Internal Security

Role of Media in Internal Security Challenges

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Last Update: Jan 2025 (Role of Media in Internal Security Challenges)

Role of Media in Internal Security Challenges

This article deals with the ‘Role of Media in Internal Security Challenges.’ This is part of our series on ‘Internal Security’, an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

Introduction to Media

  • Media is derived from the word medium (meaning carrier or mode).
  • It denotes an item through which any kind of information, news, entertainment, education, data, promotional messages etc., can be disseminated.

Different types of Media

Media itself can be divided into several categories like

Print MediaNewspapers, Magazines and Books
Electronic MediaTelevision, Radio, Websites etc.
Social MediaFacebook, Instagram, Youtube etc.
Role of Media in Internal Security Challenges

Role of Media

The role of media in a country is crucial, and it is said to be the ‘Fourth Pillar of Democracy‘.

  1. It helps citizens to make responsible and objective choices
  2. It promotes government accountability by providing information about its functioning to the common public.
  3. Media is used to educate people through the news and social commentary.
  4. Media plays an instrumental role in bringing change in the attitudes and habits of the masses. For example, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
  5. Media also helps in the project of national integration by providing information about different parts of India. 
  6. Media plays the most critical role in shaping public perception. 

Constitutional and Legal provisions regarding Media

  • Article 19 of the Indian Constitution deals with freedom of speech and expression.
  • Articles 105(2) and 194(2) allow the Indian Press to publish or report the proceedings of the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
  • The Press Council of India is the regulatory body of the Indian press. Its main functions include
    • Preserve the freedom of the press
    • Maintain & improve the standard of newspapers and news agencies in India. 
    • It can receive complaints of violation of journalistic ethics or professional misconduct by an editor or journalist.
  • News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA): NBSA is an independent watchdog set up by the Indian News Broadcasters Association on its own to consider and adjudicate complaints about broadcasts.
  • Broadcasting Code:  Originally, the code was set up to govern All India Radio (AIR). But all the major media organizations also follow this code voluntarily. The principles include:
    1. Addressing controversial issues impartially and dispassionately
    2. Ensuring the objective reporting of news and unbiased commentary in order to improve culture and education
    3. Raising and maintaining high standards of decency and decorum in all programs
    4. Encouraging religious tolerance, communal harmony, and international understanding
    5. Respecting human rights and dignity

But there are some restrictions on the media as well. These include 

  • Union & State legislatures can put ‘reasonable restrictions’ on free speech under Article 19(2) on 8 grounds i.e.
    • Sovereignty & integrity of the nation 
    • Security of state 
    • Friendly relations with foreign states 
    • Public order 
    • Decency and Morality 
    • Contempt of court
    • Defamation 
    • Incitement to an Offence
  • Defence of India Act, 1962: It was passed in the wake of the Sino-India war of 1962. It empowers the Central Government to issue rules with regard to prohibiting publication which would undermine or threaten the civil defence. 
  • Civil Defence Act, 1968: It enables the government to establish rules prohibiting the production and dissemination of any book, newspaper, or another item that compromises the nation’s and its citizens’ civil defence.

Principles of Self-Regulation for Media

Media has the power to influence the decisions of others and play an essential role in informing others. Hence, it becomes necessary that media follows certain principles of self-regulation.

  1. Accuracy and Objectivity in Reporting: Accuracy is at the heart of reporting & errors must be corrected promptly.
  2. Ensuring Neutrality and Impartiality: Media platforms should give equality to all affected parties. They should ensure that allegations are not portrayed as facts and that charges are not portrayed as an act of guilt.
  3. Media should take care that they do not indulge in sensationalizing news to gain more TRP.
  4. There should be a wall between managerial/ownership activities and editorial jurisdiction.
  5. The media shouldn’t glorify crime and violence. Media platforms should not glamorize it, whatever their intention may be, as it influences the young generation negatively. 
  6. The media shouldn’t depict a woman or juvenile victim or witness of rape, aggression or trauma without concealing their identity. Media shouldn’t show nudity or porn in any form and shouldn’t intrude on private life unless a larger public interest is involved.
  7. Don’t endanger National Security: Media platforms should use maps and terminology mandated by the law. Media shouldn’t broadcast content that encourages secessionist groups and furthers their interests.
  8. Media platforms should refrain from advocating or encouraging superstition or occultism.
  9. Media must not intrude on individuals’ private lives or personal affairs unless there is an established larger and identifiable public interest. 
  10. Sting operation should be the LAST RESORT: Media platforms cannot use sex or narcotics to carry a sting. Along with that, the sting should be in the larger public interest. Additionally, footage should be shown in full without alteration in the footage. 

Self-regulation is the best form of regulation, especially in the case of media. Hence media should try to stick to the above principles so that its freedom remains ensured.

How does Media threaten National Security?

  • Breaking News Phenomenon: In India, far too many channels compete for viewership. With the phenomenon of ‘Breaking News’, news channels start to run any news without checking the veracity of facts. It frequently culminates into social tensions, communal riots and regional tensions between various ethnic groups. E.g., Mass exodus of North-Easterners from Bangalore.
  • Sensationalization of National Security-related Issues: During the hijacking of flight IC 814 to Kandahar, Indian media accurately reported the movement of army personnel and influenced the decision of political leadership, which led to poor negotiations and the eventual release of terrorists. 
  • Reporting on the Sub-judice Matter: Matters pending in the court are freely reported and discussed in the media. A parallel trial by the media can potentially vitiate the atmosphere around which a citizen is supposed to get justice. In certain high-profile cases, the media almost declares someone guilty or innocent, thereby putting the judiciary under tremendous pressure. For example, the media trial on the Sushant Rajput suicide case (2020), Jessica Lal case(2010) and Priyadarshini Mattoo case (2006)
  • By telecasting live coverage of Anti-terror operations, media can provide information on the deployment of security forces to the terrorists. For example: during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, the media telecasted live the operations carried out by the security forces. Terrorists also got access to the information resulting in significant casualties. Later, the government added a new clause to the 1994 Cable Television Network Rules’ Program Code. This provision limits media coverage of counterterrorism operations to periodic briefings by an authorized officer and forbids live coverage of such operations.
  • Media can flare communal riots by irresponsibly reporting on sensitive issues such as caste and communal conflict. E.g., The Muzaffarpur riots of 2013 or the Delhi riots of 2020. 
  • Fundamentalists can also use media to spread hate speech and radicalize the population. For example,
    • Zakir Naik’s Peace TV was spreading hate speeches against different religions and sects other than the Sunni sect of Islam. It has played an important role in radicalizing youth in Bangladesh.  Zakir Naik and his TV is already banned in the UK, Canada and Malaysia. India, too banned his NGO & TV in 2016.
    • Channels like Sudarshan news spread hate against the Muslim community. SC had to intervene to impose a pre-telecast ban on its “UPSC Jihad” program.
  • Indian media’s analysis of national security issues by groups of former diplomats, generals and self-proclaimed patriots (like Shifuju) distorts national security perspectives.

To prevent terrorists from using the media to achieve their goals, the media must exercise caution. Years ago, terrorism specialist Brian Jenkins said, “Terrorism is theatre.” Media also likes theatre. How many videos produced by the Islamic State may then be aired on TV without furthering their cause? There is no conclusive response. Their videos accomplish a dual aim by horrifying and motivating different groups of people.

Case Study: Media (Radio) during the Tutsi Genocide (Rwanda)

  • In early 1990, anti-Tutsi articles and cartoons started to appear in the Kangura newspaper. 
  • In June 1993, the RTLMC (Radio Station) started broadcasting in Rwanda. The radio station used rowdy language spoken by street thugs. It was specially designed to appeal to the unemployed.
  • “Slavery” was a term repeated throughout the transcripts, with guests on the radio station recalling the state of Hutu slavery during colonization. Drawing on such a vocabulary, the radio broadcasts characterized the Rwandan genocide as a slave rebellion.  
  • During the Riot, RTLMC was broadcasting such sentences again and again.
    • “The graves are not yet full.” – This means killing more Tutsis.
    •  “go to work” – Meaning get your machete and kill Tutsis.

If the radio was a powerful medium then, where you only needed a transistor & few batteries, we have smartphones & WhatsApp today. The plethora of hate messages we get on WhatsApp mirror the phenomenon of the RTLMC, a concerted attempt to fabricate a newer version of history.

Side Note: Background to the Tutsi Genocide

Anti Tutsi Genocide (Rwanda)
Tutsi Genocide

Way Forward

  • Press Council of India should be empowered to penalize newspapers, news agencies, editors, etc., for the violation of its guidelines.
  • News Broadcasters Association (NBA) which represents private television news broadcasters, should be given statutory status on the lines of the Press Council of India.
  • Media should not indulge in ‘Media Trials’ as it meddles with a trial in accordance with the law.

Issue of Drug Trafficking

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Last Updated: Jan 2025 (Issue of Drug Trafficking)

Issue of Drug Trafficking

This article deals with the ‘Issue of Drug Trafficking .’ This is part of our series on ‘Internal Security’, which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

Introduction

  • Drug Trafficking is an important topic. Hence, we will do this topic in detail. 
  • As per Home Ministry, there are 40 lakh drug addicts in India.
Issue of Drug Trafficking

How is India used as Transit for Drug Trafficking?

Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle

1. India-Pakistan Border

  • Golden Crescent, the largest producer of opium & cannabis in the world, is situated on the feet of the Indo-Pakistan Border. 
  • Porous borders, disturbance in the areas, closing traditional Balkan route via Iran during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), the outbreak of the Sikh militancy in the mid-1980s and the Kashmir militancy in the late 1980s, support from Pakistan etc., are the major reasons behind drug trafficking across India-Pakistan border.

2. India-Nepal & India-Bhutan Border

  • Two-way smuggling is happening in this region as
    • Heroin and Marijuana / Ganja come to India from Nepal and Bhutan. 
    • Low-cost Codeine-based pharma preparation from India is exported to Nepal & Bhutan.  
  • Well-developed road infrastructure and porous borders facilitate this business.

3. India-Myanmar Border

  • India – Myanmar border is situated on the foot of the Golden Triangle. 
  • The growing demand for drugs in the North-East and insurgency and porous nature of the Indo-Myanmar border facilitate this.

4. Sea Routes

  • Both the east & west coasts of India are used for the drug trade.
  • During the 1990s, the civil war started in Sri Lanka. Hence drugs from the Af-Pak region came to India & exited through Sri Lanka.
  • Tuticorin & Kochi emerged as the top drug trafficking ports in India.

5. Air Routes

  • Both major & minor airports are used in this pursuit. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Hyderabad and Bangalore airports.
  • Drugs are trafficked from these airports to Lagos & Addis Ababa for African drug cartels. 

6. Domestic Production

  • Additionally, India produces a considerable quantity of opium, part of which finds a place in the illicit market. 
  • E.g., In Rajasthan, farmers can produce opium for medicinal purposes after getting a license. But a considerable part of opium thus produced is smuggled into the illegal market.

Side Note: Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle

  • The golden crescent refers to the mountainous area of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  
  • Golden triangle is the region of Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, south of the Chinese border.

Opium has been grown in these regions for hundreds of years, and they are the two major sources of narcotic drugs worldwide.

Why is India vulnerable to Drugs? 

  • India is situated in the vicinity of Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent, and it acts as a transit point for drugs from Golden Triangle and Crescent. Furthermore, cannabis (ganja) also grows in many parts of the country and marijuana is cultivated in hilly regions of India (like Mallana in Himachal Pradesh).  
  • Indian Parliament has passed the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act of 1985, providing minimum punishment of 10 years. But its implementation by the states has been tardy.  
  • India’s border with Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar is porous. Along with that, there are issues with border guarding infrastructure. The drug traffickers exploit these loopholes for the illegal trade of drugs into India. 
  • Drug Trafficking is also used to fund terrorist activities by insurgents in the North East.
  • Some religious sects also promote the drug, as many Hindu deities are associated with drugs such as marijuana.
  • Unemployment among the youth takes them on the path of drug abuse.
  • The rise of virtual currencies like Bitcoin has also increased funding avenues for smugglers and drug traffickers.
  • The breakage of the joint family system and traditional societal milieu and the emergence of an individualistic lifestyle have been other reasons for people falling into the drug trap.
  • Role of media: Glorification of drug abuse in media, such as in web series and movies.

Impact of Drug Abuse

  • Impact on Individual: Drug Abusers suffers from diseases, such as HIV, and the development of mental illnesses, suicides etc.
  • Impact on the Family: Families of drug abusers suffer from domestic violence, which adversely affects the mental and physical well-being of women and children. 
  • Socio-Political Impact: It threatens social stability as the crime rate increases rapidly. Drug abusers indulge in robbery and other crimes to buy drugs. 
  • Threat to the Demographic Dividend of India: It takes a significant toll on valuable human lives and causes loss of productive years of person. 
  • Threat to National Security: Various terrorist groups are involved in the business of drug trafficking to fund their activities.

