PSLV-C19 successfully launches RISAT-1 from Sriharikota (April 26, 2012). PSLV-C18 successfully launches Megha- Tropiques , Jugnu , SRMSat andVesselSat-1 from Sriharikota (October 12, 2011). PSLV-C17 successfully launches GSAT-12 from Sriharikota (July 15, 2011). Successful launch of GSAT-8 by Ariane-5 VA-202 from Kourou French Guiana, (May 21, 2011). PSLV-C16 successfully launches Three Satellites - RESOURCESAT-2 ,YOUTHSAT , X-SAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2011). GSLV-F06 launched from Shriharikota (Dec 25, 2010). GSAT- 5P could not be placed into orbit as the GSLV-F06 mission was not successful. Successful launch of advanced communication satellite HYLAS (Highly Adaptable Satellite), built by ISRO on a commercial basis in partnership with EADS-Astrium of Europe, by Ariane-5 V198 from Kourou French Guiana (November 27, 2010). PSLV-C15 successfully launches Five Satellites - CARTOSAT- 2B , ALSAT-2A , two nanosatellites-NLS-6.1 & 6.2 and a pico- satellite- STUDSAT from Sriharikota (July 12, 2010). GSLV-D3 launched from Sriharikota (Apr 15, 2010). GSAT- 4 satellite could not be placed in orbit as flight testing
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PSLV-C19 successfully launches RISAT-1 from Sriharikota (April 26, 2012).
PSLV-C17 successfully launches GSAT-12 from Sriharikota (July 15, 2011).
Successful launch of GSAT-8 by Ariane-5 VA-202 from Kourou French Guiana, (May 21, 2011).
PSLV-C16 successfully launches Three Satellites - RESOURCESAT-2,YOUTHSAT, X-SAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2011).
GSLV-F06 launched from Shriharikota (Dec 25, 2010). GSAT-5P could not be placed into orbit as the GSLV-F06 mission was not successful.
Successful launch of advanced communication satellite HYLAS (Highly Adaptable Satellite), built by ISRO on a commercial basis in partnership with EADS-Astrium of Europe, by Ariane-5 V198 from Kourou French Guiana (November 27, 2010).
PSLV-C15 successfully launches Five Satellites - CARTOSAT-2B, ALSAT-2A, two nanosatellites-NLS-6.1 & 6.2 and a pico-satellite- STUDSAT from Sriharikota (July 12, 2010).
GSLV-D3 launched from Sriharikota (Apr 15, 2010). GSAT-4 satellite could not be placed in orbit as flight testing of the Indigenous Cryogenic Stage in GSLV-D3 Mission was not successful.
PSLV-C14 successfully launches Seven Satellites - OCEANSAT-2, FourCUBESAT Satellites and Two RUBIN-9 from Sriharikota (Sept. 23, 2009).
PSLV-C12 successfully launches RISAT-2 and ANUSAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2009).
PSLV-C11 successfully launches CHANDRAYAAN-1 from Sriharikota (October 22, 2008).
PSLV-C9 successfully launches CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and 8 foreign nano satellites from Sriharikota (April 28,2008).
PSLV-C10 successfully launches TECSAR satellite under a commercial contract with Antrix Corporation (January 21, 2008).
Successful launch of GSLV (GSLV-F04) with INSAT-4CR on board from SDSC SHAR (September 2, 2007).
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C8, successfully launched Italian astronomical satellite, AGILE from Sriharikota (April 23, 2007).
Successful launch of INSAT-4B by Ariane-5 from Kourou French Guyana, (March 12, 2007).
Successful recovery of SRE-1 after manoeuvring it to reenter the earth’s atmosphere and descend over the Bay of Bengal about 140 km east of Sriharikota (January 22, 2007).
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C7 successfully launches four satellites - India’s CARTOSAT-2 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) and Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1(January 10, 2007).
Second operational flight of GSLV (GSLV-F02) from SDSC SHAR with INSAT-4C on board. (July 10, 2006). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.
Successful launch of INSAT-4A by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (December 22, 2005).
by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (March 22, 2000).
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT), launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C2) along with Korean KITSAT-3 and German DLR-TUBSAT from Sriharikota (May 26, 1999).
INSAT-2E, the last satellite in the multipurpose INSAT-2 series, launched by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (April 3, 1999).
INSAT system capacity augmented with the readiness of INSAT-2DTacquired from ARABSAT (January 1998).
INSAT-2D, fourth satellite in the INSAT series, launched (June 4, 1997). Becomes inoperable on October 4, 1997. (An in-orbit satellite, ARABSAT-1C, since renamed INSAT-2DT, was acquired in November 1997 to partly augment the INSAT system).
First operational launch of PSLV with IRS-1D on board (September 29, 1997). Satellite placed in orbit.
Third developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-P3, on board (March 21, 1996). Satellite placed in polar sunsynchronous orbit.
Launch of third operational Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1C(December 28, 1995).
INSAT-2C, the third satellite in the INSAT-2 series, launched (December 7, 1995).
Satellite Telecommunication Earth Station set up at Ahmedabad.
Space Science & Technology Centre (SSTC) established in Thumba.
First sounding rocket launched from TERLS (November 21, 1963).
Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) formed by the Department of Atomic Energy and work on establishing Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) started
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,usually known by its abbreviation PSLV is the first operational launch vehicle of ISRO. PSLV
is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-synchronous polar orbit and 1050 kg satellite in geo-synchronous
transfer orbit. In the standard configuration, it measures 44.4 m tall, with a lift off weight of 295 tonnes. PSLV has four
stages using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately. The first stage is one of the largest solid propellant boosters in
the world and carries 139 tonnes of propellant. A cluster of six strap-ons attached to the first stage motor, four of which are
ignited on the ground and two are air-lit.
The reliability rate of PSLV has been superb. There had been 19 continuously successful flights of PSLV, till October 2011 .
With its variant configurations, PSLV has proved its multi-payload, multi-mission capability in a single launch and its
geosynchronous launch capability. In the Chandrayaan-mission, another variant of PSLV with an extended version of strap-
on motors, PSOM-XL, the payload haul was enhanced to 1750 kg in 620 km SSPO. PSLV has rightfully earned the status of
workhorse launch vehicle of ISRO.
Typical Parameters of PSLV
Lift-off weight 295 tonne
Pay Load1600 kg in to 620 km Polar Orbit,1060 kg in to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
Height 44 metre
PSLV Milestones
PSLV-C19 launched RISAT-1 on April 26, 2012 (Successful)
PSLV-C18 launched Megha-Tropiques, SRMSat, VesselSat-1 and Jugnu on October 12, 2011 (Successful)
PSLV-C17 launched GSAT - 12 on July 15, 2011 (Successful)
PSLV-C16 launched RESOURCESAT - 2, YOUTHSAT and X-SAT on April 20, 2011 (Successful)
PSLV-C15 launched CARTOSAT-2B, ALSAT-2A, NLS 6.1 & 6.2 and STUDSAT on July 12, 2010 (Successful)
PSLV-C14 launched Oceansat - 2 and Six Nanosatellites on September 23, 2009 (Successful)
PSLV-C12 launched RISAT-2 and ANUSAT on April 20, 2009 (Successfully)
PSLV-C11 launched CHANDRAYAAN-I, on October 22, 2008 (Successful)
PSLV-C9 launched CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and Eight nano-satellites on April 28, 2008 (Successful)
PSLV-C10 launched TECSAR on January 23, 2008 (Successful)
PSLV-C8 launched AGILE on April 23, 2007 (Successful)
PSLV-C7 launched CARTOSAT-2, SRE-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT and PEHUENSAT-1 on January 10, 2007 (Successful)
PSLV-C6 launched CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT on May 5, 2005 (Successful)
PSLV-C5 launched RESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) on October 17, 2003 (Successful)
PSLV-C4 launched KALPANA-1(METSAT) on September 12, 2002 (Successful)
PSLV-C3 launched TES on October 22, 2001 (Successful)
PSLV-C2 launched OCEANSAT(IRS-P4), KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT on May 26, 1999 (Successful)
PSLV-C1 launched IRS-1D on September 29, 1997 (Successful)
GSLV-F04 launched INSAT-4CR on September 2, 2007 (Successful)
GSLV-F02 launched INSAT-4C on July 10, 2006 (Unsuccessful)
GSLV-F01 launched EDUSAT(GSAT-3) on September 20, 2004 (Successful)
GSLV-D2 launched GSAT-2 on May 8, 2003 (Successful)
GSLV-D1 launched GSAT-1 on April 18, 2001 (Successful)
Formative years
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian Space Program.
Modern space research in India is most visibly traced to the activities of scientist S. K. Mitra who conducted a series of experiments leading to the sounding of the ionosphere by application of ground based radio methods in 1920's Calcutta.[2] Later, Indian scientists like C.V. Raman and Meghnad Saha contributed to scientific principles applicable in space sciences.[2] However, it was the period after 1945 which saw important developments being made in coordinated space research in India.[2] Organized space research in India was spearheaded by two scientists: Vikram Sarabhai—founder of the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad—and Homi Bhabha, who had played a role in the establishment of the Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research in 1945.[2] Initial experiments in space sciences included the study of cosmic radiation, high altitude and airborne testing of instruments, deep underground experimentation at the Kolar mines—one of the deepest mining sites in the world — and studies of the upper atmosphere.[3] Studies were carried out at research laboratories, universities, and independent locations.[3][4]
Government support became visible by 1950 when the Department of Atomic Energy was founded with Homi Bhabha as secretary.[4] The Department of Atomic Energy provided funding for space research throughout India.[5] Tests on the Earth's magnetic field—studied in India since the establishment of the observatory at Colaba in 1823—and aspects of meteorology continued to yield valuable information and in 1954, Uttar Pradesh state observatory was established at the foothills of the Himalayas.[4] The Rangpur Observatory was set up in 1957 at Osmania University, Hyderabad.[4] Both these facilities enjoyed the technical support and scientific cooperation of the United States of America.[4] Space research was further encouraged by the technically inclinedprime minister of India—Jawaharlal Nehru.[5] In 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the Sputnik and opened up possibilities for the rest of the world to conduct a space launch.[5] The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was found in 1962 with Vikram Sarabhai as its chairman.[5]
Beginning in the 1960s, close ties with the Soviet Union enabled ISRO rapidly to develop the Indian space program and advance nuclear power in India even after the first nuclear test explosion by India on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran.[6] The death of Homi Bhabha in an air crash on 24 January 1966 came as a blow to the Indian space program.[7] Following Bhabha's passing, Sarabhai was sent to assume Bhabha's place as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.[7] The 1960s also saw the founding of the Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC), Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES, 1967), the Sriharikota base, and the Indian Satellite System Project (ISSP).[7] The Indian Space Research Organization in its modern form was created by Vikram Sarabhai in 1969.[7] This body was to take control of all space activities in the Republic of India.[7]
The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks.[8] The Indian space program was driven by the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of Indian Space Programme.[9] As stated by him:
“ There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.[8] ”
As also pointed out by Dr APJ Kalam:
“ Many individuals with myopic vision questioned the relevance of space activities in a newly independent nation, which was finding it difficult to feed its population. Their vision was clear if Indians were to play meaningful role in the community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to their real-life problems. They had no intention of using it as a mean to display our might.[10] ”
India's economic progress has made its space program more visible and active as the country aims for greater self-reliance in space technology.[11] Hennock etc. hold that India also connects space exploration to national prestige, further stating: "This year India has launched 11 satellites, including nine from other countries—and it became the first nation to launch satellites on one rocket."[11]Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.
Comparison of Indian carrier rockets. Left to right: SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, GSLV III.
Geopolitical and economic considerations during the 1960s and 1970s compelled India to initiate its own launch vehicle program. During the first phase (1960s-1970s) the country successfully developed a sounding rockets program, and by the 1980s, research had yielded the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 and the more advanced Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), complete with operational supporting infrastructure.[12] ISRO further applied its energies to the advancement of launch vehicle technology resulting in the creation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) technologies.
