Five crucial but delayed DRDO projects

With 52 labs & over 7,800 scientists, the Defence Research & Development Organisation has delivered more misses than hits over the decades.

The Army has now invited global proposals for designing a 'Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV)' at a time when DRDO has a futuristic main-battle tank on its drawing board.

1) Astra Air-to-Air missile

Sanctioned in 2004, the missile's project completion date has been re-revised to December 2016. Dogged by technical glitches, Astra was finally tested for the first time from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet last year.





Watch: Astra's test firing from Sukhoi-30 MKI



2) Arjun Main Battle Tank

Sanctioned in 1974, the Army has reluctantly inducted 124 Arjun Mark-I tanks, which are dogged by technical problems, over the last few years. Arjun Mark-II, with 89 technological upgrades, is still being tested.


File photo of Arjun Mark II developmental trials
3) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft

Sanctioned in 1983 to replace ageing MiG-21s, the fighter is still to become fully-operational and combat-ready. Tejas Mark-I is likely to miss its revised final operational clearance set for December 2015. Tejas Mark-II, with more powerful engines, is still on the drawing board.






Watch: Landing of LCA Tejas



4) Ballistic Missile Defence

Development of the two-tier BMD system began in the late-1990s, with an interceptor missile finally being tested in 2006, While a few test since then have been successful, the last two ones have failed. The system has also not been tested in an integrated mode, with both the exo and endo interceptor missiles together.

5) NAG Anti-tank guided missile

Part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983, the Nag third-generation missile is still to be inducted. The Army has placed an initial order for 443 missiles and 13 Namicas ( Nag missile tracked carriers).