Agni V gets ready for canister launch this month

Agni V

DRDO is gearing up for the canister version test of most potent surface-to-surface Inter-continental range Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V. The longest range nuclear capable missile is likely to be test-fired from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast on March 15.

Pre-launch preparations are on at Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island). The test could be the missile’s last developmental trial and the outcome assumes significance as the weapon system is likely to be operationalised next year. While Agni-V is a complex system, its test from a canister makes it even more complicated given the involvement of a variety of sophisticated and high-end tracking systems to capture data for the full operational range.

Since the first test of the missile in 2012, the missile has undergone several upgradation. It has become more stable, fast reacting and agile with quick response time. A defence scientist associated with the missile development said the new canister-launcher has been built uniquely so that the missile can respond within minutes of command. A gas generator at the bottom of the canister pushes off the missile before its first stage is ignited and missile roars into the sky.

What makes the missile more effective is that it can be equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) capable of delivering multiple warheads at different targets at long distances. The DRDO is now working on integrating the long range missiles with MIRV capable of incorporating six to 10 warheads. 

Making Gripen fighters in India not favoured by IAF

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Swedish defence major Saab plans to Make its Gripen fighter in India has roadblock with stiff resistance coming from Indian Air force said well-informed sources close to idrw.org. IAF is not in favour of ordering 4.5+ Gen fighter jet, even though SAAB has offered India technical help in the development of indigenous AMCA 5th generation fighter aircraft in lieu of orders for its Gripen fighters which lost out of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft tender in 2011 which was won by French Rafale fighter jets.

At present India is negotiating with France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets out of 126 requested by Indian Air Force under Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft tender and Defence minister Parrikar already has confirmed that by end of this year another vendor will be selected who will make up to 90 fighter jets in India with active participation from Private sector company with major transfer of technology.

Saabs Gripen which belongs to same class as indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is finding no takers in IAF which now considers Tejas a better product compared to Gripen due to endless customization options offered by the indigenous fighter jet for which IAF has already placed first mass order for 106 jets with upgraded Avionics over previously 20 already ordered and according to many defence analyst numbers will finally touch 300 + with production line chunking out upgraded LCA -Tejas over next few years which will replace all retiring Mig-21s and Mig27s and is clearly not interested in placing orders for aircraft in same class as LCA.

American Aerospace giant Boeing and Lockheed Martin both are aggressively pitching upgraded F-16 and F-18 SH fighter jets under Make in India and have agreed to set up a new production line in India if ordered by Indian Air Force. Russia too is offering its Mig-35 fighter jets but the company spokesperson confirmed to idrw.org previously that there have been no official back channel talks over the sale of Mig-35 with India.

Both American legacy fighter aircraft F-16 and F-18 will finally end their production run by 2020 in their US facilities and both companies are keen to transfer their production line to India to meet India’s requirements. Defence analyst Ranesh Rajan believes India is trying to leverage best possible collaboration of US companies in the development of AMCA, Naval LCA and new jet engines for the AMCA.