DRDO successfully conducted the final trial of which anti-tank guided missile in Pokhran range in October 2020?
Nag
DRDO's Anti-Tank Missile Test in 2020
The question asks about a significant defence development by DRDO in October 2020 involving an anti-tank guided missile trial at the Pokhran range. DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is India's premier agency responsible for military research and development.
Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) are crucial weapons designed to destroy tanks and other armoured vehicles. They are guided systems, meaning their trajectory can be controlled after launch to ensure accuracy.
Identifying the Missile
In October 2020, DRDO conducted final trials of one of its key anti-tank missile systems. These trials are essential to validate the performance and reliability of the missile before it is inducted into the armed forces. The Pokhran test range in Rajasthan is a well-known site for various defence tests conducted by India.
Let's look at the options provided:
- Amogha
- Dhruvastra
- Nag
- Jasmine
Based on defence news and official announcements from October 2020, DRDO successfully conducted the final trial of the Nag anti-tank guided missile. This trial validated the missile's capabilities against targets in various conditions.
The Nag missile is a third-generation fire-and-forget ATGM. It is designed to engage and destroy modern main battle tanks during day and night. The Nag missile system includes the missile itself and the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), which is a modified BMP-2 combat vehicle capable of carrying and launching Nag missiles.
It is worth noting that 'Dhruvastra' is the helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile. While related, the specific final ground-based trial conducted in October 2020 that was widely reported was for the Nag missile system.
Conclusion
The final user trial of the Nag anti-tank guided missile was successfully conducted by DRDO in October 2020 at the Pokhran field firing range, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Army.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organization | DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) |
| Missile Type | Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) |
| Missile Name | Nag |
| Trial Date (Final) | October 2020 |
| Test Location | Pokhran Range, Rajasthan |
| Significance | Successful final user trial, cleared for induction |
Revision Table: Understanding Missile Types
| Classification Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Short-range, Medium-range, Long-range, ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) | Prithvi (Short), Agni (Medium/Long) |
| Launch Mode | Surface-to-Surface, Surface-to-Air, Air-to-Surface, Air-to-Air, Submarine-launched | BrahMos (Surface-to-Surface/Ship/Air), Akash (Surface-to-Air) |
| Propulsion | Ballistic (unpowered after boost), Cruise (powered flight) | Agni (Ballistic), BrahMos (Cruise) |
| Guidance | Guided (controlled trajectory), Unguided (rocket) | Nag (Guided), Pinaka (Unguided Rocket System) |
| Target Type | Anti-tank, Anti-ship, Anti-aircraft | Nag (Anti-tank), Varunastra (Anti-submarine Torpedo) |
Additional Information on DRDO and Nag Missile
DRDO plays a vital role in making India self-reliant in defence technology. The development of complex systems like the Nag missile is a significant step in indigenous defence production under initiatives like "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat".
- The Nag missile uses an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for guidance, allowing it to lock onto the target before or after launch (fire-and-forget capability).
- The NAMICA carrier can carry multiple Nag missiles, enhancing the firepower and mobility of anti-tank units.
- Successful trials like the one in October 2020 are crucial milestones, demonstrating the system's readiness for operational deployment by the Indian Army.
Understanding these tests and missile systems is important for students studying defence technology, current affairs, and military modernization efforts in India.
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