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The changing nature of warfare, rising conflicts and the never-ending great-power competition has given rise to complex geometries in global geopolitical positioning. The world's future is filled with eternal uncertainty. The advances in technology such as quantum computing. artificial intelligence and digital surveillance have transformed the military worldwide. As a driving force, technology has embedded itself in the power showbiz and has initiated an unprecedented competition between global powers including the emerging middle power. Acquiring innovative power, capacity to invent and adapting fast to new technologies is now a key determinant for all involved in the ongoing power game in the emerging new world order.

Raksha Anirveda’s latest web feature attempts to evaluate and understand the impact of technology in reshaping India's power aspiration through its Indian Armed Forces’ modernisation programme. The featured articles have been diligently curated. These articles analyse Indian Armed Forces’ adoption of innovation and technology. procurement of critical technology to become Aatmanirbhar, adaptability to disruptive and emerging technologies, and its digitisation efforts to emerge as a strong future-ready force. Raksha Anirveda invites esteemed readers - the driving force behind its evolving benchmark to indulge, explore and evaluate the feature presentation. Happy Reading!

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BMD Programme Complete; IAF, DRDO Await Government Nod

Editor Missiles

New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are working on a proposal to get government nod for installation of missile shield for the national capital with the completion of India’s indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme.

The BMD, along with the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system, aims to secure the country from all kinds of incoming missiles, including nuclear, and flying objects.

“The BMD programme has been completed. All tests carried so far have been successful, including the radars and missiles. The IAF, which is responsible for the country’s air defence, and the DRDO, which has developed the system, will now move a joint proposal for the government’s clearance,” highly placed sources said without delving into further details about the project.

 

The BMD programme got a major boost with the successful test of the anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile last March which also marked India’s leap in space.

The A-SAT test is especially significant because inter-continental ballistic missiles like China’s Dongfeng series travel through space before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere to hit the target.

Asked whether the Ministry of Defence would be the nodal authority for approving the installation of the missile shield, the sources said it comes directly under the Prime Minister’s Office.

Once the permission is granted, it will take three to four years to put the shield in place because production of the required systems would take time.

India’s BMD programme was launched in 1999 after Pakistan’s maiden nuclear test in 1998 and China’s leap in this sphere.