[edit]Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)
Main article: Satellite Launch Vehicle
Status: Decommissioned
The Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation SLV or SLV-3 was a 4-stage solid-fuel light launcher. It was intended to reach a height of 500 km and carry a payload of 40 kg.[13] Its first launch took place in 1979 with 2 more in each subsequent year, and the final launch in 1983. Only two of its four test flights were successful.[14]
[edit]Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)
Main article: ASLV
Status: Decommissioned
The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation ASLV was a 5-stage solid propellant rocket with
the capability of placing a 150 kg satellite into LEO. This project was started by the ISRO during the early 1980s to develop technologies needed for a payload to be placed into a geostationary orbit. Its design was based on Satellite Launch Vehicle.[15] The first launch test was held in 1987, and after that 3 others followed in 1988, 1992 and 1994, out of which only 2 were successful, before it was decommissioned.[14]
[edit]Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Main article: PSLV
Status: Active
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation PSLV, is an expendable launch system developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the PSLV, commercially viable only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The reliability and versatility of the PSLV is proven by the fact that it has launched 30 spacecraft (14 Indian and 16 from other countries) into a variety of orbits so far.[16] In April 2008, it successfully launched 10 satellites at once, breaking a world record held by Russia.[17]
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation GSLV, is an expendable launch system developed to enable India to launch its INSAT-type satellites into geostationary orbit and to make India less dependent on foreign rockets. At present, it is ISRO's heaviest satellite launch vehicle and is capable of putting a total payload of up to 5 tons to Low Earth Orbit. The vehicle is built by India with the cryogenic engine purchased from Russia while the ISRO develops its own engine program.
In a setback for ISRO, the latest attempt to launch the GSLV, GSLV-F06 carrying GSAT-5P, failed on 25 December 2010. The initial evaluation implies that loss of control for the strap-on boosters caused the rocket to veer from its intended flight path, forcing a programmed detonation. Sixty-four seconds into the first stage of flight, the rocket began to break up due to the acute angle of attack. The body housing the 3rd stage, the cryogenic stage, incurred structural damage, forcing the range safety team to initiate a programmed detonation of the rocket.[18]
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III is a launch vehicle currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organization. It is intended to launch heavy satellites intogeostationary orbit, and will allow India to become less dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting. The rocket is the technological successor to the GSLV, however is not derived from its predecessor. The maiden flight is scheduled to take place in 2012.[19]
[edit]Earth observation and communication satellites
India's first satellite, the Aryabhata, was launched by the Soviets in 1975. This was followed by the Rohini series of experimental satellites which were built and launched indigenously. At present, ISRO operates a large number of earth observation satellites.
[edit]The INSAT series
Main article: Indian National Satellite System
INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology and search-and-rescue needs of India. Commissioned in 1983, INSAT is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is a joint venture of the Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, India Meteorological Department, All India Radio andDoordarshan. The overall coordination and management of INSAT system rests with the Secretary-level INSAT Coordination Committee.
[edit]The IRS series
Main article: Indian Remote Sensing satellite
Indian Remote Sensing satellites (IRS) are a series of earth observation satellites, built, launched and maintained by ISRO. The IRS series provides remote sensing services to the country. The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite system is the largest constellation of remote sensing satellites for civilian use in operation today in the world. All the satellites are placed in polar sun-synchronous orbit and provide data in a variety of spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions to enable several programs to be undertaken relevant to national development.
Another Indian Remote Sensing series satellites called the Oceansat are developed primarily to study the ocean. IRS-P4 also known as the Oceansat-1, was launched on 27 May 1999. On 23 September 2009 Oceansat-2 was launched.
[edit]Other satellites
ISRO has also launched a set of experimental geostationary satellites known as the GSAT series. Kalpana-1, ISRO's first dedicated meteorological satellite,[20] was launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 12 September 2002.[21] The satellite was originally known as MetSat-1.[22] In February 2003 it was renamed to Kalpana-1 by the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in memory of Kalpana Chawla – a NASA astronaut of Indian origin who perished in Space Shuttle Columbia.
[edit]Extraterrestrial exploration
India's first mission beyond Earth's orbit was Chandrayaan-1, a lunar spacecraft which successfully entered the lunar orbit on 8 November 2008. ISRO plans to follow up Chandrayaan-1 withChandrayaan-2 and unmanned missions to Mars and Near-Earth objects such as asteroids and comets.
[edit]Lunar exploration
Main article: Chandrayaan-1
Chandrayaan-1 (Sanskrit: चं�द्रया�न-१) is India's first mission to the moon. The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor called the Moon Impact Probe. India launched the spacecraft using a modified version of the PSLV is C11 on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The vehicle was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008. It carries high-resolution remote
sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, and soft and hard X-ray frequencies. Over its two-year operational period, it is intended to survey the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions are of special interest, as they might contain ice. The lunar mission carries five ISRO payloads and six payloads from other international space agencies including NASA, ESA, and the Bulgarian Aerospace Agency, which were carried free of cost. The Chandrayaan-1 along with NASA's LRO played a major role in discovering the existence of water on the moon.[23]
[edit]Planetary exploration
The Indian Space Research Organisation had begun preparations for a mission to Mars and had received seed money of 10 crore from the government.The space agency was looking at launch opportunities between 2013 and 2015.[24] The space agency would use its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to put the satellite in orbit and was considering using ion-thrusters, liquid engines or nuclear power to propel it further towards Mars.[25] The Mars mission studies had already been completed and that space scientists were trying to collect scientific proposals and scientific objectives.[26]
The Indian Space Research Organization has been sanctioned a budget of 12,400 crore (US$2.75 billion) for its human spaceflight program.[27] According to the Space Commission which passed the budget, an unmanned flight will be launched in 2013[28] and manned mission will launch in 2016.[29] If realized in the stated time-frame, India will become only the fourth nation, after the USSR, USA and China, to successfully carry out manned missions indigenously.
[edit]Technology demonstration
The Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SCRE or more commonly SRE or SRE-1)[30] is an experimental Indian spacecraft which was launched using thePSLV C7 rocket, along with three other satellites. It remained in orbit for 12 days before re-entering the Earth's atmosphere and splashing down into the Bay of Bengal.[31]
The SRE-1 was designed to demonstrate the capability to recover an orbiting space capsule, and
the technology for performing experiments in the microgravity conditions of an orbiting platform. It was also intended to test thermal protection, navigation, guidance, control, deceleration and flotation systems, as well as study hypersonic aero-thermodynamics, management of communication blackouts, and recovery operations.
ISRO also plans to launch SRE-2 and SRE-3 in the near future to test advanced re-entry technology for future manned missions.[32]
[edit]Astronaut training and other facilities
ISRO will set up an astronaut training centre in Bangalore by 2012 to prepare personnel for flights on board the crewed vehicle. The centre will use water simulation to train the selected astronauts in rescue and recovery operations and survival in zero gravity, and will undertake studies of the radiation environment of space.
ISRO will build centrifuges to prepare astronauts for the acceleration phase of the mission. It also plans to build a new Launch pad to meet the target of launching a manned space mission by 2015. This would be the third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
[edit]Development of crew vehicle
Main article: ISRO Orbital Vehicle
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards a maiden manned Indian space mission vehicle that can carry three astronauts for seven days in a near earth orbit. The Indian manned spacecraft temporarily named as Orbital Vehicle intend to be the basis of indigenous Indian human spaceflight program.
The capsule will be designed to carry three people, and a planned upgraded version will be equipped with a rendezvous and docking capability. In its
maiden manned mission, ISRO's largely autonomous 3-ton capsule will orbit the Earth at 248 miles (400 km) in altitude for up to seven days with a two-person crew on board. The crew vehicle would launch atop of ISRO's GSLV Mk II, currently under development. The GSLV Mk II features an indigenously developed cryogenic upper-stage engine.[33] The first test of the cryogenic engine, held on 15 April 2010, failed as the cryogenic phase did not perform as expected and rocket deviated from the planned trajectory.[34] A future launch has been scheduled for 2011. If successful then ISRO will become the sixth entity, after United States, Russia, China, Japan and Europe, to develop this technology.
[edit]Planetary sciences and astronomy
Indian space era dawned when the first two-stage sounding rocket was launched from Thumba in 1963. Even before this, noteworthy contributions were made by the Indian scientists in the following areas of space science research:
Cosmic rays and high energy astronomy using both ground based as well as balloon borne experiments/studies such as neutron/meson monitors, Geiger Muller particle detectors/counters etc.
Ionospheric research using ground based radio propagation techniques such as ionosonde, VLF/HF/VHF radio probing, a chain of magnetometer stations etc.
Upper atmospheric research using ground based optical techniques such as Dobson spectrometers for measurement of total ozone content, air glow photometers etc.
Indian astronomers have been carrying out major investigations using a number of ground
based optical and radio telescopes with varying sophistication.
With the advent of the Indian space program, emphasis was laid on indigenous, self-reliant and state-of-the-art development of technology for immediate practical applications in the fields of space science research activities in the country.
There is a national balloon launching facility at Hyderabad jointly supported by TIFR and ISRO. This facility has been extensively used for carrying out research in high energy (i.e., X- and gamma ray) astronomy, IR astronomy, middle atmospheric trace constituents including CFCs & aerosols, ionisation, electric conductivity and electric fields.
The flux of secondary particles and X-ray and gamma-rays of atmospheric origin produced by the interaction of the cosmic rays is very low. This low background, in the presence of which one has to detect the feeble signal from cosmic sources is a major advantage in conducting hard X-ray observations from India. The second advantage is that many bright sources like Cyg X-1, Crab Nebula,Scorpius X-1 and Galactic Centre sources are observable from Hyderabad due to their favourable declination. With these considerations, an X-ray astronomy group was formed at TIFR in 1967 and development of an instrument with an orientable X-ray telescope for hard X-ray observations was undertaken. The first balloon flight with the new instrument was made on 28 April 1968 in which observations of Scorpius X-1 were successfully carried out. In a succession of balloon flights made with this instrument between 1968 and 1974 a number of binary X-ray sources including Scorpius X-1,Cyg X-1, Her X-1 etc. and the diffuse cosmic X-ray background were studied. Many new
and astrophysically important results were obtained from these observations.[35]
One of most important achievements of ISRO in this field was the discovery of three species of bacteria in the upper stratosphere at an altitude of between 20–40 km. The bacteria, highly resistant toultra-violet radiation, are not found elsewhere on Earth, leading to speculation on whether they are extraterrestrial in origin. These three bacteria can be considered to be extremophiles. Until then, the upper stratosphere was believed to be inhospitable because of the high doses of ultra-violet radiation. The bacteria were named as Bacillus isronensis in recognition of ISRO's contribution in the balloon experiments, which led to its discovery, Bacillus aryabhata after India's celebrated ancient astronomer Aryabhata and Janibacter Hoylei after the distinguished astrophysicist Fred Hoyle.[36]
[edit]Facilities
ISRO's headquarters is located at Antariksh Bhavan in Bangalore.
[edit]Research facilities
Facility Location Description
Physical Research Laboratory
Ahmedabad
Solar planetary physics, infrared astronomy, geo-cosmo physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, archaeology, and hydrology are some of the branches of study
at this institute.[37] An observatory
at Udaipur also falls under the control of this institution.[37]
Semi-Conductor Laboratory
Chandigarh Research & Development in the field of semiconductor technology, micro-electromechanical systems and process technologies relating to semiconductor
ChittoorThe NARL carries out fundamental and applied research in Atmospheric and Space Sciences.
Raman Research Institute (RRI)
BangaloreRRI carries out research in selected areas of physics, such as astrophysics and astronomy.