Steps taken by the Government

  • Passage of Acts: Parliament has already passed Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), with a minimum punishment of 10 years. The central government can add or omit any drug from the list of psychotropic substances. For instance, in 2015, the central government classified mephedrone – also called meth or meow meow – as a psychotropic substance in the Act after its popularity grew among the youth.
  • Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been constituted under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) to control the menace of the drug in the country.
  • India has strengthened its border security infrastructure and Coast Guard to stop the entry of drugs from neighbouring countries.
  • India has signed and ratified International Conventions, namely.
    • UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs
    • UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 
  • India has entered into arrangements like Bilateral Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding with Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar on Drug Trafficking.
  • According to Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, the state is duty-bound to prevent the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs. 
  • Operation Sagar-Manthan: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in coordination with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to combat the trafficking of drugs through maritime routes.

Way forward

  • Cutting off the drug supply lines by law enforcement agencies should be the priority. 
  • Government should strictly enforce the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. 
  • Government and society should focus on creating mass awareness programs using the educational system, media, and religious figures. 
  • Sports facilities and other facilities which keep youth engaged in constructive work, like NCC, NSS, and youth parliaments, should be promoted. 
  • Many drugs in India have religious sanctions because they are associated with Hindu deities, so religious organizations must be roped in. 
  • The number of rehab centres and healthcare professionals for addicts is very few. These facilities should be increased. 
  • Big corporate houses should provide counselling facilities for their employees as employment-related stress is emerging as a major factor leading to drug addiction.

UAVs

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Last Updated: November 2025 (UAVs)

UAVs

This article deals with the ‘UAVs.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

Introduction

  • UAV is an aerial vehicle without a pilot on board.  
  • UAVs can be remote-controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot on the ground) or fly autonomously based on the program. 

Applications of UAVs

Applications of UAV
  • UAVs can be remotely controlled. Therefore, it saves any loss of soldiers. 
  • In modern warfare, Armies use them in operations to have a view from above and coordinate the movement of Soldiers. 
  • Police are using them during rioting and monitoring people’s assembly during Strikes. E.g., Chandigarh Police  
  • Border Security: UAVs can be used for real-time surveillance of rugged terrain.
  • Companies like Facebook plan to use it for internet delivery (Aquila).
  • Logistics companies are using drones to deliver products. E.g., Zomato is working on a hybrid drone for food delivery. Earlier, Amazon too tested such drones. 
  • Healthcare: Drones can be used to improve the delivery of medicines. E.g., the Telangana government’s ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project, under which medicines (especially vaccines) are transported from district headquarters to PHCs using a drone named Marut.
  • Agriculture: Drones have applications in agro-management, especially in spraying pesticides, crop nutrients, etc. In an experiment conducted in Brazil, the use of drones helped reduce the use of pesticides.
  • Tool for ‘Psychological Warfare’: The constant presence of UAVs in conflict zones creates a sense of unease and helplessness among enemies, creating psychological pressure.

Challenges

  • Regulatory Loopholes: There are policy and legal loopholes wrt the regulation of drones in India.
  • Quality Control: Most of the drones are imported in India.
  • Privacy Issues: Drones can collect images and data of common citizens, infringing their right to privacy.
  • Use by Terrorists: These drones can be easily procured and used by terrorists for carrying out their nefarious activities. For example, drones are used to drop weapons and drugs along the Punjab border. 
  • Issue with Air Traffic Management: Drones can’t be detected by conventional radars and puts conventional air traffic in danger.

UAVs as a threat to National Security

Drones have changed the way wars are fought and have posed new challenges to security agencies.

Recent developments in this regard include

  1. In 2021, Azerbaijan defeated Armenia’s much more potent force using drones (notably Turkish Bayraktar TB2), which have completely changed the ways warfare is fought.
  2. During Operation Sindoor (2025), India extensively employed surveillance and tactical drones such as Heron-TP and SWITCH UAVs for real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and coordination of artillery strikes, demonstrating the growing integration of unmanned systems into India’s battlefield operations.
  3. During Operation Sindhu Sudarshan (2023), the Indian Army extensively deployed UAVs for real-time battlefield surveillance, precision targeting, and coordinating artillery fire — marking a doctrinal shift towards drone-centric warfare.
  4. Insurgents in North East India are using drones to drop explosives. 
  5. In 2021, Kashmiri terrorists dropped IEDs over an Indian Airforce Base using UAVs.
  6. Pakistan use drones to smuggle drugs to India— BSF intercepted 100+ drone incursions in 2023 alone.
  7. Iran supported Shia Houthi rebels used drones to successfully attack Saudi Aramco oil infrastructure in 2019 and UAE refineries in 2022, bypassing modern defence systems.
  8. The US killed Iranian General Qasim Soleimani in a drone attack in 2020 in targeted drone strike, raising debates on international law and sovereignty.

Ways to Defend against Drone Attacks 

The best way to defend is the installation of Anti-Drone systems. These includes

  1. Foreign Anti-Drone systems include
    • Iron Dome (Israel)
    • S-400 (Russia)
    • DroneHunter (USA)
    • SkyWall Patrol (UK) – Uses compressed air to launch a net to capture rogue drones mid-air.
    • AUDS (Anti-UAV Defence System) – Used by NATO countries
  2. India is also making indigenous anti-drone systems. These include
    • High Power Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): India successfully tested its vehicle-mounted High Power Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) capable of destroying fixed-wing and swarm drones within a 3 km range, making India one of the few nations with such advanced counter-drone technology.
  3. D4 System (Drone, Detect, Deter and Destroy)
    • It is an Indian Anti-Drone system developed by DRDO.
    • It can detect, track and identify rogue drones within a 5 km range.
    • It can jam micro drones (soft kill) and use a laser-based kill mechanism to destroy drones (hard kill)
  4. DRDO’s ‘Anti-Drone System” can neutralize drones in the range of 3 km and destroy using laser technology.
  5. Grene Robotics of Hyderabad has developed an Anti-Drone System named ‘Indrajaal‘. 
  6. Naval Anti-Drone System (NADS): First indigenously developed comprehensive anti-drone system developed by DRDO.  It has capabilities for both hard kill (attacking vital drone components) and soft kill (misguiding, signal jamming, etc.).  It is installed on INS Vikramaditya, INS Viraat, and naval bases.
  7. Low-Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR): It is a 3-dimensional radar that can operate in all terrains (mountains, deserts, coasts, etc.) to detect all aerial targets within a 50km range.
  8. Drone Commandos: BSF has trained its soldiers with Drone Warfare and created specialised soldiers called Drone Commandos. Special school for drone warfare has been established at Tekanpur
  9. Israel’s SMASH 2000 Plus System: Being used by the Indian Navy, this system is installed mainly on assault rifles, providing a hard kill option.

Note: After Operation Sindhoor, the Indian Army is set to undergo a significant organizational overhaul that will include integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and counter-UAV as standard weapon systems at the battalion level across most of its arms.

Drones of India

#1. Indian Drones

1.1. Rustom

  • Rustom is developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of Bangalore under DRDO.
  • It comes in two versions – Rustom 1 and Rustom 2.
  • Use: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) 

Features of Rustom

  Rustom-1 Rustom-2
Weight 95 Kg 350 Kg
Endurance 12-15 hours24 hours
Range 250 km 250 km
Speed 125-175 km/hr 125-175 km/hr

1.2 Nishant

  • It is developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of Bangalore under DRDO.
  • Primary use: Intelligence gathering, surveillance, target designation and damage assessment.
  • Features
    1. Endurance: 4 hours and 30 minutes.
    2. It has a range of 100 Km.
    3. It can reach up to a speed of 216 km/h.
    4. It is launched using a catapult and doesn’t need a runway.
    5. It has day and night flying capability.

1.3 Panchi

  • It is the wheeled version of Nishant. 

1.4 Lakshya-I

  • Lakshya-1 is pilotless target aircraft.
  • It is manufactured by HAL.
  • Primary use: Used to perform discrete aerial reconnaissance of battlefield and target acquisition.
  • Features
    1. Maximum Speed: 0.7 Mach
    2. Range: 150 km
    3. Its launch is rocket-assisted, while recovery is made using a two-stage parachute.
  • Later, the Nirbhay missile was also made from its design.

1.5 NETRA

  • It is a Mini-UAV. 
  • It is developed by DRDO.
  • Its use includes following
    1. CRPF use it to fight Naxals. 
    2. BSF in counter-insurgency. 
  • It has the following specifications
    1. Range of 4 to 5 km.
    2. Endurance of 40 to 60 minutes.
    3. It weighs around 6 kg.
Indian UAVs

1.6 DRDO Ghatak  (Under Development)

  • Designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment of DRDO.
  • Role: Stealth UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle)
  • Expected to have stealth features and turbofan engine.
  • It can carry missiles.
DRDO Ghatak UAV (Under Development)

#2. Foreign UAVs bought by India

2.1 Guardian Drone

  • India has bought  Guardian Drones (naval & unarmed version of Predator UAVs) from the USA.
  • It has provided enhanced Indian capabilities in maritime defence.  
Guardian Drone

2.2 Predator Drones

In 2024, US has approved sale of 31 Predator drones to India.

Features

  • Can carry lethal and non-lethal payloads (armed version of Guardian)
  • Can fly continuously for 35 hours
  • Can fly 2,000 miles without refuelling
  • Can carry payload of 1,700 kg.

2.3 Heron TP

  • It is an Israeli Armed UAV.
  • India has bought this UAV.  
  • It is India’s first armed drone, significantly expanding the aerial offensive capabilities of the military.
Heron TP

2.4 Harpy and Harop

  • These UAVs are bought from Israel.

Other Important International Drones

1. Bayraktar TB2 (Turkey)

  • Famous for: Use in the Ukraine-Russia war, the Nagorno-Karabakh (between Armenia and Azerbaijan)conflict
  • Role: Surveillance and precision strikes
  • Known for: Changing warfare dynamics due to low cost & effectiveness

2. Predator (USA)

  • Iconic US drones used in Afghanistan, Iraq, and anti-terror operations

3. Shahed-136 (Iran)

  • Type: Kamikaze drone (Suicide Drones)
  • Use: Extensively used by Russia in the Ukraine war
  • Known for: Swarm attacks and psychological impact

4. CH Series (China) – CH-3, CH-4, CH-5

  • Widely exported by China
  • Competitor to the US MQ-1 Predator
  • Used by Pakistan and several African countries

Initiatives regarding Drones in India

1. Drone Rules, 2021 

  • Guidelines by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the use of civil drones.
  • Classifies airspace into Green, Yellow, and Red zones for operational ease and places restrictions on operating drones in certain areas (Red Zones (e.g. near military bases, borders, and airports).). 
  • Provides for the registration and licensing of drones and the training of operators. 
  • It follows the principle of No Permission – No Take-off (NPNT), and permission is required before every operation of a drone.

Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2022

  • Removed the requirement of a Remote Pilot License for drones under 2 kg used for non-commercial purposes.
  • Increased number of Green Zones (where no prior permission is required).
  • Created a Digital Sky Platform for real-time tracking and registration.
  • Banned the import of foreign drones (except for R&D, defence, and security), to promote domestic drone manufacturing.

2. Drone Shakti Scheme

  • This scheme was launched in the Union Budget 2022-23.
  • Its main aim is to
    1. Promote the use of drones in India, especially by supporting startups
    2. Encouraging a model called Drone-as-a-Service (DrAAS) – where people can hire drones like a service.
  • NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) will give financial help to farmers so they can use Kisan Drones in farming. 

Kisan Drones

  • Kisan Drones are a new type of drone developed specially for farmers.
  • They are used to make farming smarter and easier, especially in:
    • Monitoring crop health
    • Precision farming (using data to improve productivity)
    • Spraying fertilisers and pesticides safely and efficiently

3. Private Drone Startups

India is emerging as a drone hub with many startups like

  • IdeaForge – India’s first drone IPO (2023), key supplier to Indian defence forces
  • Garuda Aerospace – Supplied drones for agriculture and flood monitoring
  • Throttle Aerospace – Works on cargo delivery drones
  • BotLab Dynamics – Known for 1,000 drone light show during Beating Retreat Ceremony, 2022

Side Topic: Swarm Drones

  • The Indian Army has inducted swarm drones
  • Swarm drones are several UAVs operating in coordination. These are useful in combat operations for surveillance inputs and undertaking close reconnaissance. 

