1. Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
- Launched: 1983
- Leader: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Objective: Self-reliance in missile technology
- Duration: 1983 to 2012
Missiles (PATNA):
- Prithvi: Surface to Surface
- Agni: Ballistic (later separated)
- Trishul: Short range SAM
- Nag: Anti tank, fire and forget
- Akash: Medium range SAM
Keywords: Self-reliance, Indigenous missiles, Strategic deterrence
Prelims Traps:
- IGMDP not ongoing
- Agni separated from programme
2. Ballistic vs Cruise Missiles
Ballistic Missile:
- Path: Parabolic trajectory
- Propulsion: Initial phase only
- Altitude: Outside atmosphere
- Speed: Hypersonic
Cruise Missile:
- Path: Aircraft-like
- Propulsion: Continuous
- Altitude: Low altitude
- Accuracy: High
Keywords: Trajectory, Propulsion, Detection
Prelims Traps:
- Cruise missiles harder to detect
- Ballistic missiles less maneuverable
3. Hypersonic Technology
- Speed: Mach 5 and above
Types:
- HGV: Rocket launched, glide phase
- Hypersonic Cruise: Scramjet powered
India:
- HSTDV by DRDO
- Scramjet tested by ISRO
Engine Types:
- Ramjet: Subsonic combustion
- Scramjet: Supersonic combustion
Keywords: Mach 5, Scramjet, Hypersonic
Prelims Traps:
- Scramjet requires very high initial speed
4. Agni Series Missiles
Agni V:
- Range: Greater than 5000 km
- Type: Ballistic
- Feature: MIRV capable
Agni Prime:
- Range: 1000 to 2000 km
- Feature: Canisterised
Keywords: MIRV, Canisterisation, Strategic missile
Prelims Traps:
- Canisterisation reduces launch time
5. Pralay Missile
- Type: Quasi ballistic
- Range: 150 to 500 km
- Payload: 500 to 1000 kg
Features:
- Maneuverable trajectory
- Hard to intercept
Keywords: Quasi ballistic, Tactical missile
Prelims Trap:
- Not a cruise missile
6. Astra Mk III (Gandiva)
- Type: Air to air missile
- Range: 300 to 350 km
- Speed: Around Mach 4.5
Platforms:
- Su 30 MKI
- Tejas
Keywords: BVR missile, Air combat
Prelims Trap:
- Beyond Visual Range missile
7. BrahMos Missile
- Type: Supersonic cruise missile
- Speed: Around Mach 3
- Range: Around 350 km
Developed by:
- India and Russia
Variants:
- Land, Air, Sea, Submarine
Keywords: Supersonic, Ramjet, Fire and forget
Prelims Traps:
- Uses ramjet engine
8. Akashteer System
- Type: AI enabled air defence system
- Developer: Bharat Electronics Limited
- Induction: 2024
Features:
- Autonomous monitoring
- Tri services integration
Keywords: AI defence, C4ISR integration
Prelims Trap:
- Army focused system
9. IACCS
- Full Form: Integrated Air Command and Control System
- Service: Indian Air Force
Features:
- Radar integration
- Real time data sharing
- Multi layer defence
Layers:
- Counter drone
- Short range
- Medium range
- Long range
Keywords: Network centric warfare, Air defence
Prelims Trap:
- Not a Navy system
10. Project Kusha
- Type: Long range air defence system
- Developer: DRDO
Features:
- Interceptors: 150, 250, 350 km
- Comparable to S 400, Patriot
Keywords: Missile shield, Indigenous defence
Prelims Trap:
- Fully indigenous
11. Directed Energy Weapon (Sahastra Shakti)
- Type: Laser weapon
- Power: 30 kilowatt
- Developer: DRDO
Targets:
- Drones
- Missiles
Keywords: Laser, Speed of light, DEW
Prelims Trap:
- No conventional ammunition
12. K 4 Missile
- Type: SLBM
- Range: Around 3500 km
Platform:
- Nuclear submarines
Keywords: Second strike, Nuclear deterrence
13. INS Taragiri
- Type: Stealth frigate
- Project: 17A
- Class: Nilgiri
Features:
- 75 percent indigenous
- Multi mission
Keywords: Stealth, Naval modernization
14. Fighter Aircraft Generations
4th Generation:
- Maneuverability
4.5 Generation:
- AESA radar
- Advanced avionics
5th Generation:
- Stealth
- Sensor fusion
6th Generation:
- AI integration
- Drone teaming
India:
- Tejas Mk1A: 4.5 generation
- AMCA: 5th generation
Keywords: Stealth, AESA, AI
Prelims Trap:
- 4.5 generation not stealth
15. Drone Systems
Types:
- HALE: MQ 9B
- MALE: TAPAS, Rustom
- Loitering munition: Harop
Indian Systems:
- Indrajaal: Anti drone dome
- Bhragavastra: Micro missile system
Keywords: UAV, Loitering munition, Surveillance
Prelims Trap:
- Loitering munition is drone missile hybrid
16. Sonobuoys
- Use: Anti submarine warfare
Working:
- Dropped in water
- Hydrophone detects sound
- Data transmitted to aircraft
Keywords: Underwater detection, Acoustic signals
Prelims Trap:
- Not radar based
17. Mission Sudarshan Chakra
- Announcement: 15 August 2025
Objective:
- National security shield by 2035
Coverage:
- Air, land, sea
- Civilian infrastructure
Keywords: Integrated defence, National security
18. Golden Dome
- Country: USA
- Type: Missile defence system
Features:
- Ground and space based
Legal Aspect:
- Outer Space Treaty bans WMD in space
- Conventional weapons allowed
Keywords: Space militarisation, Missile shield
Prelims Trap:
- Space not fully demilitarised
