DRDO(defence Research And Development Organization

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<b>DRDO's integrated missile programme to end this year</b>

Pioneer News Service | New Delhi

With the successful completion of the Akash air defence system, the Defence Research and Development Organisation plans to formally end its two-decade-old prestigious integrated missile programme including four missile systems this year-end with the user trials of Nag anti-tank missile.

Chief controller (Research and Development) of the DRDO, Prahalada said the DRDO would now need only five to six years to develop a missile system as compared to two decades by going in for technological tie-ups with the Indian industry and foreign countries.

However, strategic projects like the Agni missile systems would not be covered under the new philosophy, the top scientist said adding more than 16 countries were now eager to join hands with the DRDO for joint development and manufacture of top the line defence systems.

Elaborating upon the integrated missile programme, he said this year would see "the dream of Dr Abdul Kalam coming to a happy end." Kalam was the main architect of indigenously designing and developing integrated missile programme including Prithvi (range of 200 kms).