DMPQ- . Explain Integrated guided missile development programme ( IGMDP). How it has played an important role in India’s defence

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles. The programme was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government political organisations. The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Abdul Kalam who oversaw its ending in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed.

On 8 January 2008, the DRDO formally announced the successful rated guided missile programme was completed

Prithvi

The Prithvi missile  is a family of tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) and is India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile. Development of the Prithvi began in 1983, and it was first test-fired on 25 February 1988 from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre, Pottisreeramulu Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km. The land variant is called Prithvi while the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi III class missiles are code named Dhanush (meaning Bow). Both variants are used for surface targets.

Agni

A technology demonstrator for re-entry technology called Agni was added to IGMDP as Prithvi was unable to be converted to a longer ranged missile. The first flight of Agni with re-entry technology took place in 1989. The re-entry system used resins and carbon fibres in its construction and was able to withstand a temperature of up to 3000 °C.

Trishul

Development of Trishul missile was completed, and by 2006 DRDO was in dialogue with Indian Air Force for possible induction of Trishul missile after jointly developing the user trial criteria. Trishul was completed as a “Technology Demonstrator” due to delay in development of state-of-the-art technology and changes in requirement of the Armed Forces.

Akash

AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks. AKASH Weapon System can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. It has built in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features.

Nag

The Nag missile also called “Prospina” for the land-attack version, is an Indian third-generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with an operational range of 500 m to 20 km.