Space Applications Centre
Ahmedabad
The SAC deals with the various aspects of practical use of space technology.[37] Among the fields of
research at the SAC aregeodesy, satellite based telecommunications, surveying, remote sensing, meteorology, environment monitoring
etc.[37] The SEC additionally operates the Delhi
Earth Station.[38]
North Eastern-Space Applications Center
Shillong
Providing developmental support to North East by undertaking specific application projects using remote sensing, GIS, satellite communication and conducting space science research.
[edit]Test facilities
Facility Location Description
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, andNagercoil
The LPSC handles testing and implementation of liquid propulsion control packages and helps develop engines for launch vehicles and satellites.[37] The testing is largely
The venue of eight successful spacecraft projects is also one of the main satellite technology bases of ISRO. The facility serves as a venue for implementing indigenous spacecrafts in India.[37] The satellites Ayrabhata, Bhaskara, APPLE, and IRS-1A were constructed at this site, and the IRS and INSAT satellite series are presently under development here.[39]
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Andhra Pradesh
With multiple sub-sites the Sriharikota island facility acts as a launching site for India's satellites.[37] The Sriharikota facility is also the main launch base for India's sounding rockets.[39] The centre is also home to India's largest Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant (SPROB) and houses the Static Test and Evaluation Complex (STEX).[39]
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Thiruvananthapuram
The largest ISRO base is also the main technical centre and the venue of development of the SLV-3, ASLV, and PSLV series.[37]The base supports India's Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station and the Rohini Sounding Rocket program.[37] This facility
This network receives, processes, archives and distributes the spacecraft health data and payload data in real time. It can track and monitor satellites up to very large distances, even beyond the Moon.
National Remote Sensing Centre
Hyderabad
The NRSC applies remote sensing to manage natural resources and study aerial surveying.[37] With centres
at Balanagar andShadnagar it also has training facilities at Dehradun in form of
the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.[37]
Indian Space Research Organisation Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network
Bangalore (headquarters) and a number of ground stations throughout India and World.[38]
Software development, ground operations, Tracking Telemetry and Command (TTC), and support is provided by this institution.[37]ISTRAC has Tracking stations throughout the country and all over the world in Port Louis (Mauritius), Bearslake (Russia), Biak(Indonesia) and Brunei.
Master Control Facility
Hassan; Bhopal
Geostationary satellite orbit raising, payload testing, and in-orbit operations are performed at this facility.[40] The MCF has earth stations and Satellite Control Centre (SCC) for controlling satellites.[40] A second MCF-like facility named 'MCF-B' is being constructed at Bhopal.[40]
[edit]Human resource development
Facility Location Description
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS)
Dehradun Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) under National Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space, Govt. of India is a premier training and educational institute set up for developing trained professional in the
field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources, Environmental and Disaster Management.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
Thiruvananthapuram
The institute offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Aerospace engineering, Avionics and Physical Sciences.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
BangaloreIIA is a premier institute devoted to research in astronomy, astrophysics and related physics.
Development and Educational Communication Unit
Ahmedabad
The centre works for education, research, and training, mainly in conjunction with the INSAT program.[37] The main activities carried out at DECU include GRAMSAT and EDUSAT projects.[39] The Training and Development Communication Channel (TDCC) also falls under the operational control of the DECU.[38]
[edit]Commercial wing
Facility Location Description
Antrix Corporation
BangaloreThe marketing agency under government control markets ISRO's hardware, manpower, and software.[40]
Other facilities include:
Balasore Rocket Launching Station (BRLS) – Orissa
INSAT Master Control Facility (IMCF) – Bhopal ISRO Inertial Systems Unit
Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS)
Aerospace Command of India (ACI) Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR) Inter University Centre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics (IUCAA) Indian Department of Space (IDS) Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres
(RRSSC) Development and Educational Communication
Unit (DECU)
[edit]Vision for the future
A model of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle III.
ISRO plans to launch a number of new-generation Earth Observation Satellites in the near future. It will also undertake the development of new launch vehicles and spacecraft. ISRO has stated that it will send unmanned missions to Mars and Near-Earth Objects.
Forthcoming Satellites
Satellite Name Details
RESOURCESAT-2
Resourcesat-2 is a follow on mission to Resourcesat-1 to provide data continuity and planned to be launched by PSLV-C16 during January 2011. Compared to Resourcesat-1, LISS-4 multispectral swath has been enhanced from 23 km to 70 km based on user needs. Suitable changes including miniaturisation in payload electronics have been incorporated in Resourcesat-2.
RISAT - 1 Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) is a microwave remote sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
The satellite weighing around 1850 kg is in the final stages of
development for a launch in 2011 into a 536 km orbit with 25
days repetitivity with an added advantage of 12 days inner cycle
ISRO and French National Space Centre (CNES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004-05 for the development and implementation of Megha-Tropiques (Megha meaning cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning tropics in French). The launch of Megha-Tropiques is planned during mid 2011.Megha-Tropiques is aimed at understanding the life cycle of convective systems and to their role in the associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite will carry an Imaging Radiometer Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS), a six channel Humidity Sounder (SAPHIR), a four channel Scanner for Radiation Budget Measurement (SCARAB) and GPS Radio Occultation System (GPS-ROS).
INSAT - 3D
INSAT-3D is a meteorological satellite, planned to be launched on-board GSLV in 2011. The satellite has many new technology elements like star sensor, micro stepping Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA) to reduce the spacecraft disturbances and Bus Management Unit (BMU) for control and telecomm and/telemetry function. It also incorporates new features of bi-annual rotation and Image and Mirror motion compensations for improved performance of the meteorological payloads.
SARAL
The Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint ISRO-CNES mission and planned to be launched during 2011. The Ka band altimeter, ALTIKA, provided by CNES payload consists of a Ka-band radar altimeter, operating at 35.75 GHz. A dual frequency total power type microwave radiometer (23.8 and 37 GHz) is embedded in the altimeter to correct tropospheric effects on the altimeter measurement. Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) on board enables precise determination of the orbit. A Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) helps to calibrate the precise orbit determination system and the altimeter system several times throughout the mission.
ASTROSAT
ASTROSAT is a first dedicated Indian Astronomy satellite mission, which will enable multi-wavelength observations of the celestial bodies and cosmic sources in X-ray and UV spectral bands simultaneously. The scientific payloads cover the Visible (3500-6000 Ã…), UV (1300-3000 Ã…), soft and hard X-ray
regimes (0.5-8 keV; 3-80 keV). The uniqueness of ASTROSAT lies in its wide spectral coverage extending over visible, UV, soft and hard X-ray regions.
GSAT-5P Configured as an exclusive C-band communication satellite, GSAT-5P/INSAT-4D will carry 24 normal C-band transponders
and 12 extended C-band transponders with wider coverage in uplink and downlink over Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe as well as zonal coverage with a minimum of 35 dBW EIRP. The spacecraft has a mission life of 12 years and planned to be launched on board GSLV-F06.
GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E
The primary goal of GSAT-6/INSAT-4E, which is a Multimedia broadcast satellite, is to cater to the consumer requirements of providing entertainment and information services to vehicles through Digital Multimedia consoles and to the Multimedia mobile Phones. The satellite carries a 5 spot beam BSS and 5 spot beam MSS. It will be positioned at 83º East longitude with a mission life of 12 years. The launch is planned on-board GSLV during 2011.
GSAT-7 / INSAT-4F
GSAT-7/INSAT-4F is a multi-band satellite carrying payloads in UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band. It is planned to be launched during 2011 on board GSLV and positioned at 74º East. The satellite weighs 2330 kg with a payload power of 2000W and mission life of 9 years.
GSAT-8 / INSAT-4G
GSAT-8/INSAT-4G is a Ku-band satellite carrying 18 Ku band transponders. It will also carry a GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload and planned to be launched during 2011 with a mission life of 12 years and positioned at 55º E longitude. This I-3K satellite with a lift-off mass of 3150 kg and a payload power of 5300W will be launched on board ARIANE-5.
GSAT-12
GSAT-12 is being realised as replacement INSAT-3B. The satellite will carry 12 Extended C-band transponders and will be positioned at 83º East longitude with a mission life of 7 years. The bus system is based on I-1K platform with ASIC based BMU and 64 Ah Li-ion batteries. The satellite weighs 1375 kg with a payload power of 550W and launch is planned on board PSLV during 2011.
GSAT-9
GSAT-9 will carry 6 C band and 24 Ku band transponders with India coverage beam. The satellite is planned to be launched during 2011-12 with a mission life of 12 years and positioned at 48º East longitude. This I-2K satellite has a liftoff mass of 2330 kg and payload power of 2300 W.
GSAT-10 GSAT-I0 will carry 12 Normal C-band, 12 Extended C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders. It will also carry GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload. The satellite is planned to be launched during 2011 with a mission life of 15 years and positioned at 83º East longitude. This I-3K satellite with liftoff mass of 3435 kg and payload power of 4500 W will
be launched on board ARIANE-5.
GSLV-F06
Realisation of subsystem for the next flight of the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) carrying GSAT-5P is in advanced stage. Due to technical snag in the first stage of GSLV-F06, launch failed.
[edit]Future launches
PSLV-C16
Preparation for the next flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C16) carrying RESOURCESAT-2 is in advanced stage.[citation
needed] The PSLV-C16 is expected be launched in First quarter of 2011.[who?]
[edit]Future Launch Vehicle
GSLV-Mk III
GSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch four tonne satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. GSLV-Mk III is a three-stage vehicle with a 110 tonne core liquid propellant stage (L-110) and a strap-on stage with two solid propellant motors, each with 200 tonne propellant (S-200). The upper stage will be cryogenic with a propellant loading of 25 tonne (C-25). GSLV Mk-III will have a lift-off weight of about 626 tonne and will be 43.43 m tall. The payload fairing will have a diameter of 5 metre and a payload volume of 100 cubic metre. GSLV Mk III is planned to be launched during 2011-12.
As a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable launch vehicle, a series of technology demonstration missions have been conceived. For this purpose a Winged Reusable Launch Vehicle technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured. The RLV-TD will act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies viz., hypersonic flight, autonomous
landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air breathing propulsion. First in the series of demonstration trials is the hypersonic flight experiment (HEX). Human Space Flight Mission Programme
Proposal for a management plan for Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP) was prepared and pre-project activities were approved. The program envisages development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle carrying two or three crew members to about 300 km low earth orbit and their safe return. It is planned to realise the programme in 2015-16 time frame.
[edit]Space Science Missions
Space Capsule Recovery Experiment II The main objective of SRE II is to realize a fully recoverable capsule and provide a platform to conduct microgravity experiments on Micro-biology, Agriculture, Powder Metallurgy, etc. SRE-2 is proposed to be launched on board PSLV-C19 in of 2010 - 11.
Chandrayaan-2 Chandrayaan-2 mission is planned to have an orbiter/lander/rover configuration. The mission is expected to be realised by 2012 - 13. The science goals of the mission is to further improve our understanding of origin and evolution of the Moon using instruments on board Orbiter and in-situ analysis of lunar samples and studies of lunar regolith properties (remote & direct analysis) using Robots/Rovers.
Aditya (spacecraft) The First Indian space based Solar Coronagraph to study solar Corona in visible and near IR bands. Launch of the Aditya mission is planned during the next high solar activity period ~ 2012. The main objectives is to study the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and consequently the crucial physical parameters for space weather such as the
coronal magnetic field structures, evolution of the coronal magnetic field etc. This will provide completely new information on the velocity fields and their variability in the inner corona having an important bearing on the unsolved problem of heating of the corona would be obtained.
[edit]Youthsat
Youthsat is a participatory scientific mission with payloads from both Russia and India. It would be carrying three scientific payloads one from Russia and two from India.[41]
It is a micro satellite carrying scientific payloads with participation from universities at graduate, postgraduate and research scholar level and would participate from testing of the payloads in laboratory to the utilisation of the data from payloads. Participation of young scientists will inculcate interest in space related activities and provide opportunities for realisation of future scientific payloads at the university level. YOUTHSAT is scheduled to be launched as auxiliary satellite along with Indian remote sensing satellite during 2010 with an orbital altitude of 630 km at an inclination of 97.9º.
