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India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Rs 1250000000 price, 2500KM range, India's 'nuclear arrow' to give sleepless nights to Pakistan, China, name is...
Rs 1250000000 price, 2500KM range, India's 'nuclear arrow' to give sleepless nights to Pakistan, China, name is... Taking a big leap in its strategic capability, India successfully tested the nuclear capable medium-range ballistic missile 'Agni-2' on August 9, 2012. This missile, made at a cost of about ₹125 crore, has the capability to target the enemy up to 2500 kilometers. This test was not only a technical achievement but also a strong declaration of India's strategic autonomy and maintaining regional balance. This historic test was conducted from Wheeler Island (now Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island) located off the coast of Odisha. This launch showed the world that India is not only self-reliant in its defense technology but is also capable of responding to any challenge. Agni-2 is an important part of India's major missile development plan (IGMDP) and has been developed by DRDO. This surface-to-surface missile has a range of 2000 to 2500 kilometers. It has the capability to carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. Technically, this missile gives India a strategic advantage. Especially against those countries which have the capability to attack from long distances. What are its technical features? Nearly 20 meters long and weighing 17 tonnes, Agni-2 is equipped with state-of-the-art inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS-based guided system. Due to which it can hit its target with accuracy. While its payload capacity is 1,000 kg, its fuel system is two-stage solid fuel. The launching platform is Via mobile launcher. Its mobile launching capability makes it extremely accurate. This allows it to be quickly deployed in different areas of the country. When was it tested? When Agni-2 was tested on 9 August 2012, it was completely successful. The missile hit its target accurately, which was confirmed by radar and telemetry stations. This test was conducted as part of testing the operational readiness of the Indian Army. According to the Defense Ministry, this test proved that India's missile technology and military capability is constantly getting stronger. It is capable of countering any potential threat. What is the strategic importance? The importance of Agni-2 lies not only in its technical capability but also in its strategic message. Its range of 2500 km means that it can reach almost every part of Pakistan and many strategic locations of China as well. Experts believe that this missile is not only a great weapon but also strengthens India's 'no first use' policy. Its presence makes enemy countries think many times before taking any aggressive step. How is India self-reliant in technology? The success of Agni-2 also symbolises that India is rapidly becoming self-reliant in its defense technology. Its entire design and development process has been done indigenously by DRDO and Indian industries. This not only reduces foreign dependence, but also moves India towards becoming an exporter of defense technology. What next? Weapons like Agni-2 are the strongest part of India's security. Subsequently, successful tests of long-range missiles like Agni-3, Agni-4 and Agni-5 have brought India to the list of select countries that have multi-level missile capability. Since the successful test of Agni-2 in 2012, India has continuously upgraded its missile technology and now it has also developed the capability to launch from different platforms.
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Dr Kalam is right: Determination is the power that sees through all our frustrations and obstacles
The nation fondly remembers Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his 10th death anniversary (July 27) like it has been doing for the last nine years. This is a time to reflect on the remarkable life, achievements and the extraordinary legacy the 'Missile Man of India' and 'People's President' has left behind. Dr Kalam's significant contributions to the country's space and defence programs and as the President and his vision for a developed India continues to inspire generations, including in pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Dr. Kalam's humility, determination, and commitment to public service and his desire to see India as a knowledge super-power serve as a role model for individuals seeking to make a positive impact. His pearls of wisdom and life lessons continue to motivate the younger generations to dream big and act with conviction. Abdul Kalam was known for his simple and humble demeanor. He often described himself as a short man with undistinguished looks especially when compared to his tall and handsome parents. He possessed a warm and genuine smile that endeared him to many. His appearance reflected his inner simplicity and approachable nature. He was often seen as a man of the people, connecting with individuals from all walks of life. His long, signature hair style, parted in the middle and often described as 'dreadlocks', became a part of his persona. There is no exaggeration that Kalam's hairstyle too has numerous fans. Driven by the belief that only a strong technologically advanced nation can achieve international recognition and command respect, he agreed to spearhead the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in 1982. This was DRDO's quest to achieve self-reliance and shed external dependence on missile technology. Not one to rest on laurels after inspiring missiles ranging from Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul and Nag, Dr Kalam's relentless pursuit of technological excellence fell on an unfinished supersonic combustion engine during a visit to Russia in 1993. This formed the genesis of the BrahMos missile project, a joint venture of India and Russia. It takes its name from the River Brahmaputra and Russia's Moskva. It is this very missile that broke Pakistan's spine and brought it to its knees during Operation Sindoor. Brahmos stands as a testament to the technological prowess achieved under Kalam's guidance and integrating indigenous expertise with international