• The DRDO successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed high-speed expendable aerial target, Abhyas, from the integrated test range in Chandipur off the Odisha coast.

• Abhyas is a High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a target for the testing of missile systems.

• It offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems. It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot

• Four flight trials of HEAT-Abhyas were successfully carried out by the DRDO.

• The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration. 

• The objectives like safe release of booster, launcher clearance and attaining the required end of launch velocity were achieved.

• During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated.

• Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Abhyas offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapons systems.

• It has a radar cross section, visual and infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice.

• It has a laptop-based ground control system with which the aircraft can be integrated and pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight and post-flight analysis can be carried out.

• Abhyas requires minimum logistics and is cost effective compared to imported equivalents.

• The systems tested recently were realised through production agencies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Defence.

• The system has export potential and can be offered to friendly countries.

Defence Research and Development Organisation

• DRDO is the research and development wing of the defence ministry. Its vision is to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with the requirements laid down by the three services.

• DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production with the Defence Science Organisation. 

• DRDO was then a small organisation with 10 establishments or laboratories. Over the years, it has grown multi-directionally in terms of the variety of subject disciplines, number of laboratories, achievements and stature.

• Today, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories that are deeply engaged in developing defence technologies covering various disciplines such as aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems and agriculture. 

• Several major projects for the development of missiles, armaments, light combat aircrafts, radars, electronic warfare systems etc are on hand and significant achievements have already been made in several such technologies.

• DRDO’s pursuit of self-reliance and successful indigenous development and production of strategic systems and platforms such as Agni and Prithvi series of missiles, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka, air defence system Akash, etc have given a quantum jump to India’s military might, generating effective deterrence and providing crucial leverage.

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