Test fire of new version and nuclear capable “Shaurya Missile” successful

On October 3, 2020, India successfully test fired the new version of nuclear capable Shaurya missile in Balasore, Odisha.

Highlights

After the success of the test firing, the missile is to be inducted into Indian Armed Forces to complement the existing missiles. The newer version of shaurya missile is easy to operate and is lighter as compared to that of the existing missile. The DRDO has been working hard to make India self-reliant in defence sector. The organization recently test fired Brahmos supersonic missile and was successful. Brahmos is capable of hitting targets at 400 km range.

On October 3, 2020, India successfully test fired the new version of nuclear capable Shaurya missile in Balasore, Odisha.

About Shaurya Missile

The missile was developed by DRDO. It is a hypersonic surface-to-surface missile with a range of 700-1000 km. It is considered as the land version of Sagarika K-15 missile. The K-15 missiles were developed to be used in nuclear powered Arihant-class submarine.

The Shaurya missiles can be hidden or camouflaged underground from enemy satellites or surveillance till they are fired from a special storage cum launch canisters. The missiles were initially designed to be launched from submarines. With the new version, they have been made nuclear capable.

Sagarika Missile

They are submarine launched ballistic missiles. They were designed for retaliatory nuclear strikes. They belong to the K-missile family. Also, they form a part of nuclear triad of India.

Nuclear Triad

Nuclear Triad is a military structure that consists of

• Nuclear-missile armed submarines
• Land-launched nuclear missiles
• Strategic Aircrafts with nuclear missiles and bombs.

Arihant Class Submarines

They are built for Indian Navy. They are developed at a cost of Rs 90,000 crores. Arihant-class submarine was the first ballistic missile built by a country other than the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The members of UNSC are UK, USA, China, Russia and France.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020