Indian Air Force

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Last Updated: November 2025 (Indian Air Force)

Indian Air Force

This article deals with the ‘Indian Air Force.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

Airforce

  • The Indian Airforce with 135,000 active personnel, defends the Indian airspace.
  • At present, the Indian Airforce (IAF) has 29 fighter squadrons. But to be effective against China and Pakistan, India needs at-least 42 squadrons.
Indian Air Force

Aircrafts of India

Combat Aircraft

These are the “warriors of the sky. Their main job is to fight and destroy enemy aircraft, ground targets, or ships using missiles, bombs, and guns.

Dassault Rafale 26
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI 272
HAL Tejas 22
Mig-29 66
Mirage 2000 49
Jaguar 120
MiG-21 Bison 107 (retired in 2025 and to be replaced by Tejas)

India is planning to issue global bids for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA). Potential contenders include Lockheed Martin (F‑21), Dassault (Rafale), Sukhoi (Su‑57), Saab (Gripen E), and Eurofighter.

Reconnaissance Aircraft

These are the “eyes and ears of the Air Force.” Their job is to collect intelligence — taking high-resolution photos, radar scans, or electronic data from enemy areas without getting caught.

Boeing 707 1
Global 5000 2
Gulfstream 2

Tanker Aircraft

These are aerial petrol pumps that refuel other aircraft mid-air, so that fighter jets can stay longer in the air and go farther without returning to base. This capability greatly extends the range of combat aircraft during missions.

Il-786

Transport Aircraft

These are the “trucks and trains of the sky.” They carry troops, weapons, food, medical aid, or even tanks to areas where they’re needed — from high mountains to disaster zones.

Ilyushin IL-76 17
Boeing C-17 Globemaster 11
C-130J Super Hercules 12
Antonov A-32 104
Dornier 228 50

Helicopters

  • Unlike jets, they can take off and land vertically, even from narrow mountain helipads or moving ships.
  • They are used for transporting troops, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and combat support.
HAL Light Combat Helicopter Attack Helicopters
HAL Rudra Armed
HAL Dhruv Utility
Boeing Apache Attack Helicopters
Mi-24 Attack Helicopters
Chinook Heavy Transport

UAVs

Harop Loitering Munition
Heron Surveillance
Searcher Surveillance
DRDO Lakshya Target Drone

Side Topic: Generations of Aircrafts

It should be noted that the notion of aircraft generations came up only in the 1990s. It has thus been retrospectively applied to fighter aircraft that came before this period.

Also, a generational shift in fighter jets is said to occur when a certain technological innovation cannot be incorporated into an existing aircraft through upgrades and retrospective fit-outs — each new generation comes with a certain significant leap in technology.

  Period Features Examples
1st Gen Fighters 1940s-50s – Turbojet Engines

They were faster than their piston-engined contemporaries, but otherwise not very different from existing fighter aircraft.
Mig-15 and Mystere-IV
2nd Gen Fighters 1950s-60s – Delta Wings
– Afterburners
– Guided and Beyond Visual Range Missiles

They had massive improvements in terms of speed, weaponry, and avionics
Mig-21, Su-7 and F-104
3rd Gen Fighters 1960s-70s – Improved Radars, Missiles and Avionics
Mig-25 and F-4 Phantom
4th Gen Fighters 1970s-90s – Fly by wire controls
– Multi-role capabilities 		Mirage-2000, Mig-29, Su-27, F-16 Fighting Falcon
4.5th Gen Fighters 1990s onwards – Some stealth features
– Advanced avionics
Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 Desert Falcon
5th Gen Fighters 2000s onwards– Advanced Stealth
– Highly sophisticated avionics
– Thrust Vectoring
– Supersonic cruise without the use of afterburners 		F/A-22 Raptor, F-35,  Sukhoi T-50 and J-20 (China)

Detail of Combat Aircrafts in news

1. Rafale & MMRCA

Rafale is 4.5 generation Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) aircraft made by Dassault Aviation of France.

Rafale and India

The Rafale deal was part of India’s effort to modernize its ageing Air Force fleet and maintain air superiority, especially given China’s 5th-generation J-20 and Pakistan’s JF-17 programs.

Main features of Rafale

  • 4.5 generation Multirole combat aircraft, i.e. can be used for ground support, in-depth strike, and anti-ship strike.
  • Rafale is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
  • Equipped with precision air to air and air to surface missiles.
  • Range: 3,700 Km
  • Max Speed: 1,389 Km/hr
  • Load Carrying Capacity: 9,500 Kg

Rafale Acquisition: Chronology of Events

2007 Tender for MMRCA was invited, and various bidders such as  Eurofighter (of British Aerospace), F-16 (of Lockheed Martin), MiG-35 (of Russia) and Rafale (of Dassault (France)) applied for the bids.  
2011 Rafale was shortlisted. It was decided that India would buy 126 Rafale. In this, 18  were to be purchased in fly-away condition, and the rest 108 were to be made by HAL under Transfer of Technology.  
2015 But the issue was Dassault was not prepared to guarantee the performance of aircraft manufactured in India. 

The plan was changed, and the government decided to buy 36 Rafale in the ready-to-fly condition to be given to India in two years.
2018-19 The case went to Supreme Court to increase the cost per aircraft and give offset contract to Reliance instead of HAL.  
2020 Delivery of Rafales started. The first batch of 5 aircraft was delivered to India.
Current36 Rafales are in the service of the Indian Airforce deployed at Ambala (Haryana) and Hasimara (West Bengal)

Issues

  • The stealth system of Rafale is outdated compared to other competitors in the same class.
  • Rafale doesn’t have STOVL (Short take-off and vertical landing) capability, present in other competitors.
  • Brazilian Airforce was earlier interested in buying Rafale but later changed to Swedish Gripen jet.

2. Tejas / HAL’s LCA

  • HAL Tejas or Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is a 4th Generation fighter aircraft made by India. Tejas represents India’s ambition to build a fully indigenous multirole fighter aircraft — strengthening both national security and technological self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Chronology

YearEvent
1983LCA program launched by Government of India to develop an indigenous fighter.
1993Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) established to manage the project; HAL chosen as lead manufacturer.
2001First prototype (Technology Demonstrator) made its maiden flight.
2015First Tejas delivered to Indian Air Force; marks India’s entry into the limited club of nations producing fighter aircraft.
2021Government approved purchase of 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft worth ₹48,000 crore; production to continue till 2030.
Future
(under development)		Tejas Mk-2 (Medium Weight Fighter) under design with higher payload, range, and advanced sensors — bridging towards India’s AMCA (5th gen) program.
Tejas

Features of HAL Tejas

  • Type: 4th Generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
  • Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • Objective: To replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
  • Indigenous Content: Around 60%, including avionics, flight controls, and composites.
  • Max Speed: ~1,350 km/h.
  • Radius of Action: ~400 km (without refuelling).
  • Load Capacity: ~12 tonnes.
  • Design: Delta wing configuration for stability and agility.
  • Key Technologies: Fly-by-wire control, digital glass cockpit, composite airframe, and advanced radar.
  • Operational Features: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, air-to-air refuelling, and STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) for naval use.

Side Topic: (LCA) Kaveri

  • Kaveri is the name of Tejas’s engine that was to be used, but India couldn’t make it on time to be used in the plane.
  • It would have been India’s first indigenous gas turbine engine.

3. Su-30 MKI

  • Su-30 MKI is a 4.5 Generation multirole fighter aircraft jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s HAL.
  • It forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet.
  • The aircraft was first inducted in 2002, and over 270 units have been produced/assembled by HAL in India.
  • It can perform both air superiority and ground attack missions, making it a true multirole platform.

Features of Su-30 MKI

  1. Two-seater and twin-engine aircraft.
  2. Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (~2,120 km/h).
  3. Combat range: Around 1,500 km (extendable with aerial refueling).
  4. Can carry up to 8,000 kg of weapons including missiles, bombs, and rockets.
  5. Equipped with Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) and Canard foreplanes for superior maneuverability.
  6. Integrated Indian, Russian, and French avionics systems.
  7. Compatible with BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, giving it long-range strike capability.

4. Sukhoi T-50 (Fifth Generation)

Sukhoi T-50, also known as FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) in the Indo-Russian version, was conceived as a joint venture between Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and India’s HAL to build a 5th-generation stealth fighter based on Russia’s PAK FA / Su-57 platform.

It will have the following characteristics

  1. Stealth design – radar-absorbing materials, special airframe shape, and concealed weapons bays.
  2. Thrust-vectoring engines for superior maneuverability.
  3. Crew: Single or twin-seat variants.
  4. Armament: 30 mm cannon + up to 16 weapon hardpoints (8 internal + 8 external).
  5. Maximum Speed: ~Mach 2.
  6. Fuel Capacity: ~10,300 kg for long-range missions.
  7. Advanced Avionics: Integrated sensors, 360° situational awareness, and data fusion.

But in 2018, India has conveyed its unwillingness to Russia to go ahead with this project due to the high costs involved. Russia continued development of its own version, now called Su-57, which entered limited service with the Russian Air Force.

Sukhoi T-50

5. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

  • AMCA is India’s indigenous 5th Generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft, being developed by DRDO and HAL under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
  • It is designed to replace older aircraft like the Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 in the coming decades.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

Features of AMCA

  1. Stealth Design: Radar-absorbing materials and internal weapon bays to reduce radar visibility.
  2. Twin-engine and single-seat configuration.
  3. Multirole capability – air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance.
  4. Maximum speed: Around Mach 2.0.
  5. Equipped with AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and sensor fusion technology.
  6. Use of composite materials for lighter weight and durability.
  7. Supercruise capability – can fly at supersonic speed without using afterburners.

Current Status

  • AMCA design finalized; prototype development expected in late 2020s.
  • AMCA Mk-1 will use existing foreign engines (GE-F414), while Mk-2 is planned with an indigenous engineunder development.

Detail of Transport Aircrafts in news

1. C-17 Globemaster

  • It is a large military transport aircraft of US origin developed by Boeing. 
  • Indian Airforce has 11 Globemasters.
  • It can be used for
    1. Transporting troops.
    2. Maintaining supplies and carrying equipment to small airfields in remote and harsh terrain (E.g., Ladakh)
  • Its main features include
    1. Ability to take off from very high altitudes
    2. Land on paved as well as unpaved airfields during day and night.
C-17 Globemaster

2. Airbus C-295

In September 2021, India formalized a landmark defence deal to procure 56 Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft at a cost of ₹21,935 crore to modernize the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) transport fleet, replacing the ageing Avro aircraft that have been in service since the 1960s.

As part of the deal

  • The first 16 aircraft will be built in Seville, Spain and delivered in fly-away condition.
  • The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India, at a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space.
  • The first India-assembled aircraft is expected by 2026, and full delivery will be completed by 2031.

Aircraft Capabilities

  • Troop and cargo transport (up to 9 tonnes or 71 troops)
  • Maritime patrol, VIP transport, medevac, and airborne surveillance
  • Air-to-air refuelling for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
  • Armed support and firefighting missions
  • Powered by two Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines
Airbus C-295

Why is this Deal Significant?

  1. Operational Modernization: The C-295 will replace the outdated Avro HS748 fleet, greatly enhancing the IAF’s ability to carry troops, supplies, and equipment across India’s diverse geography.
  2. Strategic Industrial Development: This marks the first-ever ‘Make in India’ aerospace project in the private sector. For decades, only state-run HAL had license to manufacture defence aircraft. 

Helicopters

Important Made in India Helicopters

1. Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter)

Dhruv Helicopter

Dhruv features of this helicopter

  • Dhruv was designed for the military as well as civilian purposes.
  • It is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • It can play multiple roles: logistics, rescue and attack for Army, Navy, Airforce and Coast Guard.
  • It’s armed version is called Rudra.

History

  • The project was first announced in 1984 & was designed in assistance with MBB of Germany.
  • First flew in 1992 but developments prolonged due to budget restrictions and various restrictions placed on India after Pokhran 2 in 1998.
  • Entered into service in 2002. 
  • First exported to Nepal & Israel & is on order by several other countries.

2. Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

  • LCH Prachand is indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
  • It is a multi-role combat helicopter. With this, India has become the seventh country to make attack helicopters. 
  • Features of LCH Prachand
    1. Range: 550 Km
    2. Endurance: 3 hours
    3. Maximum height at which it can fly: 6.5 Km
    4. It is the only combat helicopter in the world which can land and takeoff at an altitude of 5,000 m.
    5. Equipped with a ‘COUNTERMEASURE DISPENSE SYSTEM‘ to protect it from enemy radars and missiles.
LCH Prachand

3. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)

  • Manufactured by HAL
  • It will replace ageing Cheetah and Chetak that have been the backbone of India’s light utility operations for decades.
  • LUH completes India’s indigenous “3-helicopter family” — LCH (combat), ALH Dhruv (multi-role), and LUH (light utility)
  • Features of LUH
    • Role: Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Rescue, and Light Transport.
    • Crew: 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
    • Capacity: Can carry up to 6 passengers or 500–600 kg of payload.
    • Engines: Single Shakti-1U turboshaft engine (co-developed with Safran, France).
    • Range: ~350–400 km
    • Service Ceiling: 6.5 km (can operate in Siachen & Himalayan terrain).
    • Cruise Speed: ~235 km/h
    • Avionics: Full glass cockpit with digital displays and advanced communication systems.
    • Unique Feature: Can take off and land from extremely small or high-altitude helipads — ideal for operations in Siachen, Northeast, and border posts.

4. Legacy Helicopter Fleet- Cheetah and Chetak

HAL Cheetah

  • Cheetah is a light utility helicopter used mainly for high-altitude operations like Siachen.
  • It is small, agile, and can land where no other helicopter can — but it’s quite old now.

HAL Chetak

  • Chetak is a light, multipurpose helicopter used for transport, training, and rescue.
  • Based on the French Alouette design, it’s reliable but outdated
Legacy Helicopter Fleet- Cheetah and Chetak

Foreign Helicopters bought by India

1. Chinook

Chinook
  • Chinooks are the heavy-lift helicopters used by the US Army. 
  • India decided to buy 15 Chinook helicopters from the USA in 2016, and the first batch was delivered in 2019.
  • Features of Chinook Helicopters
    1. Twin Engine with Tandem Rotor.
    2. Can carry up to 35 troops or 24 stretchers with 3 attendants or 10,500 kg payload.
    3. Advanced Avionics. 
    4. Advanced M240 Machine Gun

2. Apache

  • Apache is USA’s most advanced ‘attack helicopter’. 
  • India has bought 22 Apache Helicopters.
  • Features of Apache Helicopters
    1. Twin Turboshaft Engines
    2. Armed with missiles like Hellfire, Spike and Stinger missiles
    3. Armed with advanced M230 Chain Guns
    4. Night vision systems
    5. Advanced avionics

3. Mi-17

  • Mi-17 is a Russian origin transport helicopter manufactured by Kazan Helicopters.
  • It is one of the most advanced transport helicopters equipped with advanced features such as
    1. Advanced self-defence system equipped with 23 mm cannon and heat-seeking missiles
    2. Twin-engine single rotor
    3. Highly sophisticated navigation and avionics system
    4. Maximum speed of 250 km/hr
    5. Range of 675 Km
    6. Payload capacity of 4,000Kg
    7. Capacity to transport up to 36 troops.
  • It is used for the transportation of VVIPs, including PM and army chiefs.

Indian Navy

by

Last Updated: November 2025 (Indian Navy)

Indian Navy

This article deals with the ‘Indian Navy.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

Structure of Indian Navy

  • Indian Navy protects the territorial waters, coast and Indian geopolitical interests.
  • It has 70,000 active personnel.
  • It has 3 operational commands
    1. Eastern Command – Vishakhapatnam
    2. Western Command – Mumbai
    3. Southern Command – Kochi
  • Fleet strength stands at approximately 293 vessels, placing India among the top 6 navies globally in fleet size

Side Topic: Blue Water navy

  • It is a mighty navy that can operate across the deep waters in open oceans. E.g. US Navy.
  • Indian Navy also wants to be a Bluewater navy. The purchase/induction of Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines, fifth-generation air crafts etc., are part of that strategy.

Why Indian Navy needs to be modernized?

  • India has a vast and long coastline of 7,500 km that needs to be defended by a strong and modernized navy.
  • The majority of India’s international trade is carried through the Indian ocean. Hence, a strong and modernized navy is necessary to protect Indian interests.
  • A modernized navy is the need of the hour to counter the Chinese String of Pearls strategy against India.

Naval Ships

How are Naval Ships named?

Different countries follow different conventions

Corvettes

  • Corvette is the smallest class of ships that can be considered a proper warship.
  • Their main use includes
    1. Coastal Patrol
    2. Fast Attack
  • In India, Corvettes are named after personal arms. Eg : INS Khukri, INS Kirpan and INS Khanjar. 

Frigates

  • Frigates are warships with mixed armaments.
  • In India, they are named after mountains or rivers or weapons. E.g., INS Sahaydri, INS Shivalik, INS Satpura, INS Talwar, INS Teg etc.

Cruise or Destroyer

  • Destroyer is a fast, highly manoeuvrable ship with long -endurance. Generally, it escorts a fleet of vessels intending to protect them.
  • In India, they are named after a state capital, a large city, or a great king or warrior from India’s history. E.g., INS Delhi, INS Kolkata, INS Mysore, INS Mumbai, INS Rana and INS Ranjit.

Submarines

  • In India, Submarines are named after a predatory fish or an abstract name associated with the ocean. 
  • INS Arihant and INS Chakra are nuclear submarines; the conventional ones have had names from INS Sindhughosh and INS Sindhukirti to INS Shalki and INS Shankul.

Aircraft Carriers

  • Aircraft Carrier is the highest class of warships whose presence can provide strategic advantage. They are used to carry aircraft to carry operations away from home shores.
  • These are very expensive and generally escorted by destroyers, frigates, submarines etc.
  • There is a special procedure to name such special ships. A committee is formed that invites the name and decides to name it. For Example,
    1. INS Vikramaditya: It is named after Vikramaditya meaning Sun of Prowess, a name taken after many Indian sovereigns.
    2. INS Vikrant: It is named after India’s first Aircraft Carrier, which India bought from the UK in 1957.
  • Importance of Aircraft Carriers for India
    1. It enhances the Navy’s capabilities to carry operations away from its shores.
    2. It is essential to convert the Indian Navy to Blue Water Navy.

Side Topic: Nations and Number of their Aircraft Carriers

USA11 Operational
China3 Operational
India2 Operational
UK2 Operational
Italy2 Operational
Russia1 Operational

Indian Aircraft Carriers

1. INS Vikramaditya

It is an Indian Aircraft carrier. It is of Soviet origin and was known as Admiral Gorshkov. India bought this from Russia in 2004, and it was finally delivered to India in 2013.

INS Vikramaditya

2. INS Vikrant or IAC-1

  • INS Vikrant is the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. India has joined the elite club that can manufacture its aircraft carriers (others include the US, Russia, France, the UK and China). It was delivered to the Indian Navy and commissioned on 15 August 2022, marking 75 years of Indian independence. 
  • It is designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Hence, it is a ‘Made in India’ ship. With this, India has joined the group of six nations which have this capability.
  • Its features include
    1. Weight = 19,500 Kg
    2. Displacement of 40,000 tonnes.
    3. Speed of 28 knots
    4. It will carry 24 Russian MiG-29 aircraft and Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).
    5. Two runways.
    6. It has STOBAR capability (i.e. Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery)
    7. Long-range surface to air missiles.
    8. It has crew capacity of 1600
    9. Cost to built = Rs. 20,000 crore

Note: It is named after decommissioned INS Vikrant, India’s first Aircraft carrier, and was bought from Britain in 1961. It played an essential role in the Indian victory over Pakistan in 1971.

INS Vikrant

3. INS Vishal

  • INS Vishal is the proposed name of India’s third aircraft carrier.
  • It will be a 65,000-ton vessel, bigger than both INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant.
  • It is not yet approved by the Government of India. However, it will be India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier when approved. 

Other Warships

1. Kolkata Class (Project 15-A)

  • Kolkata class is a group of destroyers made under Project 15A. These are a class of guided-missile destroyers constructed for the Indian Navy. 
  • There are three ships built under the Kolkata class.
    1. INS Kolkata
    2. INS Kochi 
    3. INS Chennai
  • These are built at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in India and are the largest destroyers to be operated by the Indian Navy. 

2. Vishakhapatnam Class (Project 15-B) 

  • The destroyers of this class are more advanced than the Kolkata class and have stealth capabilities.
  • There are four ships built under this Vishakhapatnam Class
    1. INS Vishakhapatnam
    2. INS Mormugao 
    3. INS Imphal
    4. INS Surat
  • INS Surat, which was commissioned in January 2025, is an AI-enabled warship. It can use AI to enhance its operational efficiency.

3. Nilgiri Class (Project 17-A)

  • Nilgiri Class is a group of frigates made under Project 17A. 
  • There are seven frigates made under Nilgiri Class (all named after hills)
    1. INS Nilgiri
    2. INS Himgiri
    3. INS Udaygiri 
    4. INS Dunagiri
    5. INS Taragiri
    6. INS Vindhyagiri
    7. INS Mahendragiri 
  • These are built at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in India.
  • These are follow-on vessels of the Shivalik Class (Project 17).

4. Tushil Class

  • It is a class of Indian Stealth Frigates being built in Russia.
  • Total four frigates are to be built under the project, two of which have already been built
    1. INS Tushil (inducted in Jan 2025)
    2. INS Tamal (inducted in July 2025)
    3. 2 more (Triput and Tavasya) are under construction in India by the Goa Shipyard Limited with transfer of technology and design assistance from Russia
  • Features of this class include
    • Stealth features with low radar and underwater noise signatures
    • Installed with Surface to Surface Missiles
    • Equipped with Surface Surveillance Radar and Sonars

    5. Kamorta Class (Project 28)

    • Kamorta class is a group of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes built under Project 28 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
    • There are four corvettes built under Kamorta Class.
      1. INS Kamorta
      2. INS Kadmatt 
      3. INS Kiltan
      4. INS Kavaratti
         

    6. INS Astradharini

    • India’s first indigenously designed (95%) and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel (TLRV). 
    • It is an advanced replacement for Astravahini. 

    7. Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft (ASW-SWC)

    • India is planning to induct 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
    • The first among them i.e. ASW-SWC Arnala has been commissioned in 2025.

    8. INS Nistar

    • INS Nistar is India’s first indigenously designed and constructed diving support vessel.
    • Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd.
    • It was commissioned in 2025.
    • Use: undertaking complex deep-sea saturation diving and submarine rescue operations.
    • It reinforces the role of the Indian Navy as the ‘first responder’ and ‘preferred security partner’ in the region.
    • India is building its sister ship INS Nipun, that will be commissioned shortly.

    Side Topic: Decommissioned Ships

    INS Vikrant

    • The warship was decommissioned in 2014.
    • Initially known as HMS Hercules, India purchased it from Britain in 1961. It played a strategic role in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
    • Now Bajaj is using its steel in making motorcycles.

    Submarines

     Submarines are of three types & India need the correct mix of all three  

    1. Conventional Submarines (SSK)

    • They use the diesel-electric engine as their source of power & have to surface daily to get oxygen for fuel combustion.
    • India needs atleast 18 SSKs and with the induction of INS Arighaat, it has 17 Submarines now
      1. 7 Sindhughosh Class (Russian Kilo Class) 
      2. 4 Shishumar Class (German Type 209) 
      3. 6 Scorpene (Kalavari) Class Submarines inducted under Project 75 

    India had plans under Project 75 & Project 75(I), under which the intention is to build two production lines in collaboration with two foreign submarine builders to build 6 submarines each. In the meantime, the Navy would come up with indigenous designs to produce 6 submarines immediately, each on these production lines producing a total of 24 subs by 2030. Although the project is behind schedule, we have made 6 subs under Project 75.

    Project 75

    6 Subs under Project 75 has been made (Scorpene-Class Submarines made by French Maker DCNS ) 

    1. INS Kalvari

    • It was inducted in 2017 (5 years behind schedule).
    • It is the first submarine constructed under Project 75. 
    • The literal meaning of “Kalvari” is ‘ Sea Tiger.’  

    2. INS Khanderi

    • It was inducted in 2018.
    • Khanderi is the name of Maratha Island Fort.  

    3. INS Karanj

    • It was inducted in 2019. 
    • The name ‘Karanj’ is derived from Karanja island, a town in the Raigad district. 

    4. INS Vela

    • It was inducted in 2021.
    • The name ‘Vela’ is derived from the name of a predatory fish. It was also the name of one of India’s decommissioned submarines of Soviet origin. 

    5. INS Vagir

    • It was inducted in 2023
    • Vagir is the name of sandfish (a predatory variety of fish).

    6. INS Vagsheer

    • It was inducted in January 2025.
    • It is the sixth and final submarine developed under Project 75.

    Project 75 India (75I)

    • After completion of Project 75, India is in the process of starting Project 75I.
    • Under the project
      • 6 submarines will be manufactured
      • It is joint venture of Mazagon-Thyssenkrupp
      • Submarines will be based on air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. It is a next gen technology that uses bio-ethanol to generate oxygen required for crew and combustion. This increases the stealth capability of subs as they generate less noise, reducing chances of detection.
      • These submarines will be conventional submarines (SSK) that can stay underwater for up to three weeks.
    • The first submarine will be delivered in 2032.