[edit]Satellite Navigation
GAGAN
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an indigenous Satellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also known as Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) as part of the Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) plan for civil aviation. The Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym GAGAN - GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. A national plan for satellite navigation including implementation of Technology Demonstration System (TDS) over the Indian air
space as a proof of concept has been prepared jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. TDS was successfully completed during 2007 by installing eight Indian Reference Stations (INRESs) at eight Indian airports and linked to the Master Control Center (MCC) located near Bangalore.
The first GAGAN navigation payload has been fabricated and it was proposed to be flown on GSAT-4 during Apr 2010. However, GSAT-4 was not placed in orbit as GSLV-D3 could not complete the mission. Two more GAGAN payloads will be subsequently flown, one each on two geostationary satellites, GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.
[edit]Lunar exploration program
Following the success of Chandrayaan-1, the country's first moon mission, ISRO is planning a series of further lunar missions in the next decade, including a manned mission which is stated to take place in 2020 – approximately the same time as the China National Space Administration (CNSA) manned lunar mission and NASA's Project Constellation plans to return to the moon with its Orion-Altair project.[citation
needed]
Chandrayaan-2 (Sanskrit: चं�द्रया�न-२) is the second unmanned lunar exploration mission proposed by ISRO at a projected cost of 425 crore (US$ 90 million). The mission includes a lunar orbiter as well as a lander/rover. The wheeled rover will move on the lunar surface and pick up soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis. The data will be sent to Earth via the orbiter[citation needed]
ISRO plans to carry out an unmanned mission to Mars in this decade. According to ISRO, the Mars mission remains at a conceptual stage but is expected to be finalised shortly. The current version of India's geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle will be used to loft the new craft into space.[42]
ISRO is designing a solar probe named Aditya. This is a mini-satellite designed to study the coupling between the sun and the earth. It is planned to be launched in 2012.[citation needed]
[edit]IRNSS
Main article: IRNSS
The Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system being developed by Indian Space Research Organisation which would be under total control of Indian government. The requirement of such a navigation system is driven by the fact that access to Global Navigation Satellite Systems like GPS are not guaranteed in hostile situations. ISRO plans to launch the constellation of satellites between 2010 and 2012.
[edit]Applications
India uses its satellites communication network – one of the largest in the world – for applications such as land management, water resources management, natural disaster forecasting, radio networking, weather forecasting, meteorological imaging and computer communication.[43] Business, administrative services, and schemes such as the National Informatics Centre (NICNET) are direct beneficiaries of applied satellite technology.[43] Dinshaw Mistry—on the subject of practical applications of the Indian space program—writes:
The INSAT-2 satellites also provide telephone links to remote areas; data transmission for organizations such as the National Stock Exchange; mobile satellite service communications for private operators, railways, and road transport; and broadcast satellite services, used by India’s state-owned television agency as well as commercial television channels. India’s EDUSAT (Educational Satellite), launched aboard the GSLV in 2004, was intended for adult literacy and distance learning applications in rural areas. It augmented and would eventually replace such capabilities already provided by INSAT-3B.
The IRS satellites have found applications with the Indian Natural Resource Management program, with regional Remote Sensing Service Centers in five Indian cities, and with Remote Sensing Application Centers in twenty Indian states that use IRS images for economic development applications. These include environmental monitoring, analyzing soil erosion and the impact of soil conservation measures, forestry management, determining land cover for wildlife sanctuaries, delineating groundwater potential zones, flood inundation mapping, drought monitoring, estimating crop acreage and deriving agricultural production estimates, fisheries monitoring, mining and geological applications such as surveying metal and mineral deposits, and urban planning.
India’s satellites and satellite launch vehicles have had military spin-offs. While India’s 93–124 mile (150–250 km) range Prithvi missile is not derived from the Indian space program, the intermediate range Agni missile is drawn from the Indian space program’s SLV-3. In its early years, when headed by Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan, ISRO opposed military applications for its dual-use projects such as the SLV-3. Eventually, however,
the Defence Research and Development (DRDO)–based missile program borrowed human resources and technology from ISRO. Missile scientist A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (elected president of India in 2002), who had headed the SLV-3 project at ISRO, moved to DRDO to direct India’s missile program. About a dozen scientists accompanied Abdul Kalam from ISRO to DRDO, where Abdul Kalam designed the Agni missile using the SLV-3’s solidfuel first stage and a liquid-fuel (Prithvi-missile-derived) second stage. The IRS and INSAT satellites were primarily intended and used for civilian-economic applications, but they also offered military spin-offs. In 1996 New Delhi’s Ministry of Defence temporarily blocked the use of IRS-1C by India’s environmental and agricultural ministries in order to monitor ballistic missiles near India’s borders. In 1997 the Indian air force’s “Airpower Doctrine” aspired to use space assets for surveillance and battle management.[44]
Institutions like the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Indian Institute of Technology use satellites for scholarly applications.[45] Between 1975 and 1976, India conducted its largest sociological program using space technology, reaching 2400 villages through video programming in local languages aimed at educational development via ATS-6 technology developed by NASA.[46] This experiment—named Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE)—conducted large scale video broadcasts resulting in significant improvement in rural education.[46]
ISRO has applied its technology to "telemedicine", directly connecting patients in rural areas to medical professionals in urban locations via satellites.[45] Since high-quality healthcare is not universally available in some of the remote areas of
India, the patients in remote areas are diagnosed and analyzed by doctors in urban centres in real time via video conferencing.[45] The patient is then advised medicine and treatment.[45] The patient is then treated by the staff at one of the 'super-specialty hospitals' under instructions from the doctor.[45] Mobile telemedicine vans are also deployed to visit locations in far-flung areas and provide diagnosis and support to patients.[45]
ISRO has also helped implement India's Biodiversity Information System, completed in October 2002.[47] Nirupa Sen details the program: "Based on intensive field sampling and mapping using satellite remote sensing and geospatial modelling tools, maps have been made of vegetation cover on a 1 : 250,000 scale. This has been put together in a web-enabled database which links gene-level information of plant species with spatial information in a BIOSPEC database of the ecological hot spot regions, namely northeastern India, Western Ghats, Western Himalayas and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This has been made possible with collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO."[47]
The Indian IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) was equipped with high-resolution panchromatic equipment to enable it for cartographic purposes.[9] IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) was followed by a more advanced model named IRS-P6 developed also for agricultural applications.[9] The CARTOSAT-2 project, equipped with single panchromatic camera which supported scene-specific on-spot images, succeed the CARTOSAT-1 project.[48]
[edit]Global cooperation
ISRO has had the benefit of International cooperation since inception.
Establishment of TERLS, conduct of SITE & STEP, launches of Aryabhata, Bhaskara, APPLE, IRS-IA and IRS-IB/ satellites, manned space mission, etc. involved international cooperation.
ISRO operates LUT/MCC under the international COSPAS/SARSAT Programme for Search and Rescue.
India has established a Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTE-AP) that is sponsored by the United Nations.
India hosted the Second UN-ESCAP Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific in November 1999.
India is a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Cospas-Sarsat, International Astronautical Federation, Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), International Space University, and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellite (CEOS).[49]
Chandrayaan-1 carried scientific payloads from NASA, ESA and the Bulgarian Space Agency.
The Russian Space Agency is cooperating with India in developing the rover for Chandrayaan-2 and also in the Indian manned mission.
The United States on 24 January 2011, removed several Indian government defense-related companies, including ISRO, from the so-called Entity List, in an effort to drive hi-tech trade and forge closer strategic ties with India.[50]
ISRO and the Department of Space have signed formal Memorandum of Understanding agreements
with a number of foreign political entities, including:-
Australia
Brazil
China
Canada
Egypt
European Union
France
Germany
Hungary
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
India carries out joint operations with foreign space agencies, such as the Indo-French Megha-Tropiques Mission.[49] On 25 June 2002 India and the European Union agreed to bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology.[51] A joint EU-India group of scholars was formed on 23 November 2001 to further promote joint research and development.[51] India holds observer status at CERNwhile a joint India-EU Software Education and Development Center is due at Bangalore.[51]
The Agni-V missile is a ICBM meant for long range deterrence. The Agni-V is the newest version and
has the longest range of up to 5000–6000 km. Agni-V will be able to carry multiple warheads and will
have countermeasures against Anti-ballistic missile systems.The design of the missile is completed
and the first test is expected in the last quarter of 2011. The missile will utilize a canister and will be
launched from it. Sixty percent of the missile will be similar to the Agni-III missile. Advanced
technologies like ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer will be used in the new missile.[107]
[edit]Anti-satellite weapon
India had identified development of ASAT weapons "for electronic or physical destruction of satellites
in both LEO (2,000-km altitude above earth's surface) and the higher geosynchronous orbit" as a
thrust area in its long-term integrated perspective plan (2012–2027) under the management of DRDO.
[108]
he Indian Armed Forces (IAF) (Devanāgarī: भा��ती�या साशस्त्र सा�न�एं�, Bhāratīya Saśastra Sēnāēn) are the military forces of the Republic of Indiaencompassing the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and various other inter-service institutions. The IAF is headed by its Commander-in-Chief, the President Pratibha Patil and managed by Ministry of Defense A. K. Antony.
The IAF is one of the world's largest military force, with roughly 1.32 million active standing army and 2.14 million reserve forces thus giving India the third-largest active troops in the world as of 2006[1]
[4] after the People's Liberation Army and US Armed Forces.[5] Auxiliary services include the Indian Coast Guard, the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPF) and the Strategic Forces Command. India's official defense budget stands atUS$36.03 billion for FY2011 (or 1.83% of GDP)[2] but the actual spending on the armed forces is estimated to be much higher than that.[6]Undergoing rapid expansion and modernization,[7] the Indian Armed Forces plans to have an active military space program[8] and is currently developing a missile defense shield [9] and nuclear triad capability. The Armed Forces of India possess nuclear weapons and operate short and intermediate-range ballistic missiles as well as nuclear-capable aircraft, and naval vessels. India is the world's largest arms importer accounting for 9% of all global imports and ranks among the top thirty in arms export.[10] Currently, India imports close to 70% of its weapons requirements, with Israel, Russia and the United States as its top military suppliers.
[11][12][13] The country’s defence expenditure will be around US$112 billion by 2016.[14][15][16]
The IAF served as India's armed forces in all the country's major military operations — including the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1947, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Sino-Indian War, 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish, Kargil War and others. India is currently moving to build a 9,970.16 crore (US$2.2 billion) dedicated, highly secure and state-of-the-art optical fiber cable (OFC) network for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This will be one of the world's largest, closed user group (CUG) networks for exclusive use by the million-plus personnel of the Indian armed forces.[17] Following 1962, the IAF has had close military relations with the Russia, including development cooperation, such as on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA), and others as well.
The Mughal Empire at its largest in terms of territorial extent, c.1700
Indian troops fighting with the British contingent is shown in this painting ofMysore.
India has one of the longest military history dating back several millennia. The first reference of armies is found in the Vedas as well as the epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha. There were many powerful dynasties in India: Maha Janapadas, Matsya Kingdom, Shishunaga Empire, Gangaridai Empire, Nanda Empire, Maurya Empire, Sunga Empire, Kharavela Empire, Kuninda Kingdom, Chola Empire, Chera Empire, Pandyan Empire, Satavahana Empire, Western Satrap Empire, Kushan Empire, Vakataka Empire, Kalabhras Kingdom, Gupta Empire, Pallava Empire, Kadamba Empire, Western Ganga Kingdom, Vishnukundina Empire, Chalukya Empire, Harsha Empire, Rajput, Shahi Kingdom, Eastern Chalukya Kingdom, Pratihara Empire, Pala Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Paramara Kingdom, Yadava Empire, Solanki Kingdom, Western Chalukya Empire, Hoysala Empire, Sena Empire, Eastern Ganga Empire, Kakatiya Kingdom, Kalachuri Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Deccan Sultanates, Ahom Kingdom,Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore Kingdom, Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, Sikh Empire, etc. Classical Indian texts on archery in particular, and martial arts in general are known as Dhanurveda.
