DRDO has developed an advanced minefield marking equipment Mk-II for automatic driving of pickets into the ground with minimal human intervention. It is capable of marking a large distance of mine field in one go. This system has completed the GSQR trials and contract agreement has been placed with Production agency by MoD in Jan 2024.
Assault Rifle (7.62x51mm) is a light weight, compact, effective weapon for use in close combat counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operations. MHA trial of the assault rifle has been successfully completed and Development cum Production Partner has been selected. User trial for Indian Army was conducted for field and high altitude area. Induction of Assault rifle to services and TOT to industry is underway.
DRDO has successfully developed Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ) which provides the protection against 7.62x54 R API (level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. BPJ has been successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per BIS 17051-2018. This jacket is based on new design approach where novel materials along with new processes have been used. The front hard armour panel of BPJ (Two options of area: 1000 cm2 and 750 cm2) defeats multiple hits of 7.62x54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and standalone design.
Machine pistol (9X19mm) is a self-loading pistol capable of single shot & fully automatic fire. It fires in-service 9 mm Parabellum round manufactured in India. The weapon is compact and can perform roles of both pistol and sub machine gun. This weapon is compact, robust and reliable and provides higher accuracy and effective range than normal pistol due to incorporation of longer barrel and collapsible butt stock or arm brace. Northern Command user trials of this weapon have been successfully completed.
The existing throat insert used in Pinaka rocket launcher is made from imported grade of carbo-graphite material. DRDO has now developed the throat insert from indigenous grade of carbo-graphite material and the developed throat inserts have been handed over to ARDE Pune in Aug 2024 for fitment & performance evaluation. Tests have been conducted and found to meet the user’s requirement. After qualifying the material properties, dimensional check with no internal flaw, the clearance to evaluate their performance through firing test has been accorded.
Akash weapon system is a surface to air weapon system. In comparison to existing Akash weapon system, the Akash Prime is equipped with indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. It is potent weapon having unique guidance scheme with combination of Command Guidance (CG) and Seeker based terminal Guidance (SG) as both guidance schemes complement each other. During 2024, First of Production Model (FoPM) equipment are ready and undergoing weapon system integration. Three FoPM missiles are integrated and undergoing phase checks at BDL.
Akash is the first state-of-the-art indigenous surface to air missile system which has been with Armed Forces for nearly a decade. It is DRDO’s f irst tactical missile system which is successfully developed, produced and delivered to Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Currently, Akash has been deployed in combat areas by IAF and IA for national security. BDL and BEL has also provided training to reps of Friendly Foreign Country (FFC) and first Battery / Firing Unit has been flagged off for export to FFCs by BEL.
