Put on fast track: Psychological test for Agniveers, anti drone system

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on several critical projects aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

Psychological Assessment for Agniveers

• DRDO is developing a psychological assessment test for the selection of Agniveers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Aim: To evaluate mental fitness and resilience, especially for serving in stressful and isolated conditions.
• Previously, no psychological tests were conducted for Agniveers or regular soldiers, although officers undergo such evaluations during recruitment.

Anti-Drone Technology

• DRDO is developing a High Power Microwave System with a range of 1 km to combat enemy drones.
• This is part of the broader effort to counter emerging threats from small and advanced UAVs, which pose significant security risks.

Directed Energy Weapon Systems (DEW)

• DRDO is focusing on the development of a 30 kW Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system designed to neutralize aerial threats like drones.
• It uses concentrated electromagnetic energy and offers advantages like precision, low cost, and logistical benefits.

Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) System

• The DRDO is working towards granting the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the AEW&C system, Netra, used by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• These systems detect and track enemy aircraft and UAVs, providing critical information to ground and onboard operators for threat assessment and interception.

Regulatory and Certification Bodies

• DRDO plans to give statutory status to certification bodies like
  • The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification
  • The Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety.
• This will ensure stringent quality standards and enhance regulatory oversight in the defense sector.

Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile

• A priority project is the development of this missile system for the IAF, with potential for integration across aerial, naval, and land platforms.

Prelims Takeaway

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Drones
• Netra