India has a maritime history dating back to 5,000 years.[18][19][20][21] The first [22][23] tidal dock is believed to have been built at Lothal around 2300 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization, near the present day Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast. The Rig Veda written around 1500 BCE, credits Varuna with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes naval expeditions. There is reference to the side wings of a vessel called Plava, which give stability to the ship under storm conditions. A compass, Matsya yantra was used for navigation in the fourth and fifth century AD.
The earliest known reference to an organization devoted to ships in ancient India is to the Mauryan Empire from the 4th century BCE. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya's Prime Minister Kautilya'sArthashastra devotes a full chapter on the state department of waterways under navadhyaksha (Sanskritfor Superintendent of ships) [1]. The term, nava dvipantaragamanam (Sanskrit for sailing to other lands by ships, i.e. Exploration) appears in this book in addition to appearing in the Buddhist text, Baudhayana Dharmasastra as the interpretation of the term, Samudrasamyanam.
Sea lanes between India and neighboring lands were the usual form of trade for many centuries, and are responsible for the widespread influence of Indian Culture on other societies. Powerful navies included those of the Maurya, Satavahana, Chola, Vijayanagara, Kalinga, Mughal and Maratha empires.[24] TheCholas excelled in foreign trade and maritime activity, extending their influence overseas to China and Southeast Asia.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha and Kerala fleets were expanded, and became the most powerful Naval Forces in the subcontinent, defeating European Navies at various times (See the Battle of Colachel). The fleet review of the Maratha navy took place at the Ratnagiri fort in which the ships Pal and Qalbat participated.[25] The Maratha Kanhoji Angre and Kunjali Marakkar, the Naval chief of Saamoothiriwere two notable naval chiefs of the period.
Sailors of the Indian Navy breaching the Delhi gates during the Indian struggle of freedom 1857
Main article: Royal Indian Navy
The British Royal Indian Navy was first established by the British while much of India was under the control of the East India Company. The first Indian to be granted a commission was Sub Lieutenant D. N. Mukherji, who joined the Royal Indian Marine as an engineer officer in 1928.
Indian sailors started a rebellion known as the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946, on board ships and in shore establishments which spread all over India. A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments and 20,000 sailors were involved in the rebellion.
When India became a republic on 26 January 1950, the navy became known as the Indian Navy, and its vessels as Indian Naval Ships (INS). On 22 April 1958 Vice Admiral R. D. Katari assumed office as the first Indian Chief of the Naval Staff.
[edit]Structure
The headquarters of the Indian Armed Forces is in New Delhi, the capital city of India.The President acts as de jure Commander in chief of the Armed Forces.[26] while de facto control lies with the executive. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the ministry charged with the responsibilities of countering insurgency and ensuring external security of India.
[edit]Command organisation
Gen V K Singh is the head of army Chiefs panel, Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma is the head of navy Chiefs panel and Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik is the head of air forces Chiefs panel.[27] Air Chief Marshal Naik is currently also serving as Chairman of the Chiefs
of Staff Committee for the Indian Armed Force. The Indian armed force are split into different groups based on their region of operation. The Indian Army is administratively divided into 7 tactical commands, each under the control of different Lieutenant Generals.The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional commands. Each Command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Air Marshal. The Indian Navy operates four Commands. Each Command is headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the rank of Vice Admiral.The Indian Coast Guard operations are split into 4 regions, each region is headed by an Inspector General or a Deputy Inspector General.
[edit]Doctrine
The Armed Forces have six main tasks:[28]
1. To assert the territorial integrity of India.2. To defend the country if attacked by a foreign nation.3. To send own amphibious warfare equipment to take the battle to
enemy shores.[29]
4. Cold Start which means Indian Armed Forces being able to quickly mobilise and take offensive actions without crossing the enemy's nuclear-use threshold.
5. To support the civil community in case of disasters (e.g. flooding).
6. Participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations in consonance with India’s commitment to the United Nations Charter.
There is a semi-official book called "Customs and Etiquette in the Services", written by retired Major General Ravi Arora, which details how Indian personnel are expected to conduct themselves generally.[30] Arora is an executive editor of the Indian Military Review.[31]
India maintains the third-largest military force in the world, which includes Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and auxiliary forces such as the Paramilitary Forces, the Coast Guard, and the Strategic Forces Command.[32] It is a completely voluntary service, the military draft having never been imposed in India. The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, due to India's diverse geography, and also has a distinguished history of serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Initially, the army's main objective was to defend the nation's frontiers. However, over the years, the army has also taken up the responsibility of providing internal security, especially in insurgent-hit Kashmir and north-east.
The force is headed by the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, currently General V K Singh. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal, but it is a largely ceremonial rank and appointments are made by the President of India, on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. (See Field Marshal (India)). Late General S.H.F.J. Manekshaw and the late General K.M. Cariappa are the only two officers who have attained this rank.
The Indian Army has seen military action during the First Kashmir War, Operation Polo, the Sino-Indian War, the Second Kashmir War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Kargil War. Currently, the Indian army has dedicated one brigade of troops to the UN's standby arrangements. Through its large, sustained troop commitments India has come in for much praise for taking part in difficult operations for prolonged periods. The
Indian Army has participated in several UN peacekeeping operations, including the ones in Cyprus, Lebanon, Congo, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam, Namibia, El Salvador,Liberia, Mozambique and Somalia. The army also provided a paramedical unit to facilitate the withdrawal of the sick and wounded in Korea. Currently, the Indian Army is seeking to massively modernize its equipment through various procurement programs. In addition, it has also embarked on an infantry modernization program known as Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS).
[edit]Indian Navy
Main article: Indian Navy
INS Shivalik the first indigenous modern frigate of the Indian navy.
The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. With 67,000 men and women, including 5,000 naval aviation personnel and 2,000 Marine Commandos (MARCOS), it is the world's third largest navy.[33]
The Indian Navy currently operates around 170 vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. In recent years, India has started many ambitious projects to bolster its maritime capabilities including efforts to acquire ships from foreign countries.
In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone extensive modernization and expansion with an intention to increase its capabilities as a recognized blue-water navy.[34][35] It is fairly advanced in terms of technology and is in control of one of two Asian aircraft carriers. Two more aircraft carriers are currently being produced. The ships of the Indian Navy are of Indian and foreign origin.[36] In addition, three ballistic missile submarine are to enter service by 2010 end. It is also only one of the six navies in the world that has nuclear capabilities. Others include US, Russia, China,
France and the UK. In addition it is in command of the BrahMos which is the fastest cruise missile in the world with speeds of 2.8 Mach.
Indian Navy's marine commandos during a training exercise in the Philippine Sea.
In its maritime doctrine, the Indian Navy establishes its role in providing support to maritime neighbours during natural disasters. This was demonstrated during the Asian tsunami crisis during which the Indian Navy sent 35 ships to support relief efforts in neighbouring countries. The Indian navy has taken part in UN missions in the coast of Somalia and has provided security to an African Union summit held in Mozambique. The Indian Navy is increasing its capabilities as a true blue-water navy; the Indian Navy's doctrine states that this is for the collective good of nations.
Indian Navy is expected to spend about US$40 billion on military modernization from 2008 to 2013.[37] The modernization program includes the Russian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, indigenously built Vikrant class aircraft carriers, Lease of Akula-II class submarine, indigenously built Arihant class nuclear-powered submarines, Shivalik class frigate, Kolkata class destroyer, Scorpène class submarine, Improved Talwar class frigate and eight P-8 Poseidon .[38][39]
IAF engineers conduct post-flight maintenance on Su-30 MKI fighters following a Red Flag mission in Nevada.
With a strength of approximately 170,000 personnel, and 1,500+ aircraft in active service, the Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world.[40][41]In recent years, the IAF has undertaken an ambitious expansion and modernization program and is increasingly used for India's power projection beyond South Asia. Historically, the IAF has generally relied on Soviet, British, Israeli and French military craft and technology to support its growth. In recent times however, India has manufactured its own aircraft, including the HAL Tejas, a 4th generation fighter, and the HAL Dhruv, a multi-role helicopter, which has been exported to several countries, including Israel, Burma, Nepal and Ecuador. India also maintains UAV squadrons which can be used to carry out ground attacks and aerial surveillance.
India is testing its own long range BVR air to air missile named Astra [42] and also building a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called Rustom.[43] India and Russia are building number of next generation aircraft like 5th generation stealth aircraft called Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [44] and medium-lift military transport aircraft called Multirole Transport Aircraft.[45]
The Indian Coast Guard is the maritime Military Force created to guard Republic of India's vast coastline. It was created on 18 August 1978 as an independent entity as per the Coast Guard Act. its primary objective is to guard India's vast coastline and operates under the effective control of the Ministry of Defense.
The coast guard works closely with the Indian Navy and the Indian Customs Department, and is usually headed by a naval officer of the rank of Vice-Admiral. India's coast guard has a large number of fast craft including hovercrafts and hydrofoils. They patrol the seas and river mouths. The coast guard has performed a number of commendable tasks of rescuing distressed personnel. It has also apprehended pirates on high seas and cleaned up oil spills. Heavy patrolling of sensitive areas such as Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Mumbai have resulted in the nabbing of a large number of smugglers and illegal immigrants.
[edit]Nuclear Command Authority
Main article: India and weapons of mass destruction
India possesses an arsenal of nuclear weapons and maintains a no-first use, non-use against non-nuclear nations and a credible nuclear deterrence policy against nuclear adversaries. India's nuclear missiles include the Prithvi, the Agni, the Shaurya, Sagarika, Dhanush, and others. India has long range strategic bombers like the Tupolev Tu-22 M3 and Tupolev Tu-142 as well as fighter jets like Sukhoi Su-30MKI,[46] Dassault Mirage 2000,[47] MiG-29 [48] and HAL Tejascapable of being armed with nuclear tipped bombs and missiles. Since India doesn't have a nuclear first use against an adversary, it becomes important to protect from a first strike. Presently, this protection is provided by the two layered Anti-ballistic missile defense system. The first test of Agni-V, which is a MIRVed ICBM is expected in the year 2011. India's Strategic Nuclear Command controls its land-based nuclear warheads, while the Navy controls the ship and in future submarine based missiles and the Air Force the air based warheads. India's nuclear warheads are deployed in four areas:
1. Ship based mobile, like Dhanush. (operational)2. Land-based mobile, like Agni. (operational)3. Submarine based, like Sagarika. (under deployment)4. Air-based warheads of the Indian Air Forces' strategic bomber
force (operational)[show]v · d · e
Indian missiles
[edit]Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program
Main article: Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program
The Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered Ballistic missile defense system to protect India from missile attacks.[49][50]
Development of ABM System began in 1999. Around 40 public and private Companies were involved in the development of ABM System. They include Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Astra Microwave, ASL, Larsen & Toubro, Vem Technologies Private Limited and KelTech. Development of LRTR (Long Range Tracking Radar) and MFCR (Multi-function Fire Control Radar) was led by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (ERDE).[51][52]
For the AAD Missile System, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) developed the mission control software. Research Centre, Imarat (RCI) developed navigation, electromechanical actuation systems and Active Radar Seeker. Advanced System Laboratory (ASL) provided the motors, jet vanes and structures for the two missiles. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) supplied the propellants for the missile.[52]
[edit]Phase 2
Two new anti-ballistic missiles that can intercept IRBM/ICBMs are being developed. These high speed missiles (AD-1 and AD-2) are
being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with the range of 5000 km.[53] The test trials of these two systems is expected to take place in 2011.[54] The new missile will be similar the THAAD missile deployed by the U.S.A. These missiles will have to travel at hypersonic speeds and will require radars with scan capability of over 1500 kilometers to successfully intercept the target.[55]
India is also planning to develop a laser based weapon system as part of its Ballistic Missile Defence to intercept and destroy missiles soon after they are launched towards the country. DRDO's Air Defence Programme Director V K Saraswat says its ideal to destroy a ballistic missile carrying nuclear or conventional warhead in its boost phase. Saraswat further added that it will take another 10–15 years for the premier defence research institute to make it usable on the ground.[56]
[edit]Security pacts and Overseas Bases
India and Russia share an extensive economic, defence and technologicalrelationship.[57] Shown here
is President Pratibha Patil with President Dmitry Medvedev.
