DRDO, Indian Navy conduct combat firing of indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine
"The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories - High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh," a release from the Ministry of Defence read.
MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system.
"Complimenting DRDO, Indian Navy and the Industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy," the release read.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat said, with this validation trial, the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Navy.
On May 03, DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform from the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh.
"Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 km," as per an official release.
Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights.
"Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. The trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes," the release read.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India's earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Indian Navy set to commission frontline stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri
Vishakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is preparing for the simultaneous commissioning of two advanced frontline frigates -Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34) on August 26, as per an official statement. Notably, this will be the first time that two major surface combatants from two prestigious Indian Shipyards are being commissioned at the same time at Visakhapatnam. The Navy in the statement noted that the event underscores India's accelerating naval modernisation and its ability to deliver sophisticated warships from multiple shipyards. The milestone showcases the success of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector. Udaygiri, the second ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while Himgiri is the first of P17A ships being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata. In another major milestone for the Indian Navy, Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau. Udaygiri and Himgiri represent a generational leap over earlier designs. Displacing about 6,700 tons, the P17A frigates are roughly five per cent larger than their predecessor Shivalik-class frigates and yet incorporate a sleeker form, with a reduced radar cross section. According to the statement, they are powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants using diesel engines and gas turbines that drive controllable-pitch propellers and are managed through an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The weapon suite includes supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, 76 mm MR Gun and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm Close-in Weapon Systems and the Anti-submarine/ Underwater weapon systems. Both ships are the result of an industrial ecosystem spanning over 200 MSMEs, supporting approximately 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs. The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri underscores the Navy's commitment towards self-reliance in ship design and construction and follows the commissioning of other indigenous platforms, including destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri, submarine INS Vaghsheer, ASW Shallow Water Craft INS Arnala, and Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar, all in 2025 alone. Rigorous sea trials have validated the frigates' hull, machinery, firefighting, damage control, navigation and communication systems, ensuring they are ready for operational deployment. The statement highlighted that the forthcoming ceremony at Visakhapatnam will thus be more than a naval ritual; it will be a celebration of India's journey towards a robust and self-sufficient maritime defence ecosystem. As the nation watches the two grey hulls take their place in the fleet, the message will be clear- India's oceans are guarded by ships built in India, designed by Indians and staffed by Indians - a true embodiment of the Make in India initiative and a beacon of the country's rising maritime power.
Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Times of Oman
Hyderabad-based startups co-develop India's first indigenous stealth drone
The cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), built with advanced stealth capabilities, represents a major leap forward in India's push for self-reliance and showcases the growing maturity of the country's private defence ecosystem. Developed jointly by deep-tech defence startups based in Hyderabad's vibrant innovation clusters, the stealth drone project combines indigenous materials, artificial intelligence, and precision engineering to meet the evolving needs of modern aerial warfare. The drone is designed to evade enemy radar, operate in contested airspace, and carry out high-value reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical missions with minimal detectability. Its successful unveiling places India in an elite group of nations with credible stealth UAV capabilities. A new era for Indian defence startups The success of the stealth drone project signals a new era for Indian defence startups, especially those operating in emerging aerospace hubs like Hyderabad. Hyderabad, already home to key defence and aerospace institutions such as DRDO laboratories, HAL facilities, and ISRO-linked research centres, has become a magnet for startups specialising in drone technology, electronics, avionics, and composite materials. With robust infrastructure, access to engineering talent, and a supportive policy environment, the city has emerged as a cradle of defence innovation. Startups involved in the stealth drone program have benefited from collaboration with key agencies, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework under the Ministry of Defence, and venture capital from government-backed and private funds focused on dual-use technologies. Engineering excellence and indigenous innovation At the heart of the stealth drone's success lies cutting-edge engineering and a deep commitment to indigenisation. The UAV features a composite airframe designed to absorb radar signals, reduce cross-section visibility, and enhance aerodynamic performance. The propulsion system and flight control software are fully indigenous, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and ensuring strategic autonomy. A standout feature of the drone is its AI-based autonomous navigation and decision-making system. Developed by one of the consortium startups specialising in machine learning and edge computing, the system allows the drone to adapt to mission parameters in real time, navigate complex terrains, and respond to potential threats intelligently without continuous ground control inputs. The stealth drone's modular design also enables flexibility in mission payloads, including electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare