The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has an action-packed agenda for 2024, focusing on critical areas like psychological assessments for Agniveers, advanced weapon systems, and strengthening its regulatory framework.
One of the noteworthy projects is the development of a psychological evaluation for Agniveers, the youth recruited under the new Agnipath scheme. This test will help assess the mental fitness of the recruits and is expected to be implemented later this year. This addition to the recruitment process is crucial in ensuring the holistic suitability of Agniveers for the armed forces.
On the weaponry front, DRDO is close to securing Final Operational Clearance for the Indian Air Force's Airborne Early Warning and Control system "Netra". This advanced system, designed to detect and track aerial threats, will significantly enhance India's air defence capabilities.
Additionally, DRDO is actively working on a powerful 30 kW Directed Energy Weapon system, capable of neutralizing rogue aerial objects like drones using concentrated electromagnetic energy.
Further demonstrating its commitment to modernization, DRDO is also seeking to provide statutory backing to essential regulatory and certification bodies such as the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Centre for Fire, Explosive, and Environment Safety.
Additionally, countering the increasing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles, the organization is prioritizing the development of an anti-drone High Power Microwave System. It also has plans for the first launch of a Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, designed to be versatile across aerial, naval, and land platforms.
DRDO's ambitious 2024 agenda showcases India's focus on strengthening its defence capabilities through technological advancements and a well-rounded approach to recruitment and regulation. These developments are likely to play a crucial role in safeguarding India's security interests in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