In 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, India made obligation to actively assist Nepal in national defence and military preparedness, and made both nations not to tolerate threats to each others security.[58][59] In 1958, the then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Bhutan and reiterated India's support for Bhutan's independence and later declared in the Indian Parliament that any aggression against Bhutan would be seen as aggression against India.[60] India also operates the Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan. India started the process to bring the island country Maldives into India's security grid.[61] India can use Iranian bases for war with Pakistan.[62][63] India is also one of three countries with whom Japan has a security pact, the others being Australia and the United
States.[64] India and Russia have a military cooperation pact until 2010 which is likely to be extended or renewed.[65] In 1951,India and Burma signed a Treaty of Friendship in New Delhi. Article II of the treaty stipulated that "There shall be everlasting peace and unalterable friendship between the two States who shall ever strive to strengthen and develop further the cordial relations existing between the peoples of the two countries".[66]India had signed a pact to develop ports in Myanmar and various bilateral issues, including economic cooperation, connectivity, security and energy.[67] India and Israel have increased cooperation in military and intelligence ventures since the establishment of diplomatic relations. While India and Israel were officially "rivals" during the Cold War, the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of Islamic terrorism in both countries have generated a solid strategic alliance.[68] India has maritime security arrangement in place with Oman and Qatar.[69] In 2008, a landmark defense pact was signed, under which India committed its military assets to protect "Qatar from external threats".[70]
[edit]Budget
Military spending of the world
India has the world's 10th largest defense budget. In 2009, India's official military budget stood at US$]32.7 billion.[71] In 2004, the GlobalSecurity.orgestimated India's budget to be around US$100 billion in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).[72] According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India's military budget (PPP) stood at US$72.7 billion in 2007.[73] A major portion of India's current defense budget is devoted to the ambitious modernization program of the country's armed forces. Between 2007 and 2012, India is expected to spend about US$50 billion on the procurement of new weapons.[74] India boosted defence spending by 21% in 2009.[75]
The India Gate is the largest war memorial in India
The highest wartime gallantry award given by the Military of India is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), followed by the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and the Vir Chakra(VrC). Its peacetime equivalent is the Ashoka Chakra. The highest decoration for meritorious service is the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
[edit]Ex Servicemen (ESM)
According to military sources, more than 55,000 armed forces personnel retire from the army every year, most of them at a relatively younger age.[citation needed] A total of 1,567,390 ex servicemen are registered with the Indian Army, majority of them hailing from UP (17.35%), Punjab (12.23%), Haryana (10.57%), Maharashtra (9.18%), Kerala (8.16%), TN (6.58%), Rajastan (6.42%) and HP (5%). Many of them are re-employed in various Central government sectors.[76]
[edit]Future
Analysis of the Central Intelligence Agency indicates that India is projected to possess the fourth most capable concentration of power by 2015.[77] According to a report published by the US Congress, India is the developing world's leading arms purchaser.[78]
Ongoing efforts at modernization of the armed forces, however, unless accompanied by significant political reforms, may fail to change India's military-strategic position, particularly with Pakistan. Despite importing large numbers of conventional weaponry over the last three decades, if India wishes to effectively confront critical security challenges it must address a civil-military imbalance that
hampers coordination and an illegitimate procurement process that threatens to further entrench government corruption.[79]
[edit]Recruitment and training
Soldiers from the 4th Rajput Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army handling INSAS rifles during a training mission.
Recruitment is through four military related academies. These include the National Defence Academy, Pune, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy,Ezhimala, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Officers Training Academy, Chennai. For entrance, one must display that they are both physically and mentally fit to be in the military by written examinations, physicial endurance tests and passing medical fitness tests. After being commissioned,these officers are posted and deputed. They are at the helm of affairs not only inside the nation but also at abroad. The officers are appointed and removed only by the President of India. These officers are accorded high status of the nature of the officers of the Indian Administrative Service. The complete list of institutions training Indian army were listed in Military academies in Indiasection.
[edit]Indian Peace Keeping And Anti-piracy Mission
In November 2008, an Indian navy warship destroyed a suspected Somali pirate vessel after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. India is regular contributor to United Nations and other Peacekeeping missions. The troop-contributions to UN peacekeeping operations as of March 2007 were 9,471.[80] It also suffered 127 soldier deaths while serving on peacekeeping missions.
[81] India also provided army contingent performing a peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 as Indian Peace Keeping Force and in November 1988, India also helped restore government of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in Maldives under Operation Cactus.[82]
[edit]Anti-piracy Mission
India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger INS Mysore to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the U.S. and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.[83]An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."[84] India also expressed consideration to deploy up to four more warships in the region.[85]
[86] And in response increased activity of the INS Tabar . On 2010-09-06 A crack team of Indian marine commandos(MARCOS)from INS Delhi boarded the boat and overpowered the pirates - seven heavily-armed Somalians and one Yemeni national. A cache of arms, several drums of fuel and ship boarding equipment was also found.As part of the Indian response to the piracy menace in the area, the Indian Navy has escorted over 1,200 ships so far.
[edit]Relief Operation of IAF
Indian Air Force provides regular relief operation for food and medical facility around the World by its Cargo aircraft most notably Ilyushin Il-76.The most recent relief operation of IAF was inKyrgyzstan.[87]
[88] During the Leh floods Two Ilyushin Il-76. and four Antonov-32 aircraft of the IAF carried 30 tonnes of load, which include 125 rescue and relief personnel, medicines, generators, tents, portable X-ray machines and emergency rescue kits.A MI-17 helicopter and cheetak helicopters had been pressed to increase the rescue operations.
[edit]IAF Efforts In Eclipse Study
The Indian Air Force successfully undertook sorties to help Indian scientists study the total solar eclipse that took place on July 23. Two separate missions from Agra and Gwalior were flown along the path
of the moon's shadow, a mission that was deemed hugely successful by scientists associated with the experiment. While one AN-32 transport aircraft carrying scientific equipment, cameras and scientists that took off from Agra landed back after a three-hour flight, a Mirage-2000 trainer from Gwalior took spectacular images of the celestial spectacle from 40,000 feet. With weather being clear at the altitudes and coordinates planned by the IAF pilots, both AN-32 and Mirage-2000 pilots were able to accomplish the mission successfully.[89]
India possesses nuclear weapons and maintains short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles,
nuclear-capable aircraft, surface ships, and submarines under development as possible delivery
systems and platforms. Although it lacks an operational ballistic missile submarine, India has ambitions of possessing a nuclear triad in the near future when INS Arihant the lead ship of
India's Arihant class of nuclear-powered submarines formally joins the Indian Navy in 2011 after
undergoing extensive sea-trials. Though India has not made any official statements about the size of
its nuclear arsenal, recent estimates suggest that India has between 80 and 100 nuclear weapons,[2] consistent with earlier estimates that it had produced enough weapons-grade plutonium for up to
75–110 nuclear weapons.[3] Production of weapons-grade plutonium is believed to be taking place at
the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, which is home to the CIRUS reactor, acquired from Canada
and shut down in 2010, to the indigenous Dhruva reactor, and to aplutonium separation facility.[4]
India is not a signatory to the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which India argues
entrenches the status quo of the existing nuclear weapons states whilst preventing general nuclear disarmament.[5] India tested a nuclear device in 1974 (code-named "Smiling Buddha"), which it called
a "peaceful nuclear explosion." The test used plutonium produced in the Canadian-supplied CIRUS reactor, and raised concerns that nuclear technology supplied for peaceful purposes
could be diverted to weapons purposes. This also stimulated the early work of the Nuclear Suppliers
Group.[6] India performed further nuclear tests in 1998 (code-named "Operation Shakti").
India has signed and ratified both the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons
purposes. But if India is threatened, she will inevitably try to defend herself by all means
at her disposal.[7]
India's first nuclear test occurred on 18 May 1974.[8] Since then India has conducted another series of
tests at the Pokhran test range in the state ofRajasthan in 1998. India has an extensive civil and
military nuclear program, which includes at least 10 nuclear reactors, uranium mining and milling
sites,heavy water production facilities, a uranium enrichment plant, fuel fabrication facilities, and
extensive nuclear research capabilities.
In 1998, as a response to the continuing tests, the United States and Japan imposed temporary
economic sanctions on India.
[edit]Current arsenal and estimates of inventory
In 2005, it was estimated that India had between 40 and 50 warheads.[9]
In November 2008, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimated that India has about 70
assembled nuclear warheads, with about 50 of them fully operational.[10]
A report by David Albright, published by the Institute for Science and International Security in
2000, estimated that India at end of 1999 had 310 kilograms ofweapon grade plutonium, enough
for 65 nuclear weapons. He also estimated that India had 4,200 kg of reactor grade plutonium
which is enough to build 1,000 nuclear weapons.[11][12] By the end of 2004, he estimates India had
445 kilograms of weapon grade plutonium which is enough for around 85 nuclear weapons
considering 5 kg of plutonium required for each weapon.[13]
As of February 2011, the Federation of American Scientists estimated that India had a stockpile
of 80-100 weapons.[14]
Former R&AW official J.K. Sinha, claimed that India is capable of producing 130 kilograms
of weapon grade plutonium per year from six "unsafeguarded" reactors not included in the
nuclear deal between India and the United States.[15]
[edit]Doctrine
India has a declared nuclear no-first-use policy and is in the process of developing a nuclear doctrine
based on "credible minimum deterrence." In August 1999, the Indian government released a draft of
the doctrine[16][dead link] which asserts that nuclear weapons are solely for deterrence and that India will
pursue a policy of "retaliation only". The document also maintains that India "will not be the first to
initiate a nuclear first strike, but will respond with punitive retaliation should deterrence fail" and that
decisions to authorize the use of nuclear weapons would be made by the Prime Minister or his
'designated successor(s).'"[16]
According to the NRDC, despite the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan in 2001-2002,
India remains committed to its nuclear no-first-use policy.
Indian National Security Advisor Shri Shivshankar Menon signaled a significant shift from "No first
use" to "no first use against non-nuclear weapon states" in a speech on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of National Defence College in New Delhi on October 21, 2010, a doctrine
Menon said reflected India's "strategic culture, with its emphasis on minimal deterrence."[17][18][dead link]
India's Strategic Nuclear Command was formally established in 2003, with an Air Force officer, Air
Marshal Asthana, as the Commander-in-Chief. The joint services SNC is the custodian of all of India's nuclear weapons, missiles and assets. It is also responsible for executing all aspects of India's
nuclear policy. However, the civil leadership, in the form of the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security)
is the only body authorized to order a nuclear strike against another offending strike: In effect, it is the Prime Minister who has his finger "on the button."
[edit]International treaties
India is not a signatory to either the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but did accede to the Partial Test Ban Treaty in October 1963. India is a
member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and four of its 17 nuclear reactors are
subject to IAEA safeguards.