    2. Nuclear Submarines (SSN)

    • These are powered by nuclear reactors (but they can’t launch Ballistic Missiles). As a result, they can remain submerged for months.
    • Given the security needs of India, the Indian Navy needs 6 SSNs. 
    • MoU was signed with Russia to provide 2 Akula Class SSNs on lease for 10 years. India got one in 2012 (INS Chakra)  & the other one has still not reached India.

    3. Nuclear Submarines with Ballistic Missiles (SSBN)

    • They are nuclear-powered submarines along with the capability to launch Ballistic Missiles with nuclear warheads.  
    • These Submarines act as the third leg of the nuclear triad. 
    • India needs 3 to 5 SSBN but has 2 (with latest addition of INS Arighaat in 2024). 
    • India is the 5th country after the US, Russia, China and France to have such capability.

    INS Arihant

    • INS Arihant is India’s first nuclear submarine which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2016, thus establishing India’s Nuclear Triad.
    • Other Features
      • 6000 tonne submarine powered by  Pressurized Light Water Reactors
      • Armed with K-15 and K-4 nuclear missiles

    Arihant Submarine

    INS Arighaat

    • INS Arighaat is India’s second nuclear submarine. It was commissioned into Indian Navy in 2024.
    • It is nuclear powered with the capability to launch ballistic missiles, thus strengthening India’s nuclear triad.
    • Other Features
      • 6000 tonne submarine powered by Pressurized Light Water Reactors
      • Armed with K-15 missiles with range of 700 Km.
      • It has 60% indigenous content (improvement from INS Arihant which has 30%)
    INS Arighaat

    INS Aridhman (S4)

    • It is currently going sea trials.
    • Other Features
      • 75% indigenous content.
      • Equipped with K4 missiles.

    Side Topic: Nuclear Triad

    Nuclear Triad means the 3-pronged capability to launch a nuclear strike

    1. Land-launched nuclear missiles (e.g., Agni Missiles of India).
    2. Nuclear-missile-armed submarines (INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are SSBN).
    3. Strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles (Su 30 MKI can be integrated with Brahmos).
    Indian Navy

    Torpedo

    Torpedoes are underwater weapons fitted in warships and submarines with the aim to destroy enemy ships.

    How Torpedoes Work
    How Torpedoes Work?

    List of Indian Torpedoes

    Varunastra Anti-Submarine Torpedo (India’s first indigenous torpedo)
    Shyena Anti-Submarine Torpedo
    SMART Long Range Torpedo

    Navy Aircrafts

    Indian Navy has aircraft for reconnaissance and attack purposes.

    List of Naval Aircrafts

    1. Reconnaissance Naval Aircrafts

    P-8I US Aircraft manufactured by Boeing
    Dornier 228 German origin reconnaissance aircraft
    IL 38 Russian origin reconnaissance aircraft

    2. Attack Naval Aircrafts

    MiG 29: Russian origin attack planes posted on INS Vikramaditya    

    Side Topic: P-8I

    • P-8I is the maritime surveillance, coastline defence, search and rescue and anti-submarine aircraft.
    • Manufacturer: Boeing
    • India has been using these since the delivery of the first aircraft in 2013. Presently, India has two squadrons of P-8I.

    Tanks, Artillery and Guns

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    Last Updated: November 2025 (Tanks, Artillery and Guns)

    Tanks, Artillery and Guns

    This article deals with the ‘Tanks, Artillery and Guns.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

    Tanks and Artillery

    1. Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1)

    • Arjun or MK-1A is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured tank.
    • Manufacturers: DRDO & CVRDE (Combat vehicle research & development establishment).
    • The latest batch of Arjun tanks, delivered to the Indian Army in 2021, has ~55% indigenous content. 

    Timeline

    1972 Arjun Main Battle Tank Project initiated by DRDO
    1996 Mass production began
    2004 The first batch of 16 Arjun tanks was delivered to the Indian Army.
    2009 Arjun Regiment consisting of 45 tanks was made.
    2011 The number of in-service Arjuns crossed 100.
    2021 118 more Arjuns inducted into the Indian Army.

    Features of Arjun Tank

    • All-terrain mobility.
    • 120 mm calibre gun.
    • Computer-controlled integrated fire control system with a 360 degree and day and night view.
    • Machine gun and an anti-aircraft gun.
    • Missile firing capability.

    2. Bhishma (T-90)

    • T-90 is the ‘third generation’ Russian main battle tank. Bhishma is the Indian version of Soviet T-90 tanks.
    • India has 310 Bhishma tanks, of which almost half are Russian made, and half were manufactured in India. 
    • They are the improved version of T-72 and have been used by the Indian Army since 2001.
    • Features of Bhishma tank
      1. 125 mm gun
      2. Range of 6 km
      3. Automatic loader
      4. Day and night sighting system
      5. Thermal imaging device.

    3. Ajeya (T-72)

    • Ajeya or T-72 are the Soviet main battle tanks.
    • India has ~2,000 Ajeya Tanks in the Indian Army, and they are the backbone of the armoured division of the Indian Army.
    • Initially, they were ordered from the Soviet Union, but since 1980, India has been manufacturing it at Avadi (Tamil Nadu).
    Tanks, Artillery and Guns

    4. Zorawar Light Tank

    • India’s new indigenous light tank developed by DRDO’s CVRDE in partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
    • It is specially designed for high-altitude and all-terrain operations.
    • Need: The 2020 Galwan Valley standoff with China highlighted the need for light, high-mobility tanks in high-altitude regions like Eastern Ladakh. While China deployed Type-15 light tanks, India relied on heavier T-72 and T-90 tanks, which faced operational limits in such terrain—leading to the accelerated development of the Zorawar. 
    • It is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a 19th-century military general under Khalsa Darbar known for his Himalayan campaigns.
    • Its induction expected by 2027.
    Zorawar Light Tank

    5. Pinaka

    • Pinaka is India’s indigenous multiple rocket launcher.
    • It is developed by DRDO. 
    • It has a maximum range of 40 km and can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds. 
    • It can be mounted on Tatra Truck for mobility.  
    • Pinaka rockets played a vital role in the Kargil war, where they successfully neutralized enemy positions on the mountain tops. 
    • Pinaka-Extended Range (Pinaka-ER), successfully tested in 2021, has a range of 70 km.
    • India has started to export Pinaka. Armenia has placed the first export order for Pinaka.
    Pinaka

    6. Pinaka Mark – II

    • The earlier version of Pinaka was an unguided rocket system. It has now been transformed into a guided version- Pinaka Mark-II, with a navigation, guidance and control kit. 
    • Pinaka-II has a range of more than 70 km (compared with Pinaka-I, which has a range of 40 km). 
    • It can fire 12 rockets within 40 seconds. 

    As of 2025, India fields 6 regiments (108+ launchers) of Pinaka Mk-I and Mk-II.

    7. Bofors

    • It is a 155mm Howitzer gun.  
    • India has bought it from Sweden.
    • Bofors has played an essential role in Indian victory during Kargil War.
    • Note: Howitzers are important in hilly terrain because Tanks can’t be used there. 
    Bofors 155mm Howitzer

    8. Dhanush

    • It is an indigenous Howitzer of India with 81% local components. In 2019, Ordnance Factory Board made the first delivery of Dhanush to the Army.
    • It is an upgraded version of Bofors with a maximum range of 38 km.
    • It is also a 155 mm calibre gun.
    • It can fire 15 rounds in 3 minutes.

    9. M-777

    • India has bought M-777 from the USA (Deal is for 145 guns. 25 will come from BAE Systems, and the rest will be assembled in India with Indian Partner).
    • It is an ultra-light howitzer (ULH). 
    • Calibre = 155 mm
    • M-777 can be easily transported to any battlefield using a helicopter-like Chinook.
    M-777

    10. K9 Vajra T

    • It is a Korean made Howitzer.
    • It was inducted into the Indian army in November 2018.

    Rifles in Service in India

    Following rifles are used by the Indian forces

    1. INSAS

    • INSAS=Indian Small Arm System.
    • It is a 5.56 mm Self Loading Rifle (SLR). 
    • It is the main rifle used by the Indian Army.
    • It was designed and developed by DRDO.
    • It has been decided that INSAS Rifle will be decommissioned shortly (Reason: : it faced reliability issues—magazine cracking in cold weather, frequent jamming at high altitudes, malfunctioning during operations—leading to low confidence among soldiers and prompting the urgent shift to AK-203.) 

    2. Dragunov

    • Russian origin sniper rifle used by Indian forces.

    3. AK-203

    AK-203
    • India is importing 70,000 AK 203 Assault Rifles from Russia. Later, these will also be manufactured indigenously at Korwa Defence Factory (UP) by a joint venture between India and Russia named Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited. The total requirement of the Indian Army is 7.7 lakh. 
    • These are very advanced versions of famed AK-47 or Kalashnikovs.
    • AK 203 will replace INSAS Assault Rifles. 
    • Main Characteristics of AK 203
      1. Highly reliable, durable and easy to maintain.
      2.  Weighs 3.8 Kg.
      3. Range: 800 m
      4. 30 round standard magazine.

    3. Indigenous Rifle: Ugram

    • It is a new 7.62×51 mm assault rifle developed by DRDO and private partner Dvipa Defence.
    • It is currently under user trials.
    • It is designed for operations in counter-insurgency and special forces missions.
    Ugram Rifle

    Indigenous Carbine: CQB Carbine

    • Jointly developed by DRDO–Bharat Forge.
    • It is 100 percent Make in India weapon
    • It is ultra-light carbine “lighter than a kitchen pressure cooker,”, offering a balance of firepower and manoeuvrability. 
    • It is ideal for close-quarter and urban combat roles.
    CQB Carbine

    Anti-Missile System

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    Last Update: June 2025 (Anti-Missile System)

    Anti-Missile System

    This article deals with the ‘Anti-Missile System.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

    Indian Ballistic Missile Defence  (IBMD) System  / Anti Missile System / Air Defence System

    • IMBD is an Anti-Missile System or Missile Defence System.
    • It is an initiative to protect Indian cities from Ballistic Missile attacks.
    • It was proposed in the mid-1990s by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
    • The functioning of the Anti-Missile System is explained in the infographic below. 
    Anti-Missile System

    Side Topic: Iron Dome System of Israel

    IBMD System is just like the Iron Dome of Israel. Israel faces a large number of short-range rocket attacks from Gaza. Hence, they have installed Anti Missile System to protect important cities like Tel Aviv from such attacks. It is the most effective system with a success rate of up to 90% (very high).

    Iron Dome System of Israel

    Apart from Iron Dome, Israel also has David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and 3, and the Iron Beam to protect it from missile attacks with varying capability.

    Side Topic: THAAD System

    • US has installed THAAD System in South Korea after the threat of Missile attacks by North Korea. 
    • THAAD is also an Anti-Missile / Ballistic Missile Defence System.

    Side Topic: Golden Dome System

    • 2025: The US has announced plans to develop the Golden Dome System, which will be the world’s most advanced missile defence system. 
    • It will also have a space component, i.e., space-based sensors and interceptors will also be used, making it the first such system.

    Indian System

    India’s IBMD System is double-tiered, consisting of two interceptor systems.

    1. Pradyumna or Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)

    • It uses Prithvi Missile.
    • It is used for high altitude interception and can intercept missiles up to an altitude of 80 km.
    • It is the preferred option because the target would be engaged at a far distance.

    2. Ashvin or Advanced Air Defence (AAD)

    • It uses Akash Surface to Air Missile.
    • It is used for low-altitude interception and can intercept missiles at 15-30 Km.
    • It is not a preferred option because the missile is already very close & in the case of a nuclear missile, immense destruction can happen.
    • Both are manufactured by DRDO.
    • For tracking & guidance, Swordfish Radar System is developed by India in conjugation with Israel. 
    • The program began in 1999
      • Phase I: completed. 
      • Phase II: It was expected to be completed by 2016 & first to be placed in Delhi & Mumbai 
      • Present Status: DRDO was not able to complete it & it is still in the development stage.
    • The current system can intercept up to 1000 km class Ballistic missile at the speed of Mach 5. 
    • After the USA, Israel and Russia, India is the 4th country to develop indigenous Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems. 

