DRDO Transforms STAR Drone into Supersonic Missile
DRDO has successfully converted its STAR drone into an affordable supersonic missile. This new missile will support the BrahMos in saturation strike roles.
Source: GNews DRDO WeaponsThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully transformed its STAR (Supersonic Target Aerial Radar) drone into an affordable supersonic missile. This new missile is designed to complement the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, especially in saturation strike scenarios. Saturation strikes involve launching a large number of missiles simultaneously to overwhelm enemy air defences. The conversion of the STAR drone into a missile provides a cost-effective solution for increasing India's missile arsenal. This development enhances India's strategic defence capabilities by offering a high-speed, low-cost option for engaging targets. The DRDO's innovation aims to provide a significant advantage in modern warfare by ensuring a robust and diverse missile inventory.
This development is important for competitive exams under Science & Technology and Defence sections (UPSC GS Paper III, SSC General Awareness). Aspirants should understand DRDO's role in indigenous defence production and the strategic implications of such advancements. It highlights India's progress in missile technology and self-reliance in defence, which are recurring themes in exams.
- DRDO transformed the STAR drone into a supersonic missile.
- The new missile will support the BrahMos in saturation strike roles.
- STAR stands for Supersonic Target Aerial Radar.
- The transformation provides an affordable supersonic missile option.
- Saturation strikes aim to overwhelm enemy air defences.
- DRDO is India's premier defence research agency.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is an agency of the Government of India, responsible for the research and development of defence technologies. It was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in New Delhi. DRDO works under the Ministry of Defence and plays a crucial role in making India self-reliant in defence.
BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is a joint venture between Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's DRDO. It is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world.
A supersonic missile is a missile that travels faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1). These missiles are difficult to intercept due to their high speed, making them effective for striking targets quickly and accurately. The speed of sound is approximately 1,235 km/h at sea level.
A saturation strike is a military tactic where a large number of missiles or weapons are launched simultaneously towards a target. The goal is to overwhelm the enemy's air defence systems, making it impossible for them to intercept all incoming threats, thereby ensuring a high probability of hitting the target.
Exams often ask about India's indigenous defence capabilities, key DRDO projects, and the strategic importance of missile systems like BrahMos. Focus on the 'Make in India' aspect and technological advancements.
Remember 'STAR' drone became a 'STAR' missile, shining bright in India's defence, supporting 'BrahMos' like a 'B'rother.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of transforming the STAR drone into a missile?
The primary purpose of transforming the STAR drone into a missile is to create an affordable supersonic missile. This new missile will support the BrahMos in saturation strike roles, enhancing India's ability to overwhelm enemy air defences with a larger volume of high-speed projectiles.
How does the new DRDO missile complement the BrahMos missile?
The new DRDO missile complements the BrahMos by providing a cost-effective option for saturation strikes. While BrahMos is a powerful and advanced missile, the converted STAR drone offers a more economical way to increase the sheer number of supersonic missiles launched, making it harder for adversaries to defend.
What does 'saturation strike' mean in defence strategy?
In defence strategy, a 'saturation strike' refers to an attack involving a large number of missiles or weapons launched simultaneously. The aim is to overwhelm and bypass the enemy's air defence systems, ensuring that a significant portion of the incoming projectiles reach their intended targets.