Houthis' entry into the ongoing conflict has brought to fore the use of advanced technology on both sides. Israel used its Arrow defence system to intercept Houthis' Qader missile.
Ministry of defence says purpose of trial was to engage, neutralise a hostile ballistic missile threat 'thereby elevating India into the elite club of nations having Naval BMD capability'.
The test was done with all Ballistic Missile Defence weapon system elements at different geographical locations. Defence Minister congratulated DRDO & others for the successful trial.
A shot in the arm will be the full-fledged trial of the indigenous Rustom 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2021, after much delay.
BMD programme envisaged for Delhi. This, along with the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system, aims to secure India from all kinds of incoming missiles.
India proved its A-SAT capability on 27 March when it knocked off one of its own satellites 300 km in space. However, the Chinese threat still persists.
For an industry globally classified as hazardous, protections such as health insurance and a provident fund for workers are necessities. In Sivakasi, they remain elusive.
The industry forecasts exports are set to grow 16% in 2025-26, boosted by surplus domestic production and a drive to push into 26 underserved global markets with strong potential.
Indigenisation level will progressively increase up to 60 percent with key sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts being manufactured locally.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
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