    S-400 Triumf

    • Russian Air Defence System, which India is in the process to buy. 
    • It is considered the best Air Defence System (full defence and not just missile) and can protect air space against strategic bombers, stealth fighters, spy planes, missiles and drones.
    • It is a long-range surface-to-air missile with a range of 400 km. Hence, if deployed on the Indo-Pakistan border, it can track the movement of Pakistani aircraft from the instance they take off from the runway.
    • It can track 300 targets simultaneously with the help of its has a 3D phased array acquisition radar. 
    • Turkey and Qatar are also interested in buying this. China has already received the first delivery of the system.
    • It will receive delivery by the end of 2021 and integrate with India’s indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by DRDO to create a multi-tier air defence. 
    • Problem: USA can impose sanctions on India under CAATSA (i.e. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). Earlier, India got a waiver from the USA to buy this system, but the Ukraine crisis has put this deal in danger.
    S-400 Triumf

    NASAMS – II

    • NASAMS = National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System 
    • It was developed by Raytheon (US) in partnership with the Kongsberg Defence System of Norway.
    • India will use it to defend the VIP-89 Region (consisting of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament etc.)
    • It is equipped with the latest 3D sentinel radars and missile launchers which can rapidly identify and destroy enemy aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles. 
    • The same system is used to protect Washington DC and numerous NATO countries.

    VSHORAD Missile System

    • Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) missile system is designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
    • It will replace the Russian Igla-M system.
    • It is meant to target low-altitude aerial threats at short range.
    • Being light and portable, it is a man-portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) and can be deployed in the mountainous region at short notice.
    • DRDO has conducted its 3 successful trials in Feb 2025, Feb 2024 and Sept 2022.
    VSHORAD Missile System

    Pantsir Air Defence System (PADS)

    • Russian-origin mobile air defence system designed to protect against short-range missiles.
    • Use:  Air defence for small military, industrial, and administrative facilities.
    • India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited has signed a MoU with Russian Rosoboronexport for its production (December 2024).

    Project Akashteer

    • Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
    • It will automate air defense control by integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, thus enabling swift engagement of hostile targets and ensuring the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.  
    Project Akashteer

    Indian Missiles

    by

    Last Updated: Jan 2025 (Indian Missiles)

    Indian Missiles

    This article deals with the ‘Indian Missiles.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

    Classification of Missiles

    Missiles can be classified in a number of ways

    1. Type 

    • Cruise Missile: It is an unmanned self-propelled (till the time of impact) guided vehicle and aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path. 
    • Ballistic Missile: It is propelled for the initial stage and later works under the influence of gravity.

    2. Launch Mode

    • Surface-to-Surface Missile
    • Surface-to-Air Missile
    • Surface (Coast)-to-Sea Missile
    • Air-to-Air Missile
    • Air-to-Surface Missile
    • Sea-to-Sea Missile
    • Sea-to-Surface (Coast) Missile
    • Anti-Tank Missile

    3. Range

    • Tactical Missiles: 150 to 300 Km
    • Short Range Missile: 300 to 1000 km 
    • Medium Range Missile: 1000-3500 km 
    • Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile: 3500-5500 km
    • Intercontinental Ballistic Missile  : >5500 km

    4. Propulsion System

    Missiles can have the following type of propulsion systems

    • Solid Propulsion: Uses solid fuel.
    • Liquid Propulsion: Uses liquid fuel.
    • Hybrid Propulsion: Uses a mixture of fuels.
    • Cryogenic: Uses gaseous fuels solidified at extremely low temperatures.

    5. Warhead

    5.1 Conventional Warhead

    • Conventional warheads are filled with chemical explosives. 
    • It relies on the detonation of the explosive and the resulting metal casing fragmentation as kill mechanisms.

    5.2 Strategic Warhead

    • Radioactive materials are present, and when triggered, they exhibit tremendous radioactivity that can wipe out cities.
    • They are generally designed for mass annihilation.

    6. Guidance Systems

    Guided Missile

    • Guided missiles can manoeuvre within a flight. They are guided by the sensors fitted in them. E.g., infrared sensor. 
    • They are primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armoured tanks & other armoured fighting vehicles. 
    • They can be launched from aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and shoulder-mounted launchers.

    Type of guidance systems

    1. Wire Guidance
    2. Command Guidance
    3. Terrain Comparison Guidance
    4. Terrestrial Guidance
    5. Inertial Guidance
    6. Beam Rider Guidance
    7. Laser Guidance
    8. RF and GPS Reference

    Note: India’s Missile testing facility is situated at Chandipur (Wheeler Island/Abdul Kalam Island), Odisha (Bay of Bengal) 

    On the Basis of Type

    1. Cruise Missile

    What are Cruise Missiles?

    • A cruise missile is
      1. self-propelled 
      2. unmanned
      3. guided vehicle
    • It sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path. 
    • Its primary mission is to place ordnance or special payload on a target.
    • Cruise missiles fly within the Earth’s atmosphere. 
    • It sustains the flight using Jet Engine Technology. 
    • Cruise Missile can have the varying speed or ability to penetrate the enemy’s defences.

    Parts of Cruise Missiles

    Cruise Missiles have the following components

    1. Guidance system: This guides the missile during its flight.
    2. Payload: Conventional or strategic warhead which missile intends to deliver. 
    3. Propulsion System: Engine (usually Jet Engine) which propels the missile.

    Classification of Cruise Missiles

    1. Subsonic Cruise Missile

    • Subsonic Cruise Missiles fly at a speed lesser than the speed of sound (around 0.8 Mach). 
    • E.g., Nirbhay of India, Harpoon & Tomahawk of USA and Exocet of France.

    2. Supersonic Cruise Missile

    • Supersonic Cruise Missiles travel at a speed of around 2-3 Mach, i.e. it travels a kilometre approximately in a second. 
    • Its lethal capabilities are further improved due to the combined effect of supersonic speed and mass of warhead, which provides enormous kinetic energy.
    • BRAHMOS (a joint venture of India & Russia) is the only known versatile supersonic cruise missile system in service globally. 

    3. Hypersonic Cruise Missile

    • Hypersonic Cruise Missiles travel at speeds higher than 5 Mach. 
    • Countries, including India, are working on manufacturing this class of missiles. Examples include Brahmos- II. In 2023, India tested its HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLE (HSTDV), which uses Scramjet Engine to reach Hypersonic Speeds.
    • China has recently tested Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. 

    2. Ballistic Missiles

    What are Ballistic Missiles?

    • Ballistic Missiles have ballistic trajectories, i.e. they are guided only during the relatively brief period of the initially powered phase of flight & the rest of the course is determined by the law of orbital mechanics & ballistics. 
    Indian Missiles
    • They are categorized according to their range & carry a huge payload. 
    • They can be launched from various platforms such as ships and land-based facilities. 
    • For example, Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and Dhanush ballistic missiles. 

    Side Topic: Anti Ballistic Missiles

    • They are used to neutralise ballistic missiles. 
    • They are missiles for missile defence. 

    Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

    • Dr A P J Abdul Kalam conceived IGMDP to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in missile technology. 
    • Keeping in mind the defence forces’ requirements, the team recommended developing five missile systems. 
    • IGMDP finally got approval from the Government of India in 1983. 

    What was the need for IGMDP?

    • It has the advantage of delivering a higher payload beyond the range of the combat aircraft. 
    • These are one-way devices. Hence, there is no danger of loss as associated with loss of combat aircraft & their crew. 
    • These missiles travel at a very high speed that makes interception difficult.  
    • DRDO ended IGMDP on 8 January 2008 after making India self-reliant in Missile Technology. Presently, the Agni Missile Development Program to develop new versions of Agni is running as a separate program. 

    The missiles developed under the program are

    P Prithvi Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
    A Agni Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 
    T Trishul Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile 
    N Nag Third generation anti-tank missile 
    A Akash  Medium-range surface-to-air missile

    1. Prithvi 

    • It was the first missile developed under IGMP and was inducted into the Indian Army in 1994.
    • Prithvi is a surface to surface missile. 
    • It has a short range of 150-350 km. (Range increases as number increases: Prithvi I=150, II=250 and III=350kms.)
    • Its naval version is known as Dhanush. Dhanush can be launched from Navy ships.

    1.1 Prithvi 1

    Name SS150
    Range 150km
    Used by Army
    Payload 1000kg

    Update: Prithvi 1 will be replaced by Prahar Missile, developed by DRDO. It has a range of 150 Km. It is extremely precise and is fitted with modern navigation, guidance and actuation systems.  

    1.2 Prithvi II

    Name SS250
    Range 250 Km
    Used by Air Force
    Payload 300 Kg

    1.3 Prithvi III

    Name SS 350
    Range 350 Km
    Used by Navy
    Payload 1000  Kg

    1.4 Sagarika/ K-15

    Name K-15.
    Speciality Nuclear capable submarine variant of  Prithvi missile.
    Range 250-350 KM
    Engine It has 2 stage engine, and both the engines are solid fuelled
    1. First Stage: Underwater booster that powers the missile to 5 Km above the surface of the ocean. 
    2. Second Stage: Propels the missile above the water.

    1.5 Dhanush

    Speciality Ship launched version of Prithvi.
    Range Initially, 150 km but later increased to 350 km.
    Payload 500-1000 kg

    1.6 Pradyuman

    • Prithvi Air Defence Missile/Anti Ballistic Missile is named Pradyuman Ballistic Missile Interceptor. 
    • It can intercept the ballistic missiles of 300 to 2000 km class up to the altitude of 80 Km.
    • DRDO is working to enhance it to intercepts till 5000+ km range & engaging them at an altitude of 150 km.

    2. Agni

    • It is the intermediate & long range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile built by DRDO. 
    • These are capable of delivering nuclear warheads. 

    2.1 Agni-1

    • Range: 700 -900 Kms
    • Max speed: Mach 12
    • It was the first missile in the family of Agni Missiles.
    • It bridges the gap between Prithvi & Agni 2. 

    Agni Prime

    • It is the advanced version of Agni-1. 
    • It was test-fired successfully in June 2021.
    • Range: 1000 to 1500 Km 
    • Payload: 1,000 Kg
    • It has advanced features like
      1. High Agility
      2. Road Mobility
      3. Cannisterisation i.e. can be transported in canisters
      4. Lighter and sleeker than Agni-1

    2.2 Agni-2

    • Range: 2000 km  
    • Max speed: Mach 13
    • It can carry a nuclear warhead.  
    • It is also provided with GPS to hit targets accurately. 

    2.3 Agni-3

    • Range: 3000 km
    • It is the most accurate missile in this class.

    2.4 Agni-4

    • Twenty meters tall and has two stages solid-fuel engine.
    • It can carry nuclear weapons. 
    • Range: 4000 km
    • It has heat shields. Hence, the missile can withstand above 4000°C temperature when it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere.

    2.5 Agni-5

    • Agni-5 was inducted into the elite Strategic Forces Command in 2018.  
    • It has a design similar to that of Agni-3 with an extra stage.    
    • Range: Above 5000 (but Chinese experts say that Agni’s range is 8000 km and India is misguiding the world).
    • Max speed: Mach 24
    • It has MIRV capability (MIRV = Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle . MIRV means one missile can carry several warheads, each for different targets).
    • Newspapers say it to be Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile(ICBM) (but according to definition, ICBM has a range greater than 5500 Km). 
    • It can be launched from canister & is road-mobile. Cannisterization makes this missile very agile and increases the shelf life of the missile by protecting it from the harsh climate.
    Agni-5

    Strategic Importance of Agni-5

    • It has brought areas as far as Beijing within the striking capability of New Delhi. Hence, it will act as a deterrent. 
    • Possibility as Anti-Satellite Missile: It can be converted to Anti Satellite Missile with certain modifications. 

    2.6 Agni VI

    • It is an ICBM. But it is speculated to be in very rudimentary stages of development, albeit never formally acknowledged by DRDO.
    • It can be launched from submarine and land.
    • It has a range of (approx.) 6,000 Km along with MIRV capabilities. 
    • There are some speculations that this missile has already been christened as Surya. 

    Side Topic – ICBM

    • ICBMs have a range of more than 5500 km. 
    • It can carry both conventional & nuclear warheads. 
    • Russia has the largest number of ICBMs (only five countries have them, i.e. 5 Permanent members of the Security Council). 

    3. Trishul

    • It is a ‘Short-range Surface to Air Missile’ (SAM).
    • It has a range of 9 Km.
    • It can be fitted with a 5.5 Kg warhead. 
    • Trishul is Radar guided missile.
    • It is developed for two purposes.
      1. To defend naval vessels against missiles.
      2. As a short-range surface to air missile.
    • But Trishul missiles have faced persistent problems. Hence, the Trishul missile is planned to be replaced by the Maitri Missile, a blend of French Mica Missile and DRDO’s Trishul.

    4. Nag

    • It is a ‘Third generation Anti Tank missile’. 
    • Range = 3 to 7 km
    • Payload = 42 kg 
    • It is an all-weather, top attack missile with fire and forgets capability.  

