After achieving the final operational clearance for the light combat aircraft Tejas and the successful anti-satellite test, he is now leading a multi-pronged effort to build the next class of fighter jets.
Besides developing more powerful engines and potent weaponry, the DRDO is now capable of building much bigger jets, including commercial aircraft. At a time when China is helping Pakistan develop its next-generation fighter jet, the DRDO’s fighter jet project will provide extra firepower to the Indian Air Force. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, India’s top defence scientist talks about the DRDO’s big plans.
You have completed one year as DRDO chairman. What are the changes you have been able to bring into the field of defence research?
The first year as DRDO head has been very eventful for me. We are in a phase of consolidating and expanding into futuristic technologies in defence research. We are converting our experience and skills into matured technologies and expanding our product range to fulfil the requirements of the tri-services. We could successfully demonstrate anti-satellite capability and become the fourth nation to do so.
At the same time, I have initiated research in advanced fields like quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, asymmetric technologies, advanced materials and sensors, and so on. Defence technologies for space and cyber security are other areas where we have started work in a big way. Work on indigenous air propulsion systems is progressing well. Trials of Nirbhay cruise missile, Nag missile and anti-tank guided missile have been successfully conducted in the past one year.
この記事は THE WEEK の September 29, 2019 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は THE WEEK の September 29, 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
Coalition dynamics and poor electoral prospects continue to diminish Ajit Pawar's political stock
