The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh. The facility, which will be set up in the Nagayalanka area, aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities by providing a dedicated site for testing various tactical missile systems.
New Missile Range for Tactical Testing
The new testing range will be used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to conduct test firings of tactical missile systems, including surface-to-air missile systems and anti-tank missiles. This move is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its missile and defence technology, with DRDO leading several key projects in this area. The range will play a critical role in the development of advanced missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
In addition to the new missile range, the CCS also gave the green light to several other significant defence proposals. These include the purchase of 31 Predator drones from the United States and the construction of two nuclear submarines under Project ATV, which focuses on developing strategic submarines for the Indian Navy. The committee also approved initiatives to improve infrastructure for the armed forces, such as the construction of roads and the expansion of space-based capabilities.
DRDO’s Expanding Role in Defence Development
The DRDO is currently working on a range of tactical weapon systems for the Indian military. These include Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), man-portable anti-tank guided missiles, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems, and vertical-launched short-range air defence systems. The organisation is also expected to contribute significantly to the construction of nuclear submarines, as outlined in the recently cleared CCS projects.
The new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh is seen as a critical step in supporting these ongoing developments and advancing India’s strategic and tactical defence capabilities.