private companies like BEL, L&T, and Icom for mass production
• UAV Development:
  • Tapas MALE UAV: The Tapas Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV developed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) applications is in an advanced stage of developmental trials.
    • Lithium Ion-based battery with indigenous battery management system has been developed by the DRDO in association with a private vendor and is being used on Tapas UAV.
  • Archer UAV: Short-range armed UAV Archer is under development for reconnaissance, surveillance, and low-intensity conflict scenarios, with developmental flight trials in progress.

What is the Defence Research and Development Organization?

• About: DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defense technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
  • Core Principle: "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (Science is the source of strength)
• Foundation: Established in 1958 by amalgamating existing establishments from the Indian Army and Directorate of Technical Development & Production.
• Significant Contributions: Developed strategic systems and platforms like Agni and Prithvi series of missiles, Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft), Pinaka (Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher), Akash (Air Defence System), radars, and electronic warfare systems.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Years Questions (PYQs)

Q1. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)

(a) An Israeli radar system

(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

(c) An American anti-missile system

(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Ans: c

Q2. With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)