CHENNAI: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is all set to strengthen the Indian defence armoury by developing ‘Prahari’, a deep penetrating surveillance system.
“Using ‘Prahari’ we can see through the other side of the border during night and day. The range will depend on the sensor. We are taking up the new project,” C.P. Ramanarayanan, DS & DG (Aero), DRDO, told media persons at the DefExpo in Chennai, on Friday.
Explaining the monetary position of the organisation, S. Christopher, DRDO chairman and department of defence (research and development) secretary said that a sum of Rs 18,000 crore has been allotted for DRDO for 2018-19. “Of this, 25 to 30 percent has been earmarked for new projects,” he added.
According to Christopher, around 275 patents have been given to DRDO in the last three years, by which it had earned Rs 190 crore. “Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System has huge potential and we may export the gun system,” he said. He also added that the government has asked to make 201 Mark II light combat aircraft (LCA). “With the new LCAs, India will have 324 Mark I and Mark II aircraft. We are also asked to look into twin-engine aircraft for stealth operation,” he said.
Satheesh Reddy, DRDO and scientific advisor to defence minister, said that new version of anti-tank missile, which can be launched from helicopters and also from the ground would be taken up.