    It has various versions such as helicopter or rooftop or tank mounted.

    HeliNa Helicopter Version of Nag.
    SANT – SANT = Standoff Anti-Tank Missile
    – It is a ‘fourth generation’ upgraded version of the HeliNa missile with an advanced node-mounted seeker.
    NAMICA Nag Missile Carrier or NAMICA is an amphibious and armoured le carrier designed for Nag Missile.

    5. Akash

    • It is a ‘Surface to Air Missile‘ (SAM).
    • It can target aircraft up to 25 km away (Medium Range), at altitudes up to 18Km.
    • Its launch weight is 720 kg.  
    • It can achieve a speed of 2.5 Mach.
    • It has an integrated ramjet propulsion system.
    • A self-destruction device is also integrated into it.  
    • It uses RAM jet propulsion while the booster stage is solid fuelled. 
    • Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5.
    • It can destroy many targets at once, using the Rajendra radar system. Since Rajendra Radar completely guides it without any active guidance system, it allows greater capability against jamming as aircraft self-protection jammer has to work against high power radar.
    • It can be launched from static platforms and mobile platforms such as tanks and armoured missile carriers.
    • It was inducted into Indian Armed Forces in 2014. 
    • In 2020, the Indian Government decided that Akash Missile could be exported to friendly foreign countries.  
    Akash Missile

    Side Topic: Akash-NG

    • Akash-NG = Akash New Generation
    • It is a new generation of Surface to Air missiles.
    • It is meant for use by the Indian Air Force to intercept high manoeuvring low RCS (Radar Cross Section) aerial threats.

    Guided Missiles outside IGMDP & in news

    1. K Series

    • K series is explicitly developed for submarines. 
    • These missiles are dedicated to Abdul Kalam (K stands for Kalam).

    Missiles of the K series include 

    K-15

    • It is also known as Sagarika.
    • It is a submarine variant of the Prithvi Missile.  

    K-4

    • K-4 is a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
    • It will arm the Arihant-class submarines. 
    • Range: 3,500 Km
    • Note: K-4 was developed to overcome the difficulty of fitting AGNI-III in equipping INS Arihant.

    K-5

    • K-5 is equivalent to Agni-5 for Submarines. 
    • It is in developing stages. 
    K Series Submarine Launched Missiles

    2. Barak -8 / LRSAM

    • It is a Surface to Air Missile. It is also known as LRSAM (Long Range Surface to Air Missile). 
    • It is a Joint Venture of DRDO & Israel Aerospace Industries.
    • Speed: 2 Mach 
    • Range: 90 KM (80-100 Km) 
    • Flight Ceiling (max height achieved) = 16 Km
    • It will also be installed on INS Vikramaditya.
    Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Joint Venture of DRDO & Israel Aerospace Industries Range = 90 KM (80-100 KM) Speed = 2 Mach civilspedia.com Barak8

    3. MRSAM

    • MRSAM = Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
    • DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries have developed it. 
    • It has naval and army versions. 
    • It has a range of more than 50 km.
    • It can reach up to the speed of 2 Mach.
    • It can target multiple targets simultaneously. 

    4. QRSAM

    • QRSAM = Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air missiles 
    • It is being developed to replace Akash Missiles. 
    • Range: 25-30 Km
    • It has the ability to strike low flying targets.
    • It can hit multiple targets. 

    5. VL-SRSM

    • VL-SRSM = Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile 
    • It is designed specifically for Indian Naval warships.
    • It has been developed jointly by DRDO.
    • Range: 40 Km
    • It can hit multiple targets.

    6. Astra

    • Astra is an ‘Air to Air missile’ to destroy enemy aircraft.
    • It is developed by DRDO. 
    • It can be integrated into Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, LCA, MIG 29 etc. 
    • It has Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air to air capability with a 25 to 40 km strike range.  
    • Speed = up to 4 Mach. 
    Astra Missile

    7. Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range) or NASM-SR

    • Manufactured by DRDO.
    • It has range of 55 km and can go up to the altitude of 3 km.
    • It can carry 100 kg and can travel at speed of 0.8 Mach.

    8. Python-5

    • Python-5 is an Air-to-Air Missile of Israeli origin.
    • It has a range of 20 to 50 km and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities.
    • It has been integrated into Tejas fighter aircraft.

    9. Popeye

    • Popeye is an Air-to-Surface missile and can be easily integrated into fighter aircraft. 
    • Range: 80 km
    • India has procured it from Israel.
    • It can carry nuclear warheads.

    10. Rudram

    • Rudram is an Anti-Radiation Missile indigenously developed by DRDO. 
    • It will be installed on Sukhoi aircraft and used to destroy enemy radars by detecting the radio signals coming from those radars.
    • Range: 500m to 15 km. Additionally, it can target radiation emitting targets within the range of 250 km.
    • With this, IAF can perform SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) operations deep into enemy territory to destroy enemy air defence setup.

    11. Shaurya

    • Shaurya is a hypersonic missile with nuclear capabilities. 
    • Range: 1,000 Km
    • Shaurya has a canister based system, giving it extra mobility. 
    • Shaurya is a land-based parallel of the submarine-launched K-15 missile.

    12. Pralay

    • Pralay is a Surface to Surface missile indigenously developed by DRDO.
    • It is India’s first quasi-ballistic missile.
    • Range: 150-500 km.
    • It can carry a warhead weighing between 350-700 kg.
    • It is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation mechanisms. 

    13. Spike Missiles

    • Spike Missiles are Anti-Tank Missiles from Israel. 
    • It is made in India in plant setup in Hyderabad with Kalyani Group holding 51% and Rafael Aerospace (of Israel) holding 49% stake.

    14. Amogha -I

    • It is an indigenously developed ‘second generation‘ ‘anti-tank’ guided missile. 
    • Range: 2.8 km  
    • It is developed by Bharat Heavy Dynamics Limited (BDL).

    15. Dhruvastra

    • Dhruvastra is an Anti-Tank Guided Missile indigenously developed by DRDO.
    • It comes in two variants i.e.
      1. Helicopter launched: It will be integrated into helicopters.
      2. Tank launched: It will be integrated into Arjun Tanks.

    16. Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) 

    • Developed indigenously by DRDO.
    • MPATGM is a low-weight anti-tank missile with fire & forget capability which can be launched from a man-portable launcher integrated with thermal sight.

    16. SANT (Stand-Off Anti-Tank) Missile

    • Helicopter launched Anti-Tank Missile indigenously developed by DRDO. 
    • Range: 10 km

    Cruise Missiles of India

    1. Brahmos

    • It is a joint venture of DRDO & Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia  – BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd.
    • It is named after two rivers, i.e. Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
    • Brahmos is essentially an anti-ship missile. 
    • Brahmos is unique because it is the only Supersonic cruise missile worldwide (with a speed close to 3 Mach).
    • It has a range of 290 km. 
    • It can carry a payload of 300kg.
    • Advanced avionics with ‘fire and forget’ capability.
    • Other specifications include internal guidance, high speed, stealth properties, advanced jamming protection.  
    • It can be installed on ships, submarines, aircraft and ground vehicles. 
    • BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) is making BrahMos II with hypersonic capabilities speed up to Mach 8.
    • In 2022, the Philippines bought BrahMos missiles from India.

    In 2016, India became a Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) member. Subsequently, India and Russia planned to jointly develop a new generation of Brahmos missiles with a 600 km-plus range. Earlier, its range was restricted to sub-300 km. (note: MTCR applies on missiles with a range of more than 300 km).

    Brahmos

    2. Nirbhay

    • It is a ‘Surface to Surface cruise missile’. 
    • Speed: 0.7 Mach. 
    • Range = 800 km. 
    • Nirbhay is India’s first long-range subsonic cruise missile.
    • It is almost similar to the American Tomahawk missile. 
    • DRDO designed Nirbhaya from a pilotless Lakshya drone (0.68 Mach speed).  
    • It is a loitering missile as Nirbhay can circle over an area for many minutes and pick out the target.
    • It can avoid detection by flying at a very low altitude.  
    • 80% of Nirbhay parts are built in India.
    Nirbhay

    3. Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

    • LRLACM is the successor of Nirbhay Missile
    • Range: 1000 Km
    • Launch: Can be launched from Ground Mobile Launchers and Ships
    • Its maiden flight test was conducted in December 2024.


    Governance of Indian Defence Sector

    by

    Last Updated: November 2025 (Governance of Indian Defence Sector)

    Governance of Indian Defence Sector

    This article deals with ‘Governance of Indian Defence Sector – UPSC.’ This is part of our series on ‘Science and Technology’ which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles on Science and technology, you can click here

    Indian Defence Apparatus

    Legally, the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Defence Forces. 

    Ministry of Defence

    • Ministry of Defence controls the administration of the Indian Armed Forces.
    • It is headquartered at the Cabinet Secretariat, Raisina Hill (in New Delhi).
    • The Ministry of Defence has the following child agencies. 
      1. Department of Defence
      2. Department of Defence Production
      3. Defence Finance
      4. Department of Defence Research and Development
      5. Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
      6. Indian Armed Forces
      7. Inter-Services Organisations

    Three services of Indian Armed Forces

    Indian Defence System has been divided into 3 services, i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force.

    1. Army

    • Indian Army defends the territorial sovereignty of India.
    • India has the third-largest army with 13 lakh active personnel.
    • It has 7 commands (6 operational and 1 training)
      1. Northern Command – Udhampur
      2. Western Command – Chandigarh
      3. Central Command – Lucknow
      4. Eastern Command – Kolkata
      5. South Command – Pune
      6. South – Western Command – Jaipur
      7. Training Command – Shimla

    2. Air Force

    • Indian Air Force defends the Indian airspace.
    • There are 1.31 lakh active personnel in the Indian Air Force.
    • It has 7 commands (5 operational + 1 training + 1 maintenance)
      1. Eastern Command – Shillong
      2. Western Command – New Delhi
      3. Central Command – Allahabad
      4. Southern Command – Thiruvananthapuram
      5. South-Western Command – Gandhi Nagar
      6. Training Command – Bangalore
      7. Maintenance Command – Nagpur

    3. Navy

    • Indian Navy protects the territorial waters, coast and Indian geopolitical interests.
    • It has ~74,000 active personnel.
    • It has 3 operational commands.
      1. Eastern Command – Vishakhapatnam
      2. Western Command – Mumbai
      3. Southern Command – Kochi

    4. Joint Commands

    • There are two joint commands of the Indian Armed Forces, and these include
      1. Tri-Service Command is headquartered at Andaman and Nicobar
      2. Strategic Force Command (It looks after India’s nuclear weapons)

    Side Topic: DRDO

    • DRDO = Defence Research and Development Organisation. 
    • It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Directorate of Technical Development and Production & Defence Science Organisation.
    • DRDO is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
    • It works under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry.
    • Its primary function includes developing defence technologies. Earlier, it spearheaded important projects, including the Integrated Guided Missile Program (IGMP). 
    • However, the DRDO is often criticised for its delayed projects and cost overruns.

    Defence Acquisition Council

    • It was established in 2001 to tackle corruption and accelerate military weapon procurement.
    • It is headed by the Defence Minister.

    Defence Expenditure of India

    Defence budget for 2025-26 is Rs 6.81 lakh crore, constituting around 14% of total government expenditure and 3% of India’s GDP.

    Defence Expenditure of India

    Side Topic:  SIPRI Report 2025

    • India is the 5th largest spender on defence globally (behind the USA,  China, Russia and Germany).
    • India is one of the largest importers of arms globally. 
    SIPRI Report

    Integrated Theatre Command

    • This term has its origin in ‘theatre warfare’, which means ‘the entire land, sea and air areas are involved directly in the war operations. 
    • Theatre Command refers to the unified command under which all the Army, Navy and Air Force resources are pooled, depending upon the threat perception.
    • The idea was first recommended by the Kargil Review Committee (1999) and later by the Group of Ministers (2001), Naresh Chandra Committee (2012) and Shekatkar Committee (2016).
    • The present plan includes bringing all 17 service commands into 5 unified Theatre Commands.
      • Northern Land Theatre
      • Western Land Theatre
      • Eastern Land Theatre
      • Maritime Theatre Command
      • Air Defence Command

    Need for an Integrated Theatre Command

    • Various committees constituted in the wake of the Kargil War opined for enhanced coordination between armed forces for a prompt and effective military response.
    • It will bring down the cost for procurement as the use of resources can be rationalized, and duplicity in resource procurement can be tackled. 
    • It will help India fight any future war, especially with countries like China, using a unified approach. 
    • It will also enable joint training, common logistics hubs and faster decision-making through a single commander.