systems, and light combat weaponry. This makes it a versatile platform capable of performing both intelligence and tactical operations, ideal for surveillance in border zones, maritime domains, and conflict-prone regions. Support from the AatmanirbharBharat initiative The project has flourished under the aegis of the Indian government's AatmanirbharBharat mission, which has actively encouraged indigenous R&D and production in defence. In parallel, the iDEX platform has provided financial grants, procurement assurance, and mentorship support to emerging players. Startups involved in the stealth drone initiative have been beneficiaries of both early-stage innovation support and downstream procurement readiness. This seamless integration of innovation and policy has allowed them to scale their technologies from lab prototypes to deployable assets in record time. Hyderabad's growing aerospace ecosystem Hyderabad's evolution into a major aerospace and defence hub has been instrumental to the drone's development. The city's ecosystem includes world-class institutions such as the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility, Boeing's engineering centre, and several DRDO and CSIR labs. Academic institutions like the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H) and the Indian School of Business (ISB) also contribute to the talent and innovation pipeline. This ecosystem has enabled Hyderabad-based startups to access high-end manufacturing, testing facilities, and domain expertise. The close proximity to national defence stakeholders has further facilitated co-development efforts, secure testing environments, and rapid iteration cycles essential for cutting-edge systems like stealth drones. The Telangana state government has also played an enabling role by creating special industrial parks for aerospace and defence, offering incentives, and facilitating defence corridors in partnership with the central government. A strategic asset for Indian armed forces India's first indigenous stealth drone arrives at a time when unmanned systems are becoming indispensable to modern military doctrine. From real-time surveillance in mountainous terrain to precision strikes and target acquisition in hostile zones, stealth drones offer unique strategic advantages. For the Indian armed forces, particularly the Air Force and Navy, a homegrownstealth UAV offers enhanced situational awareness without the risks associated with manned missions. Moreover, the ability to manufacture and upgrade such systems locally provides India with long-term cost efficiencies and operational flexibility. It allows for faster mission-specific modifications and ensures continuity of operations in times of geopolitical disruption or export restrictions. Export potential and global recognition India's indigenous stealth drone not only strengthens domestic capabilities but also opens avenues for defence exports. Several countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are seeking affordable yet advanced UAV systems to modernise their defence forces. India's entry into this market with a credible stealth platform developed by its startup ecosystem adds a new dimension to its defence diplomacy and global footprint. Given that the drone has been built with export compliance and interoperability in mind, it is well-positioned for foreign military sales once it completes user trials and certifications. The Defence Ministry's recently launched Defence Export Promotion Scheme and the push to achieve $5 billion in defence exports by 2025 further align with this development, ensuring institutional support for international outreach. A milestone in Indian innovation The successful co-development of India's first stealth drone by Hyderabad-based startups is a milestone worth celebrating—not just for the defence sector, but for the larger vision of India as an innovation-driven economy. It also demonstrates that India's private sector, once a peripheral player in defence manufacturing, is now capable of delivering mission-critical technologies that meet global benchmarks. As these startups scale further, collaborate with armed forces, and attract international interest, they will play a key role in shaping the future of aerospace innovation—not only for India but potentially for friendly nations around the world. With this accomplishment, Hyderabad has firmly cemented its place on the map of global defence innovation.
Times of Oman
25-07-2025
- Times of Oman
India conducts successful flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday announced that India has conducted the successful flight trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range, test range in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. In a social media post on X, the Defence Minister extended greetings to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its industry partners for the achievement. The social media post read, "In a major boost to India's defence capabilities, @DRDO_India has successfully carried out flight trials of UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in the National Open Area Range (NOAR), test range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. "Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies," it added. Earlier in May, the Indian Army undertook extensive Capacity Development Demonstrations at key locations across the country, including the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Babina Field Firing Ranges, and Joshimath, with dedicated Air Defence equipment demonstrations also scheduled at Agra and Gopalpur. According to an official press release issued on May 31, these field trials were conducted under near-combat conditions, integrating electronic warfare simulations to assess the performance of cutting-edge defence systems rigorously. On May 27, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited Babina Field Firing Ranges and reviewed the ongoing demonstrations and interacted with all stakeholders. The demonstrations featured a wide array of advanced technologies developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at accelerating indigenous capability development. The trials mark a significant step in the Indian Army's roadmap for a "Decade of Transformation" and are designed to ensure rapid absorption of emerging technologies to meet evolving battlefield requirements. A large number of defence industry partners also took part in the demonstration, reflecting the increasing synergy between the Indian Army and domestic manufacturers. Key platforms undergoing evaluation included Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), Runway Independent (RWI) Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Counter-UAS Solutions, Loitering Munitions, Specialised Vertical Launch (SVL) Drones, Precision Multi Munition Delivery Systems, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), Low Level Light Weight Radars, VSHORADS (Next Generation) IR Systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) Platforms.