collaboration. BrahMos marked India's emergence as a global missile power and a defense arms exporter. Dr. Kalam's vision, leadership and scientific acumen transformed India's defence landscape. We turned the tables on the world, while it became the backbone of a large-scale military operation, proving that India's ambition to be Atmanirbhar is not just aspirational, but action driven. Soon after assuming power in March 1998, the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a high-level discussion with Kalam and Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, Director of BARC, and conducting nuclear tests was on top of theagenda. The tests consisted of five detonations. The tests were collectively called Operation Shakti. Kalam played a pivotal role in the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, serving as the key organizer and scientific advisor to the government. He was instrumental in coordinating efforts between DRDO, BARC, and the armed forces to ensure the success of the tests that were kept top secret. People in the nearby villages were terrified, the earth shook, the sky was covered with smoke while Vajpayee announced that India had become a nuclear power with Pokhran II. Almost immediately, India was subject to economic sanctions by Japan and the United States. On the other hand, India emerged stronger and solidified its position as a nuclear power. Kalam became a national hero overnight. He evolved a national strategy called 'Technology Vision 2020', which was the blueprint for the country's missile saga. The missile man had an overbearing humane touch. I was blessed to have met this great human being a couple of times. The first time I was face to face with him was as a member of DRDO ladies' group. We were invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan for breakfast. Meeting the President over breakfast was not an ordinary thing for an ordinary human being like me. As he had a pressing engagement, we were informed that he would join us later. What followed was an unbelievably emotional gesture. Dr Kalam arrived holding steaming idlis and hot wadas in both hands. He offered them to us, while apologizing for joining late. I was speechless and amazed to see the country's first citizen and the globally revered 'Missile Man', in his entire down-to-earth and unpretentious humility. With a warm smile he said he was illiterate as regards food technology. He admired the ladies for their prowess in cooking. One of our members said 'Sir, this is the only job we know''. He came a little closer and said 'Food is the basic requirement for every one of us. The country's strength and future lie on women. The foundation for a strong India is entirely on them. If men and children are successful in life, it's because of the mothers of this great country. With empty stomachs nobody can think of science and technology.' Here was the man simple and humane to the core, who valued the dignity of every individual, regardless of their job or status. His words taught me that compassion, consideration and concern are the key to life and being accessible to your people in whichever situation you are in is very important. All those who were associated with him experienced his warmth and affection. A DRDO scientist urgently needed to be transported to London in a medical emergency. Kalam left no stone unturned till the scientist returned to the country in perfect health. Such was his concern for his people. Dr. Kalam was convinced that children are the future of the country, and one had to ignite their minds. It was towards this that he dedicated himself to the cause of igniting their minds. He said he would interact with at least one lakh children in a year. He was deeply disturbed by the societal connects. He always remembered how his father and the high priest of Rameswaram temple could discuss Bhagwat Gita and Quran in their houses. He always mentioned how a church was transformed into a technology laboratory and became the birthplace of the nation's rocket technology. To him that was the fusion of science and spirituality, and he wished such fusion to happen in all fields in continuum. Dr. Abdul Kalam worked on the vision of transforming India into a developed nation, powered by economic growthwith a value system. His vision was a 'developed' India, which can be accomplished only if each citizen of the country says in true Kalam spirit; 'Yes, I can. Yes, India can. Yes, India will'. That is the finest tribute we Indians can pay to Dr. Abdul Kalam.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From nadir to zenith – a story that must be told
Gen Saxena is the former Director General of the Corps of Army Air Defence. He has been decorated three times by the President of India for his distinguished and selfless Service to the nation. The General is a Distinguished fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation and has held a Chair of Excellence at the United Services Institution of India. He is also a United Nations Scholar with an MPhil and PhD and a Law scholar at the National Law School of India University. He is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards in the Service. He has also been awarded by Institution of Electrical and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) for his seminal contribution in the development of Low Level Light Weight Radar The General is a prolific writer. He has authored five books and has to his credit hundreds of articles in various defence magazines covering the subjects like air defence, aerospace, military communication, cyber security, nuclear security and defence procurements. He gets published at the rate of 2-3 articles in a month across defence media of the nation. He is also a frequent face on the TV channels speaking on diverse issues in his core competency domain. General Saxena has also spearheaded a Project for the welfare of the families of martyrs and disabled soldiers. He is also a UN scholar with an MPhil and PhD and a law scholar pursuing qualifications in Human Rights, Child Rights and Medical law and Ethics. Gen Saxena is a prolific writer. He has to his credit hundreds of articles in various defence magazines and counting. His core competency domain includes air defence, aerospace, ballistic missile defence, unmanned