Evaluate the role of DRDO in achieving **Atmanirbhar Bharat** in critical defence technologies with reference to recent missile programmes.

Q. Evaluate the role of DRDO in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical defence technologies with reference to recent missile programmes. (15 marks, 250-350 words)

Critical defence technologies — missile seekers, interceptors and guidance algorithms — are denied by export-control regimes, making indigenous capability the true test of Atmanirbhar Bharat. DRDO's three back-to-back flight-tests of June 2026, validating a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield and the maiden Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR), show substantial success, though gaps in induction remain [1].

Achievements in critical technologies - Strategic shield mastered: the June 2026 trials placed India among the elite nations able to intercept ballistic missiles up to ICBM class, a capability no country transfers [1]. - Indigenous core systems: the Phase-II AD-1 interceptor uses a two-stage solid motor with indigenously developed control, navigation and guidance algorithms — the very sub-systems most vulnerable to sanctions [2]. - Import substitution at sea: NASM-MR succeeds the NASM-SR family, replacing ageing imported anti-ship missiles on naval platforms and deepening sea-denial in the Indian Ocean [1][3]. - Systems integration capability: the April 2023 ship-launched interceptor trial proved DRDO can fuse radar–interceptor–command chains across land and naval platforms [4].

Limitations in evaluation - Long gestation: BMD Phase-II moved from its 2022 maiden AD-1 test to demonstration only in 2026, and the programme itself dates to the post-1999 period [2]. - Test-to-induction gap: successful flight-tests are technology demonstrations, not deployed squadrons; India still relies on the imported S-400 for operational air-defence cover. - Narrow base: capability remains concentrated in DRDO labs, with private industry largely a sub-contractor rather than a design partner. - Salvo-launch and waterline-hit validation of NASM-SR came only in 2025, indicating incremental rather than leapfrog progress [5].

On balance, DRDO has decisively demonstrated that India can design, not merely assemble, frontier strategic systems — the strongest evidence yet for self-reliance in defence. Converting demonstrators into inducted systems, and widening the design base to private industry under the Defence Acquisition Procedure and Positive Indigenisation Lists, will complete the transition from technological sovereignty to operational Atmanirbharta.

(~330 words)

Sources: 1. DRDO demonstrates the nation's next-gen defence capabilities (PIB, 13 June 2026) — three flight-tests of 10–11 June 2026, multi-layered BMD up to ICBM class, maiden NASM-MR test at ITR Chandipur 2. DRDO conducts successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II BMD interceptor off Odisha coast (PIB, Nov 2022) — AD-1 two-stage solid motor, indigenous control/navigation/guidance algorithms 3. DRDO & Indian Navy conduct flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (PIB) — indigenous naval anti-ship missile replacing legacy systems 4. DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful trial of BMD interceptor from naval platform (PIB, April 2023) — sea-based interception validating multi-platform integration 5. DRDO & Indian Navy conduct maiden salvo launch of NASM-SR (PIB, 2025) — salvo launch and waterline-hit capability demonstrated