India announced its lack of intention to accede to the NPT as late as 1997 by voting against the paragraph of a General Assembly Resolution[19] which urged all non-signatories of the treaty to
accede to it at the earliest possible date.[20]
Thermonuclear device used in the Pokhran Test
India voted against the UN General Assembly resolution endorsing the CTBT, which was adopted on
10 September 1996. India objected to the lack of provision for universal nuclear disarmament "within
a time-bound framework." India also demanded that the treaty ban laboratory simulations. In addition,
India opposed the provision in Article XIV of the CTBT that requires India's ratification for the treaty to
enter into force, which India argued was a violation of its sovereign right to choose whether it would
sign the treaty. In early February 1997, Foreign Minister I.K.Gujral reiterated India's opposition to the
treaty, saying that "India favors any step aimed at destroying nuclear weapons, but considers that the
treaty in its current form is not comprehensive and bans only certain types of tests."
In August 2008, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved safeguards agreement with
India under which the former will gradually gain access to India's civilian nuclear reactors.[21] In
September 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group granted India a waiver allowing it to access civilian
nuclear technology and fuel from other countries.[22] The implementation of this waiver makes India
the only known country with nuclear weapons which is not a party to the NPT but is still allowed to
carry out nuclear commerce with the rest of the world.[23]
Since the implementation of NSG waiver, India has signed nuclear deals with several countries including France,[24] United States,[25] Mongolia, Namibia,[26]and Kazakhstan [27] while the framework for
similar deals with Canada and United Kingdom are also being prepared.[28][29]
[edit]Delivery systems
This unreferenced section
requires citations to
ensureverifiability.
Below is the list of missiles currently in India's inventory or under development that can carry Nuclear
Warheads. Information on the missiles is given below.
Under former president Dr. Abdul Kalam India pursued the Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP) which was an Indian Ministry of Defense program for the development of a
comprehensive range of missiles, including the intermediate range Agni missile (Surface to Surface),
and short range missiles such as the Prithvi ballistic missile (Surface to Surface), Akash missile
(Surface to Air), Trishul missile (Surface to Air) and Nag Missile (Anti Tank). Other projects such Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program have derived from the IGMDP. In 2005, India became
only the fourth country to have Anti Ballistic capability when India tested two systems the AAD and
Prithvi I — Army Version (150 km range with a payload of 1,000 kg)
Prithvi II — Air Force Version (250 km range with a payload of 500 kg)
Prithvi III — Naval Version (350 km range with a payload of 500 kg)
The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing 3 variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air
Force and the Indian Navy. The initial project framework of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program outlines the variants in the following manner. in October 2009 India conducted
2 simultenous user trials of 350 km extended range Prithvi II to be used for strategic purposes.
[edit]Dhanush
Dhanush (Sanskrit: Bow) is a naval variant of the Prithvi missile.[32] It can fire either the 250 km or the
350 km range missiles. Supposedly it is a customised version of the Prithvi and that the additional customizations in missile configuration are to certify it for seaworthiness. Dhanush has to be launched
from a hydraulically stabilized launch pad. Its low range acts against it and thus it is seen a weapons either to be used to destroy an aircraft carrier or an enemy port. Indian Navy's K-15
Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missile is reported to be a variant of the Dhanush missile.[33]
The ship launched Dhanush Ballistic Missile was tested from INS Subhadra of the Sukanya class
patrol craft in 2000. INS Subhadra is a vessel which was modified and the missile was launched from
the reinforced helicopter deck. The 250 km variant was tested but the tests were considered partially successful.[34] In 2004, the missile was again tested from the INS Subhadra and was this time
successful.[35] Then the following year in December the missile's 350 km version was tested from the
INS Rajput and hit the land based target.[36]
[edit]Agni
The Agni (Sanskrit: Fire) missile system comprises five missiles:
Agni I
Agni II
Agni III
Agni IV
Agni V
There are some reports about one other variant of Agni missile:
Agni VI [37]
Agni-I uses the SLV-3 booster (from India's space program) for its first stage and a liquid-fueled
Prithvi for its second stage.[38]
Nuclear-capable Agni-II missiles have a range of up to 3,000 km and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.[39] Unlike the Agni-I, the Agni-II has a solid-fueled second stage.[40]
In July 2006, India successfully test-fired Agni-III,[41] a two-stage nuclear-capable ballistic missile with
a range of 3,000 km.[42] Both stages of the Agni-III utilizes solid-fuel propellants and its range can be
extended to 4,000 km.[43] The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear payload within the range of 600
to 1,800 kg including decoys and other anti-ballistic counter-measures.[44]
India's DRDO is also working on a submarine-launched ballistic missile version of the Agni-III missile,
known as the Agni-III SL. This missile is expected to provide India with a credible sea-based second strike capability. According to Indian defense sources, Agni-III SL will have a range of 3,500 km. [45] In
addition, the 5,000 km range Agni-V ICBM is expected to be tested by 2010-11.[46]
The report of Surya ICBM (Sanskrit: Sun) has not been confirmed by officials of the Indian
government and have repeatedly denied the existence of the project.The Surya ICBM is
an ICBM program that has been mentioned repeatedly in the Indian press .[47] Surya (meaning Sun in
Sanskrit and many other Indian languages) is the codename for the first Intercontinental Ballistic
Missile that India is reported to be developing. The DRDO is believed to have begun the project in
1994.
As the missile is yet to be developed, the specifications of the missile are not known and the entire program continues to remain highly speculative.[48] Estimates of the range of this missile vary from
5,000 km[49] to 10,000 km.[50] It is believed to be a three-stage design, with the first two stages using
solid propellants and the third-stage using liquid. In 2007, the Times of India reported that
theDRDO is yet to reveal whether India's currently proposed ICBM will be called Agni-V (or Surya-1).[49] As of 2009 it was reported that the government had not considered an 8,000-km range ICBM.[47]
Four decades of investments in a missile-related design, development, and manufacturing
infrastructure have also made this sector less vulnerable to long-term disruption by technology denial
regimes. More significantly, India's sophisticated civilian satellite launch capability makes it one of the
few developing states theoretically capable of building an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).[51]
[edit]Shaurya
The Shaurya missile (Sanskrit: Valour) is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed
by DRDO of India for use by the Indian Army. It has a range of 600 km and is capable of carrying a
payload of one-tonne conventional or nuclear warhead. The Shaurya missile provides India with a significant second strike capability.[52] Shaurya Missile is considered a land version of the Sagarika.
This missile is stored in a composite canister just like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The
composite canister makes the missile much easier to store for long periods without maintenance as
well as to handle and transport. It also houses the gas generator to eject the missile from the canister
before its solid propellant motors take over to hurl it at the intended target. Shaurya missiles can
remain hidden or camouflaged in underground silos from enemy surveillance or satellites till they are
fired from the special storage-cum-launch canisters. DRDO Defence scientists admit that given
Shaurya's limited range at present, either the silos will have to be constructed closer to India's borders
or longer-range missiles will have to be developed. The Shaurya system will require some more tests
before it becomes fully operational in two-three years. Moreover, defense scientists say the high-speed, two-stage Shaurya has high maneuverability which also makes it less vulnerable to existing
anti-missile defense systems.[53] When Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
and Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) are to be tested again, the Shaurya invulnerability to anti-missile
systems will be tested. The DRDO scientists also have said that if Shaurya is successful and
manages to avoid anti ballistic missile radars then the missile can even be used to improve the AAD
and PAD systems.
[edit]Sagarika
Sagarika (Sanskrit: Wave / Born from the Ocean) is a nuclear capable submarine-launched ballistic
missile with a range of 750 km. This missile has a length of 8.5 meters, weighs seven tonnes and can
carry a pay load of up to 500 kg.[54] The development of this missile started in 1991. The first
confirmation about the missile came in 1998.[55] The development of the underwater missile launcher
known as the Project 78 (P78) was completed in 2001. This was handed over to the Indian Navy for
trials. The missile was successfully test fired thrice. The Indian Navy plans to introduce the missile into service by the end of 2010. Sagarika missile is being integrated with the Arihant class
submarine that is expected to begin sea trials by 2009.[56] Sagarika will form part of the triad in India's
nuclear deterrence and will provide with retaliatory nuclear strike capability.[57]
Sagarika has already been test-fired from an underwater pontoon, but now DRDO is planning a full-
fledged test of the missile from a submarine and for this purpose may use the services of a Russian sub-marine.[58] Eventually it could be introduced into as many as 5 ballistic missile submarines.
[edit]Cruise missiles
India has a number of Moskit supersonic nuclear capable cruise missile
P-70 Ametist cruise missile
[edit]Nirbhay
Nirbhay (Sanskrit "Fearless") is a long range, subsonic cruise missile being developed in India. The
missile will have a range of 1,000 km and will arm three services, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and
the Indian Air Force.[59] The Nirbhay will be able to be launched from multiple platforms on land, sea
and air. The first test flight of the missile is expected in the year 2012. Nirbhay will be a terrain hugging, stealth missile[60] capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission
requirements and will use inertial navigation system for guidance.[61] There are plans to arm the IL-
76MDs with the aerial version of the missile.[62]
[edit]3M-54 Klub
India has acquired around 200 3M-54 Klub for arming Talwar class frigate, Shivalik class
frigate, Kolkata class destroyer and Sindhughosh class submarine.[63] The Russian 3M-54 Klub is a
multi-role missile system developed by the Novator Design Bureau (OKB-8) with a range of 250 km-300 km and an average speed of .8 Mach with a maximum of 2.9 Mach.[64] India has both the Klub-N
and Klub-S variant to be used for Ships and Submarines respectively.[65] Both the Klub-N and Klub-S
have been tested successfully. India currently has the 3M-54E, 3M-54E1, 91RE1 and 91RE2 variants. In addition the Navy has plans to arm the Tu-142 and Tu-22M with an air-launched version. Due to
Klub's longer range than BrahMos it may also be used in the Mirage 2000 and Su-30 MKI too. The Navy has shown interest in buying more Klubs which would be incorporated on to the S-
1000 submarine if bought by India. India is also keen on other Former Soviet cruise missile such as
the P-700 Granit and P-500 Bazalt.
[edit]P-70 Ametist
India has Soviet P-70 Ametist submarine-launched cruise missiles.[66] The missile were mostly
probably bought in the early 90s and may be used today as canistered launched land based cruise
missiles instead of submarine launched cruise missiles. The missiles can carry nuclear warheads and
have a range of 50–65 km. Although they are extremely old and incompetent due to their low range
and speed, there are still reports that they are kept in reserve and can still be used due to their
upgrades in the late 90s.[67]
[edit]Moskit
India has a number of operational Moskits.[66] The P-270 Moskit is a
Russian supersonic ramjet powered cruise missile capable of being launched from land and ships.
India has most probably bought both land and ship variants which have a range of 120 km. India bought around 200 Klub missiles and now it is believed that the Moskit have been kept in reserve but
can still be used.
[edit]Brahmos
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.
It is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and
Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.[68]
The acronym BrahMos is perceived as the confluence of the two nations represented by two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.[69] It travels at speeds of Mach 2.5 to 2.8 and is
the world's fastest cruise missile. It is about three-and-a-half times faster than the U.S.A's subsonic
Harpoon cruise missile. A hypersonic version of the missile is also presently under development (Lab
Tested with 5.26 Mach Speed). BrahMos claims to have the capability of attacking surface targets as
low as 10 meters in altitude. It can gain a speed of Mach 2.8, and has a maximum range of 290 km.[70] The ship-launched and land-based missiles can carry a 200 kg warhead, whereas the aircraft-
launched variant (BrahMos A) can carry a 300 kg warhead. It has a two-stage propulsion system, with
a solid-propellant rocket for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet responsible for sustained
supersonic cruise. Air-breathing ramjet propulsion is much more fuel-efficient than rocket propulsion,
giving the BrahMos a longer range than a pure rocket-powered missile would achieve.
The high speed of the BrahMos likely gives it better target-penetration characteristics than lighter
subsonic cruise-missiles such as the Tomahawk. Being twice as heavy and almost four times faster
than the Tomahawk, the BrahMos has almost 32 times the initial kinetic energy of a Tomahawk
missile (although it pays for this by having only 3/5 the payload and a fraction of the range despite
weighing twice as much, suggesting a different tactical paradigm to achieve the objective).
