Amit's Blog

India's SMART Torpedo: Revolutionizing Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Indo-Pacific India’s Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) is a groundbreaking anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With a 650 km range, SMART combines a supersonic missile with a lightweight torpedo to engage submarines far beyond conventional limits, redefining naval strategy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Launched from ships or coastal batteries, it integrates real-time ISR from P-8I aircraft and satellites, offering unmatched standoff capability. Successfully tested (2020-2025), SMART is poised for induction by 2026-2027, enhancing India’s deterrence against Chinese and Pakistani submarine threats. While not rendering submarines obsolete, it forces adversaries to rethink underwater tactics. This essay explores SMART’s technical prowess, strategic significance, global comparisons, and limitations, supported by expert insig...

  DRDO Technology Transfers: Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem  On June 7, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), via its Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), transferred technologies for nine defence systems to ten Indian companies, advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. These systems, including the CBRN Recce Vehicle, Mounted Gun System, and Anti-Terrorist Vehicle, address modern battlefield and security needs. Companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems are set to manufacture these, with demand projected at 2,300–4,800 units and USD 2.15–4.25 billion in value by 2030. While some technologies, like the Mounted Gun System, are cutting-edge, others are conventional but tailored for India’s needs. Compared to global best-in-class systems, they are cost-effective but may lag in automation. Investments by companies are estimated at USD 710–1,250 million, driven by military mod...

India's Shield of Innovation: DRDO's Journey of Self-Reliance The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) stands as the bedrock of India's indigenous defence capabilities. Over the past four decades, DRDO has transformed from a nascent scientific body into a powerhouse, delivering strategic systems like the Agni and Prithvi missiles, the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, and the Akash air defence system. While celebrated successes have undeniably bolstered India's strategic autonomy and positioned it as an emerging defence exporter, the journey has also been marked by significant challenges, including persistent project delays, cost overruns, and bureaucratic hurdles. However, with renewed focus on cutting-edge technologies, enhanced industry collaboration, and a clear vision for the next five years, DRDO is poised to further elevate India's defence prowess, cementing its role in the nation's journey towards complete self-reliance. The Genesis of Sel...

Akash: India's Sky Shield Soars – Capabilities, Evolution, and Global Ambitions Towards 2030   India's indigenous Akash missile system stands as a testament to the nation's burgeoning self-reliance in defence. Born from decades of dedicated research and development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash has matured into a formidable medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system. Its operational prowess was definitively proven during the recent Operation Sindhur, where it successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including sophisticated Chinese-designed missiles and drones. This battlefield success has not only bolstered India's strategic confidence but also positioned Akash as a sought-after system on the global defense market. With significant upgrades like Akash-NG on the horizon and an aggressive export strategy, India aims to solidify its standing as a major defense technology exporter by 2030, reinforcing the 'Atmani...