DRDO(defence Research And Development Organization

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<b>Indian Defence scientists achieve major breakthrough</b>

New Delhi (PTI): Indian Defence scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in missile technology by indigenously developing composite rocket motor casing for missiles.

<b>"One meter diameter composite material rocket motor has been developed and tested by DRDO"</b>, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

He said the motor was used for missile propulsion system. The development of such a system had been eluding Indian missile scientists so far.

<b>"Composite material rocket motor is lighter in weight and easier to fabricate", the minister said. DRDO is now using the motor casing for test flights of its most advanced Agni Range of missiles.</b>

On the Development of the Akash surface-to-air missile, the minister told the House in written replies that all trial objectives of the missile were "completely met" during recent series of trials undertaken at the Interim test Range in Orissa.

Antony said while Air Force was processing the case of procurment of these missiles, Army had informed that it would take a final view after studying the IAF user trials.

"The test trials have conclusively established the readiness and effectiveness of the Akash weapon system", the Defence Minister said. He said the missile could now engage diverse targets including target in "ripple mode".