Daily Current Affairs : 20-April-2024

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) these days performed a successful test of its Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Chandipur, Odisha. This development marks a substantial milestone in India’s defense capabilities and highlights the state’s growing self-reliance in military technology.

About the ITCM

The ITCM is a long-range subsonic cruise missile that has been developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). It boasts an indigenous propulsion system created by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The missile is designed to fly at low altitudes, allowing it to skim just above the ground or sea. This feature enables it to avoid radar detection, making it more effective in combat situations.

Key Features of the ITCM:

  • Long-range capabilities: It can strike targets from a significant distance.
  • Subsonic flight: The missile flies slower than the speed of sound, which helps in maintaining a low profile.
  • Low-altitude flight: By flying just meters above the ground, the ITCM can avoid enemy radar systems.
  • Indigenous technology: The development of the missile showcases India’s ability to produce advanced military technology independently.

Importance of the Test

The recent test of the ITCM verified that all its subsystems performed as expected. This successful launch not only validates the design and technology of the missile but also enhances India’s strategic defense capabilities.

Benefits of Indigenous Development:

  • Self-reliance: Developing indigenous weapons reduces dependency on foreign nations for defense needs.
  • Cost-effective: Local production can be more economical than importing military equipment.
  • Boost to the economy: The defense sector can create jobs and support local industries.

Important Points:

  • Successful Test: DRDO conducted a successful test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Chandipur, Odisha.
  • Significant Milestone: This test marks a major advancement in India’s defense capabilities and self-reliance in military technology.
  • Development: The ITCM was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) with an indigenous propulsion system.
  • Flight Characteristics:
    • Long-range capabilities allow it to strike targets from significant distances.
    • Subsonic flight enables it to maintain a low profile.
    • Low-altitude flight helps it evade radar detection.
  • Validation of Technology: All subsystems performed as expected during the test, confirming the missile’s design and effectiveness.
  • Benefits of Indigenous Development:
    • Reduces dependency on foreign nations for defense.
    • More cost-effective compared to importing military equipment.
    • Supports local industries and creates jobs in the defense sector.

Why In News

DRDO conducted a successful test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), a long-range subsonic missile, from Chandipur, Odisha. Similar to the Nirbhay, the ITCM showcased impressive low-altitude sea-skimming flight capabilities, with all subsystems performing as expected, demonstrating India’s advanced missile technology and commitment to self-reliance in defense.

MCQs about India’s Milestone in Defense: Successful Test of Indigenous Cruise Missile

  1. What is the primary purpose of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)?
    A. To transport goods
    B. To conduct surveillance
    C. To strike targets from a distance
    D. To launch satellites
    Correct Answer: C. To strike targets from a distance
    Explanation: The ITCM is designed as a long-range subsonic cruise missile capable of striking targets, thereby enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
  2. Which organization developed the ITCM?
    A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
    B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
    D. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
    Correct Answer: B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    Explanation: The ITCM was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), showcasing India’s capabilities in indigenous military technology.
  3. What is a notable feature of the ITCM’s flight capability?
    A. It can only fly at high altitudes
    B. It is a supersonic missile
    C. It features low-altitude sea-skimming flight
    D. It operates exclusively in space
    Correct Answer: C. It features low-altitude sea-skimming flight
    Explanation: The ITCM is designed to fly just meters above the ground or sea, allowing it to avoid radar detection and enhancing its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
  4. What advantage does developing indigenous weapons like the ITCM offer to India?
    A. Increased reliance on foreign technology
    B. Higher costs for defense procurement
    C. Greater self-reliance in defense needs
    D. Limited job creation in local industries
    Correct Answer: C. Greater self-reliance in defense needs
    Explanation: Developing indigenous weapons reduces dependency on foreign nations, making India more self-reliant in its defense capabilities, which can also support local industries and create jobs.

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