(Online Course) GS Concepts : Science and technology in India - Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
Subject : Science and technology in
India
Chapter : Defence Research
Topic: Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
Question : Give a Brief description of India’s Missile development programme.
Answer : India's Missile development programme called Integrated Guided-Misslle Development Programme (IGMDP) was launched in 1983. It was envisaged as
Dear Candidate, This Material is from
General Studies Mains Study Kit for Civil Services Main Examinations. For Details
Click
Here
ambitions plan to take up simultaneously the design and development of five
missiles which would provide the nation a Comprehensive Missile-based Umbrella
within 10 years. India desired comprehensive and integrated capabilities in
missile systems because on one hand they have advantage of delivering higher
payload (warheads) beyond the range of combat aircrafts, on other hand they are
one-way devices and there are no dangers or costs associated with loss of a
combat aircrafts. Moreover with their high speed, their interruption is also
more difficult than combat aircrafts.
The programme has following missile systems to be designed, developed and operationalised,
-
Tactical, short range surface to surface (SSM) Missile - Prithvi.
-
Intermediate range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) - Agni
-
Short range Surface-to-Air (SAM) Missile - Trishul
-
Medium range SAM - Akash
-
Anti-Tank Guided Missile - NAG