DRDO Hands Over Six Indigenous Systems to Indian Navy

On 14 July 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a significant milestone in India's defence indigenisation efforts by formally handing over six strategic, indigenously designed and developed systems to the Indian Navy. These products were designed in alignment with the Naval Staff Qualitative Requirements (NSQR)—a set of operational and technical specifications provided by the Indian Navy to ensure that equipment meets specific performance criteria.

The six indigenous products transferred include:

1. Gamma Radiation Aerial Surveillance System (GRASS) – a system designed for aerial detection and mapping of gamma radiation levels, useful for identifying radiological threats over large maritime or coastal areas.

2. Environmental Surveillance Vehicle (ESV) – a mobile platform equipped with instruments for real-time environmental monitoring, particularly in the context of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.

3. Vehicle Radiological Contamination Monitoring System (VRCMS) – installed on vehicles to detect and monitor radioactive contamination, particularly after operations in potentially hazardous environments.

4. Underwater Gamma Radiation Monitoring System (UGRMS) – a device used to measure gamma radiation underwater, crucial for nuclear-powered vessels or potential radiological leaks at sea.

5. Dirt Extractor and Cross Contamination Monitor (DECCOM) – used for extracting particles from surfaces and monitoring contamination transfer, especially in decontamination zones.

6. Organ Radioactivity Detection System (ORDS) – designed to measure and monitor internal radioactivity in the human body, aiding in radiation exposure assessment and medical intervention planning.

In another key development, recently, DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the flight-test of the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), ‘Astra’, from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha. BVRAAMs are missiles capable of engaging enemy aircraft at distances beyond the pilot’s visual range, typically over 100 km, thereby offering a decisive advantage in aerial combat.

The test involved two successful launches against high-speed unmanned aerial targets, conducted under varying conditions of range, target angle, and launch platform orientation. In both instances, the Astra missile system displayed pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the targets as intended. Significantly, the trials validated the performance of the indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, a key component that helps guide the missile toward its target using radio wave signals.

All subsystems of the missile, including propulsion, guidance, and navigation systems, performed flawlessly. The Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, equipped with advanced range tracking instruments, captured the flight data which confirmed the operational reliability of the system.

With a range exceeding 100 kilometers, Astra represents a cutting-edge advancement in air-to-air combat technology. Its success is the result of collaboration among various DRDO laboratories and more than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The system features state-of-the-art guidance, autonomous tracking, and terminal homing capabilities, establishing India's growing capability in high-performance, next-generation missile technology.

Together, these developments reflect India's deepening focus on defence self-reliance under the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The successful development and deployment of these systems not only strengthen national security but also demonstrate the growing synergy between indigenous R&D institutions and the armed forces.

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