    Challenges in the creation of Theatre Command

    • There is a lack of consensus over the basic structure of Theatre Command. 
    • The Indian Air Force has already expressed reservations about the idea of the formation of Integrated Theatre Command because it is already short of assets. The formation of the Integrated Theatre Command will spread its resources thinly over all the Theatre Commands.
    • There is a feeling that Theatre Command will lead to army superiority over the other forces. 
    • There is concern regarding the method that will be used to integrate the other security forces such as BSF, ITBP, Assam Rifles and CRPF into Theatre Commands. 
    • The Theatre Commands have been based on the idea of conventional security threats. However, in the age of cyber and nuclear warfare, the possibility of conventional attacks is very low. But, Theatre Command can’t tackle such challenges.

    Updates (2025): In a test to check whether integrated tri-service units function effectively if India goes ahead with the creation of theatre commands, it has been decided to merge the education branches of the three defence services into a single tri-services Education Corps

    Defence Manufacturing

    India is the world’s second-largest arms importer, accounting for about  12% of global arms imports. This external dependence on Defence Goods not only poses a security risk but is also a challenge to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

    Present Status of Defence Production and Trade of India

    • Total Defence Manufacturing in India: Rs 1,50,000 crore (77% – Public and 23% – Private)
    • HAL and Indian Ordnance Factory are included in the Top 100 Defence companies of the world.
    • Imports: India is the second-largest importer of defence goods after Saudi Arabia (SIPRI).
    • Indian Exports
      • Indian defence exports increased from 1500 crore in 2016 to 23,622 crore in 2024.
      • The government is aiming for ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

    Initiatives

    1. Positive Indigenization Lists: The government has issued a “positive indigenization list” comprising 209 items. These items can’t be imported, and the government has to procure items listed in it from the domestic Industry. 
    2. De-reserve the Defence Manufacturing: Private participants are now eligible to work in defence manufacturing. 
    3. Liberalized FDI Regime: 74% FDI can be done through the automatic route, and 100% FDI can be done through the approval route.
    4. Defence Offset Policy: If the deal is more than Rs. 2,000 crore, 30% of the deal’s value has to be invested in the Indian economy.
    5. Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020: The highest priority is given to the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured in India. 
    6. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): The Government has launched the iDEX initiative to support start-ups and MSMEs in developing new defence technologies.
    7. Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs): Refer Below

    Defence Industrial Corridors

    Two Defence Industrial Corridors are being constructed in

    1. Tamil Nadu
    2. Uttar Pradesh
    Defence Industrial Corridors

    Together, these corridors aim to attract investments of over ₹20,000 crore and create a strong ecosystem for ancillary industries.

    Benefits of Defence Industrial Corridors in India

    • It will boost the Make in India project.
    • It will provide employment opportunities.
    • It will help India become self-reliant (Atma Nirbhar) in defence manufacturing.
    • It will help save a large amount of foreign reserves and earn foreign currency by selling defence equipment to other countries.
    • It will also help in attracting FDI in India.

    Significance of Defence Indigenization

    1. Strategic Autonomy by reducing import dependency and creating supply chains that aren’t disrupted during conflicts and sanctions.
    2. Increased export potential as it can help to make India a reliable supplier in the international market.
    3. Reduce the defence budget, as it is cheaper to procure domestically
    4. Create jobs in the country
    5. Foster technological innovation

    Defence FDI Reform

    Under the present rules, 100 % FDI in the defence sector is allowed. 

    FDI in defence is good?

    • Public sector companies have consistently failed to meet the requirements of the armed forces. 
    • Superior management culture of the private sector will come in India.
    • It will help India in saving foreign reserves.
    • It will help Indian companies to set up a base in the defence sector. E.g., Boeing’s contract with Tata will help Tata to develop expertise in the defence sector.
    • It will help in the generation of jobs.

    FDI in Defence is not a good model for India

    • Foreign subsidiaries will always put pressure on India for repeat orders. 
    • Would dependence on a Lockheed Martin (India) or a Bharat Boeing differ from relying on U.S. principles?
    • FDI will not ensure that R&D will happen in India. It just means that the Indian subsidiary of that company will produce hardware in India. In strategic sectors like defence, it is important to achieve the ability to create our fighters & tanks.  
    • It will increase the danger of creating a powerful lobby of the armament industry which will aim to protect its interest in future even by promoting insurgencies and terrorism in India.
    • A better option is to invest in HAL, DRDO etc. If ISRO can perform well with the provision of autonomy and financial resources, other PSUs can perform as well.

    Security challenges and their management in (coastal) border areas

    by

    Last Updated: Jan 2025 (Security challenges and their management in (coastal) border areas)

    Security challenges and their management in (coastal) border areas

    This article deals with ‘Security challenges and their management in (coastal) border areas.’ This is part of our series on ‘Internal Security’, which is an important pillar of the GS-3 syllabus. For more articles, you can click here.

    Introduction

    • India has a long coastline of 7,516 km (5,400 km mainland + 2,200 km with island territories).
    • India’s coastline runs through 9 states, i.e. Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal and 4 Union Territories viz. Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    • Apart from that, the following things make Indian Coastal Security a difficult proposition.
      1. A diverse range of topography, such as creeks, backwaters, deltas, lagoons, estuaries etc., characterizes India’s coast.
      2. Indian coast has proximity to politically volatile, economically depressed and unfriendly countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
      3. India has an unsettled maritime boundary with Pakistan (Sir Creek). Apart from that, the maritime boundary with Sri Lanka (Katchatheevu Island) and Bangladesh is not respected by the fisherman, and they frequently venture into each other’s territory.

    Strategic importance of Coasts to India

    • India’s maritime trade constitutes 90% by volume and 77% by value of India’s total trade.
    • Three Indian metros (out of four) are situated along the coast, including India’s financial centre – Mumbai. 
    • Ports and industrial units located in the coastal cities are the backbones of the Indian economy. 
    • A large number of military installations are also situated on Indian coasts.
    • Oil refineries and offshore oilfields like Bombay High are situated on the coasts. 
    • Nuclear power plants like Kudankulam, Tarapore etc., are situated on the Indian coast.

    All these are susceptible to attack and remain the target of terrorist organizations (funded by our envious neighbours).

    Maritime Security Challenges

    India faces the following Maritime Security Challenges.

    1. Maritime Terrorism
    2. Piracy and Armed Robbery, especially in the Sundarbans   
    3. Smuggling of gold, electronic goods, narcotics and arms
    4. Human Trafficking
    5. Infiltration, Illegal Migration and Refugee Influx
    6. Straying of fishermen beyond the maritime boundary.
    7. Global trade has shifted from the Atlantic-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific and brought the world powers to fight for their space in the Indian Ocean which forms India’s backyard. 
    8. Chinese advances in the Indian Ocean through the String of Pearls and the Maritime Silk Road threaten India.

    Of these, maritime terrorism features as the most potent threat.

    It should be noted that

    • In 1993 Mumbai Serial Bomb Blasts, ammunition and bombs reached Mumbai via sea.
    • In 1991, the assassins of Rajiv Gandhi came from Sri Lanka by sea.
    • During the 26/11 Taj Attack in Mumbai, terrorists reached Mumbai via Sea.
    • India has an unresolved maritime border dispute with Pakistan, i.e. Sir Creek Issue.
    • Bangladeshi pirates are active in Sundarbans.
    • Smuggling of gold and drugs happens via sea.
    • Many Rohingya entered India via sea, evading all the security checks.

    Side Topic: Maritime security challenge posed by China

    • The String of Pearls and China’s One Belt One Road Policy poses a significant threat to Indian interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
    • Building and revitalizing port facilities in Gwadar, Hambantota and Chittagong in South Asia, to Mombasa, Dar-e-Salam and on the East Coast of Africa are aimed at encircling India. Increased Chinese naval footprint in the Indian Ocean would come into conflict with India’s sphere of strategic influence, triggering a chain of events that could eventually lead to a larger strategic confrontation. 
    • All weather Sino-Pakistan Alliance, with its anti-Indian solid slant, complicates our security problems further.
    • China is mapping the undersea terrain in the Indian Ocean Region to advance submarine operations.

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

    ICG was established in 1978 (& placed under the Ministry of Defence) due to the following reasons

    • The Nag committee of 1970 opined that the Navy was not trained for such an act and recommended to setup Coastal Guard.
    • In 1972, UNCLOS awarded Exclusive Economic Zones to coastal states. A special force was required to protect and police it.
    • In 1974, oil was found in the Arabian Sea, and Bombay high was built. The government felt the need for a special force to protect such assets.
    • To prevent the rampant sea-borne smuggling happening through both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

    Duties and Functions of ICG

    • Enforcement of Indian Maritime Laws, Regulations and International Treaties.
    • Ensuring the safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other structures.  
    • Providing protection to fishermen.
    • Preserve and protect the maritime environment.
    • Assisting the customs in anti-smuggling operations.

    Structure of the Indian Coast Guard

    Coast Guard of India
    Security challenges and their management in (coastal) border areas

    Changes required in ICG

    • The ICG should be designated as the single authority responsible for coastal security. Indian Navy should be eased out from coastal security responsibilities.
    • There is a lack of desired workforce along with water and air assets in the ICG.
    • ICG should be treated as a border guarding force and brought under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) (presently, it is under the Ministry of Defence).

    Marine Police

    • Marine Police was created under the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) that was launched in 2005.
    • Aim: To strengthen infrastructure for patrolling and surveillance of the shallow areas close to the coast.
    • Mandate:
      1. To patrol the territorial waters (12 nautical miles into the sea).
      2. Pursue legal cases pertaining to their area of responsibility
    • Marine Police works on the ‘Hub and Spoke Model’ in association with the Coast Guards, with ‘hub’ being the ICG station and ‘spokes’ being the coastal police stations.
    Marine Police

    Coastal Security Architecture

    After Mumbai Attacks, a multi-layered system of Marine Protection involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police of the coastal States and Union Territories is in place.

    Jurisdiction of Territorial Waters

    It involves the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs, and Fishermen.

    Outer Layer (beyond 200 Nm) Navy
    Intermediate Layer (12-200 Nm) Indian Coast Guard
    Territorial Waters (12 Nm) Marine Police
    Navy Bases Sagar Prahari Bal
    Fisher Community Known as as Sagar Suraksha Dal (SSD)

    Sagar Prahari Bal, or Ocean Strike Unit, comprises 1000 personnel raised by the Navy. Their mandate is the protection of the naval bases and co-located vulnerable areas.

    The Water Wing of BSF is responsible for securing the creeks and waterways in the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Cambay and the Sunderbans.

    After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Indian Navy has been made the core of the coastal security system. The complete responsibility of the defence of the entire coastal and offshore areas was handed over to the Indian Navy. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the Marine Police and other central and state agencies are to support the Indian Navy.

    Sagar Suraksha Dal

    • Sagar Suraksha Dal is an informal group comprising fishermen and trained volunteers from the coastal areas. 
    • Their role consists of surveillance and intelligence gathering. They share information on any suspicious happenings or vessels.

    Electronic Surveillance

    • It is a network comprising the coastal radar chain.
    • Apart from India, the Navy is also seeking to expand India’s surveillance footprint by setting up radar stations in the Maldives, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka have already integrated into the wider coastal radar chain network.

    Maritime police stations

    • Maritime Police Stations have been opened under the Coastal Security Scheme.
    • A total of 204 Maritime Police Stations have been opened in two phases.

    Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of  Fishermen

    • For the identification of fishermen at sea, a scheme for issuing biometric identity cards has been started.  
    • The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard are conducting coastal-awareness campaigns for the fishermen’s community.

    Schemes

    • Indian Maritime Security Strategy (IMSS) 2015 of Indian Navy: It envisages greater coordination between different maritime agencies.
    • Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) is being implemented to strengthen the security infrastructure of the Marine Police Force in coastal states/UTs.
    • Coastal Surveillance Network: It aims to provide near-gapless electronic surveillance of the entire coastline and prevent the intrusion of undetected vessels. It comprises Coastal Radar Chain and the Automatic Identification System (AIS). 
    • Operation Sagar Kavach was implemented post-26/11 to improve coordination between security agencies, including Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the local police. Its latest edition was held in June 2022 in Chennai.
    • Indian Ocean Naval Symposium: It is a platform to provide a forum for the discussion of maritime issues in the Indian Ocean Region. 

    Way forward

    • The states have been reluctant to give importance to sea-borne threats. The marine police are poorly equipped and ill-trained. The MHA should concentrate on training the marine police and upgrading their infrastructure.
    • Due to insufficient funds, the Navy and ICG are woefully short in human resources and firepower. Government should give proper funds to these services.
    • Along the lines of many developed countries, India needs to adopt a participative and multi-national integrated border management system.