Although BrahMos is primarily an anti-ship missile, it can also engage land based targets. It can be
launched either in a vertical or inclined position and is capable of covering targets over a 360 degree
horizon. The BrahMos missile has an identical configuration for land, sea, and sub-sea platforms. The
air-launched version has a smaller booster and additional tail fins for added stability during launch.
The BrahMos is currently being configured for aerial deployment with the Su-30MKI as its carrier.
India has produced more than 110 Brahmos by March 2011 as per SIPRI, inducted 1 regiment of
6 Sindhughosh Class submarines can fire nuclear capable cruise missile, 3M-54 Klub.
The INS Tabar and other Talwar class frigates are armed with the Nuclear capable3M-54 Klub cruise missiles.
[edit]Nuclear submarines
According to some accounts, India plans to have as many as 25 nuclear submarines capable of
carrying missiles with nuclear warheads.[citation needed]Currently, India has built one and is building two
more nuclear submarines under the Arihant class submarine plan. India currently maintains six submarines of the Sindhughosh Class that can launch the nuclear-capable 3M-54 Klub cruise
missiles.
[edit]Former Leasing of Soviet submarines
In 1988 INS Chakra (Sanskrit: Wheel), a Charlie-class submarine was leased by the Indian Navy for
three years from the Soviet Union, until 1991. The submarine was leased to India between 1988 and 1991 mainly for India to gain experience in the operations of a nuclear submarine. It was later
decommissioned in 1991.
[edit]Arihant class submarine
The Arihant class submarines (Sanskrit: Slayer of Enemies) are a class of nuclear-powered Ballistic
Missile submarines being constructed for the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, India under the
Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project [74][75] The ATV is an SSBN and will be armed
with ballistic missiles.
The first of these, INS Arihant was launched on 26 July 2009. The vessel, which will undergo sea-
trials for up to two years, will then be equipped with an unknown number of K-15 Sagarika SLBMs.[76]
The second and third submarines of the class may incorporate the Nirbhay as well. As of July 2007,
the Sagarika missile as well as Dhanush had undergone three successful tests each.
In 2000, negotiations between India and Russia were conducted into the leasing of two incomplete Akula class . The Akulas were to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2008 on a lease of at
least seven years and up to ten years, in which at the end of the lease, it has an option to buy them.
The acquisition was to help the Indian Navy prepare for the introduction of the ATV. The cost to India
of acquiring two Akula submarines and their support infrastructure along with training of the crews had been estimated at $2 billion.[77] The Indian version was reportedly armed with the 300 km range 3M-
54 Klub nuclear-capable missiles.[78] Supposedly on 9 November 2008 one of the two submarines
was conducting tests, when an accident on board killed 20 sailors but no damage occurred to the
submarine. Though this deal fell apart for some time due to the Indians demanding an
upgrade/improvement in some of its safety features, Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev on his
official trip to New Delhi said that the deal was back on track and that "The talk is not about selling submarines into India's property, but about their rent by India's navy".[79] However, unlike the earlier
deal the modified deal states that India can only rent and not buy the subs, but defence experts state
that the so-called lease agreement is only to divert international attention and that it would be eventually modified and India would inevitably keep the subs. The first submarine will be named INS
Chakra.[80]. Home voyage under Indian control from the Russian port of Vladivostok to its Indian base
Visakhapatnam commenced January, 2012.[81]
INS Chakra was inducted into the Indian Navy on April 4, 2012.[82][83]
[edit]INS Cruise Missile Submarines
The INS Sindhuraj (Sanskrit: King of the Ocean), INS Sindhuvir (Sanskrit: Warrior of the Ocean), INS
Sindhuratna (Sanskrit: Gem of the Ocean), INS Sindhushastra (Sanskrit: Weapon of the Ocean), INS
Sindhukesari (Sanskrit: Lion of the Ocean) and INS Sindhuvijay (Sanskrit: Conqueror of the Ocean) are capable of launching 3M-54 Klub and BrahMos nuclear-capable cruise missiles.[78] India bought
10 Kilo class (in India known as Sindhughosh Class) submarine of which 6 have been refitted by the
Russian Navy so that the they can launch cruise missiles such as the nuclear capable 3M-54 Klub.
[edit]Amur class submarines
Russia has also offered the advanced Amur Class Submarine, known as the S1000. According to
GlobalSecurity India is already building the S1000 cruise missile submarines in Mazagaon Docks.[84]The Amur will be most probably fitted with P-700 Granit or the Klub cruise missile capable of
carrying nuclear warheads.
[edit]Frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers
The Shivalik class frigates are armed with the 3M-54 Klub and may also incorporate the nuclear capable Nirbhay
missile in the future. Seen here is the INS Shivalik when under sea trials.
Other than submarines, India also maintains ships such as destroyers, modified patrol crafts and
frigates which can launch nuclear capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
Talwar class frigate and Shivalik class frigate are frigates of the Indian Navy that can fire nuclear
capable cruise missiles. INS Tabar and INS Trishul are Talwar class vessel armed with supersonic nuclear 3M-54 Klub cruise missiles while INS Shivalik was the first vessel of the Shivalik class to
incorporate the 3M-54 Klub. Other vessels of the Shivalik Class and Talwar Class are to be armed
with the BrahMos and 3M-54 Klub missiles by 2009 and 2010 respectively. All these frigates are also
equipped with Barak 1 missiles or other SAMs and harbour helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv. In
years to come, the Nirbhay missileis also to be incorporated into Talwar class frigates and Shivalik
class frigates.
Rajput Class, Kolkata Class and Delhi Class are Destroyers of the Indian Navy that may be armed
with nuclear capable missile-Nirbhay. In addition Kolkata Class will also incorporate the Russian nuclear 3M-54 Klub cruise missile.[63]
The ship launched Dhanush Ballistic Missile was tested from INS Subhadra of the Sukanya class
patrol craft in 2000. INS Subhadra is a patrol vessel which was modified and the missile was
launched from the reinforced helicopter deck. The 250 km variant was tested but the tests were considered partially successful.[34] In 2004, the missile was again tested from the INS Subhadra and
was this time successful.[35] Then the following year in December the missile's 350 km version was
tested from the INS Rajput and hit the land based target.[36]
INS Vikramaditya Aircraft Carrier (formerly known as Admiral Gorshkov) was fitted with P-500
Bazalt nuclear capable cruise missiles of the range of 550 km.[85] The Vikramaditya could still be
armed with this after its refit. India is also a potential customer for a Slava class cruiser which also
India currently has fourth generation jet fighters capable of launching nuclear weapons. Nuclear-
capable aircraft are also seen as a less expensive way of dropping nuclear warheads as well as being
as effective.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI,[86] Dassault Mirage 2000,[87] and MiG-29 [88] serve in the Indian Air Force and
are also seen as a means to deliver nuclear weapons. In addition India maintains SEPECAT
Jaguar and MiG-27M which can be used to drop gravity bombs.[89] On the other hand, the Su-30MKI
is capable of carrying nuclear weapons and is tailor-made for Indian specifications.[86] It is primarily an
air superiority fighter with air-to-ground attack capabilities.[90] The MKI variant features several
improvements over the basic K and MK variants and is classified as a 4.5 generation fighter.[91][92] Due
to similar features and components, the MKI variant is often considered to be a customized Indian variant of the Sukhoi Su-35.
The Mirage 2000Hs were heavily customised during the Kargil War and is the only other version,
other than the French 2000N, to be able to be armed with nuclear weapons.
Though the MiG-29 like the HAL Tejas after many test flights have not been tested to use nuclear
weapons, they have the capacity to be armed with them. Both the HAL Tejas and Su-30MKI can
travel excess of 3,000 km without refueling; this allows India to attack targets far away in an effective
manner only using planes rather than delivery systems such as the Agni. The HAL Tejas is India's
only indigenous plane to be armed with nuclear weapons, thus making India less dependent on
Russia.
India has leased four Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers, which could carry air-launched cruise
missiles. India has reportedly upgraded its Russian-built Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft to carry air-launched cruise missiles.[93] India is expected to buy up to 200 Sukhoi PAK-FA stealth fighter jets,
India's Advanced Air Defense (AAD) interceptor missile
Main article: Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program
India has an active ABM development effort using indigenously developed and integrated radars and locally designed missiles.[95] In November 2006, India successfully conducted the PADE (Prithvi Air
Defence Exercise) in which an Anti-ballistic missile, called the Prithvi Air Defense
(PAD) an Exoatmospheric(outside the atmosphere) interceptor system intercepted a Prithvi-II ballistic
missile. The PAD missile has the secondary stage of the Prithvi missile and can reach altitude of 80 km. During the test the target missile was intercepted at an 50 km altitude.[96] India became the
fourth nation in the world to acquire such a capability and the third nation to develop it through indigenous effort.[97] On 6 December 2007 the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile system was
tested successfully.[98] This missile is an Endo atmospheric interceptor with an altitude of 30 km.
According to scientist V K Saraswat of DRDO the missiles will work in tandem to ensure a hit
probability of 99.8 percent.[99] Induction of the system into services is expected to be in 2010. Two
new anti ballistic missiles that can intercept IRBM/ICBMs are being developed. These high speed
missiles (AD-1 and AD-2) are being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with the range of
5,000 km.[100]
India also has Russian S300 PMU-2 and it is used as an interceptor for ballistic missiles. An
indigenous nuclear tipped surface to air missile, Akash Missileis used to destroy low range missiles
and is capable of destroying various targets and is one of the few of its kind systems in the world. India has also shown interest in the Russian S-400, the most advanced anti-ballistic missile.
[edit]Chemical weapons
In 1992 India signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), stating that it did not have chemical
weapons and the capacity or capability to manufacture chemical weapons. By doing this India became one of the original signatories of the Chemical Weapons Convention [CWC] in 1993,[101] and
ratified it on 2 September 1996. According to India's ex-Army Chief General Sunderji, a country
having the capability of making nuclear weapons does not need to have chemical weapons, since the
dread of chemical weapons could be created only in those countries that do not have nuclear
weapons. Others suggested that the fact that India has found chemical weapons dispensable
highlighted its confidence in the conventional weapons system at its command.
In June 1997, India declared its stock of chemical weapons (stockpile of 1044 tonnes of sulphur mustard).[102][103] By the end of 2006, India had destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical
weapons/material stockpile and was granted extension for destroying (the remaining stocks by April 2009) and was expected to achieve 100 percent destruction within that timeframe.[104] India informed
the United Nations in May, 2009 that it had destroyed its stockpile of chemical weapons in compliance
with the international Chemical Weapons Convention. With this India has become third country after South Korea and Albania to do so.[105][106] This was cross-checked by inspectors of the United Nations.
India has an advanced commercial chemical industry, and produces the bulk of its own chemicals for
domestic consumption. It is also widely acknowledged that India has an extensive civilian chemical
and pharmaceutical industry and annually exports considerable quantities of chemicals to countries
such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Taiwan.[107]
India has a well-developed biotechnology infrastructure that includes numerous pharmaceutical
production facilities bio-containment laboratories (including BSL-3 and BSL-4) for working with
lethalpathogens. It also has highly qualified scientists with expertise in infectious diseases. Some of
India’s facilities are being used to support research and development for BW defense purposes. India
has ratified the BWC and pledges to abide by its obligations. There is no clear evidence,
circumstantial or otherwise, that directly points toward an offensive BW program. New Delhi does
possess the scientific capability and infrastructure to launch an offensive BW program, but has
chosen not to do so. In terms of delivery, India also possesses the capability to produce aerosols and
has numerous potential delivery systems ranging from crop dusters to sophisticated ballistic missiles.[108]
No information exists in the public domain suggesting interest by the Indian government in delivery of
biological agents by these or any other means. To reiterate the latter point, in October 2002, Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam asserted that "we [India] will not make biological weapons. It is cruel to