aerial systems, military communications, cyber security, nuclear security and defence procurements. He has been decorated three times by the President of India. He has also been awarded by Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers for his contribution to radar design. LESS ... MORE Fresh from the memories of Op Sindoor one was overwhelmed by the screaming headlines and got swept over by the avalanche of the 'breaking news (es)' that claimed to tell the story by the 'second'. Amongst this high decibel imbroglio, one news that outdid all the rest was the news of the air defence warriors sounding a death knell to the enemy's air threat and one of their weapons that stole most of the limelight was Akash, our very own Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile ( SRSAM) system. One heard repeatedly – Akash did this, Akash did that, Akash downed the deadly missiles and drones of the enemy. Clearly Op Sindoor was the validation of our 'pride' called the Akash While all this was afoot, my memories went back some four decades. A bird chirped in my year…this story of Akash's journey from nadir to zenith must be told; that much for the caption. I remember in the early eighties, it used to be professionally savvy for the young officers like me to be showing slides while our Commanding officers talked big about the acronym IGMDP with pride to the visiting dignitaries to the unit. This longish acronym stood for Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme – the birthing ground of Akash. Actually IGMDP was a very ambitious programme of the Ministry of Defence for the R&D and comprehensive development of a series of SAMs- Prithvi, Trishul, Akash and Nag ( Agni was added later on) that started in 1982-83. I am sure; they could not have found a better Programme Director for IGMDP. Any guesses? Dr APJ Abdul Kalam! Need I say more? I will pick up thread only for Akash and not for other SAMs, sticking to story. The initial concentration of IGMDP was mainly on Prithvi. The Akash story picked up a few years into the programme. I remember we, the Air Defence Artillery then ( The Corps of Army Air Defence came into being in 1994) used to interact frequently with the first Project Director of Akash, Dr Prahalada; a charismatic person, a distinguished aerospace engineer and later a Padma awardee; above all a person with a 'never to say die' attitude. To put it mildly, the initial years of Akash development were full of challenges and marked with failed deadlines year-on-year. There were multiple issues…a couple of times the missile would explode soon after leaving the launcher , in many other flight trials , the missile guidance radar will fail to 'gather' the article ( implying take it in its control for guiding it to the target). On many other occasions, the target lock would break, in some others the guidance would fail making the missile go astray midflight. Those were challenging times indeed. Also, there were major challenges to perfect the design of the passive array radar that could guide multiple number of missiles on multiple targets at the same time. Even after multiple tests, the challenges remained daunting. A situation was reached sometime around 2002-03 when there were opinions of even not accepting the weapon system in the Army. Project Trishul (another project under IGMDP for quick reaction SAM) was also treading rough shod beseeched with multiple developmental challenges ( a few years down the line in 2008 , Project Trishul faced a closure as a technology demonstrator). Somehow Akash continued despite inordinate time and cost overruns and the single reason behind it was the spirit and confidence shown in the weapon system fundamentals by its successive Projectors. Talking of Project Directors, Dr Prahalada was succeeded by one very knowledgeable Dr Panyam ( may God bless his soul). At the time when Dr Panyam took over, Akash was riddled with multiple challenges. Dr Panyam brought a new life into the system based on his extensive grip over the guidance , control and propulsion technologies. Challenges still started in the eye. Around the same time the LRDE (and Radar Development Establishment) which was addressing the challenges of phased array and fire control radars started to see initial successes. Things were finally looking up as the missiles could now be gathered and there were no premature explosions, Once Dr Panyam passed , the reigns were taken over by Mr Chandramauli an equally competent Project Director. The journey here onwards was on an upswing. The weapon system went though a series of successful flight trials. In 2007 Indian Air Force completed the user trials for the missile. The recommendations for various improvements to be incorporated in the weapon system continued to be tested and validated years later. The Army version on mobile launchers was still some distance away in 2007 as the challenges of mobility and quick deployment were very huge. The years 2008-13 saw multiple validation tests addressing various challenges for the Army version. Cut to Feb 2024, 21 Feb to be exact, the Akash Army version had come a long way and was now deployed for pre-induction trails at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur Orissa. Four tests were planned 1. Low flying target at near; 2. A high altitude target at long range; 3. A crossing and approaching target and 4. A ripple firing test of two missiles from the same launcher on a receding target. The trials were a success. The final hurdle before induction was crossed. Few months later on 05 May 2015, dawned the day when Akash Missile system was finally inducted into the Army Air Defence. This humble self as the Director General of the Corps of Army Air Defence then, had the singular honour to receive the symbolic key of Akash from the then Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag. A dream had come true, A journey of three decades and more which had the lows, as much lows as the non-acceptance of the weapon system in the Army had finally reached the Zenith. Who knew at that time that this weapon system will prove its worth in the face of the enemy 10 year later! Akashe Shatrun Jahi. Induction ceremony Akash Weapon system into Army Air Defence 05 May 2015 Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
