India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is undergoing a significant strategic transformation under its new initiative—DRDO 2.0. Spearheaded by senior official Dr. B.K. Das, this new approach sees DRDO pivot from traditional weaponry to cutting-edge future warfare technologies such as directed energy weapons (DEWs), quantum systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and photonics.

• Conventional weapon development is being delegated to private industry through the Develop and Produce with Production Partner (DCPP) model, with DRDO retaining just a 10–20% support role. This allows the organization to focus on long-term, disruptive research. (The Economic Times, Indian Defence News)

• Notable achievements under DRDO 2.0 include the development of India’s first photonic radar, a 30 kW laser-based DEW capable of neutralizing drones and projectiles, and an operational D4 anti-drone platform integrating AI, radar, and lasers for urban and border defence. (Indian Defence News, ypredict.ai)

• DRDO has also made strides in quantum communication, jointly demonstrating a quantum entanglement–based free-space secure communication link over more than 1 km with IIT Delhi, paving the way for quantum-safe defense communication networks. (DRDO, Business Today)

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1:
What is the core focus of the newly introduced DRDO 2.0 strategy?
A) Enhanced naval systems
B) Next-gen technologies like DEWs, AI, quantum systems
C) Expansion of traditional munitions production
D) Complete privatization of DRDO
Answer: B
Explanation: DRDO 2.0 is aimed at shifting focus toward future warfare technologies—specifically directed energy, AI, quantum systems, and photonics—rather than conventional weapons. (The Economic Times, Indian Defence News)

Question 2:
Under DRDO 2.0, how much support does DRDO continue to provide in conventional weapons development?
A) 0%
B) 10–20%
C) 50–60%
D) 100%
Answer: B
Explanation: DRDO delegates the bulk of conventional weapons development to private firms and retains only 10–20% support, enabling it to concentrate on deep-tech R&D. (Indian Defence News, Wikipedia)

Question 3:
Which of the following is a key breakthrough achieved by DRDO under this initiative?
A) Railgun-based artillery
B) Photonic radar and 30 kW laser-based weapon
C) Nuclear-powered aircraft
D) Stealth submarines
Answer: B
Explanation: Noteworthy breakthroughs include development of photonic radar and a 30 kW laser weapon capable of versatile drone and projectile interception. (Indian Defence News, ypredict.ai)

Question 4:
What is the significance of DRDO’s quantum communication breakthrough with IIT Delhi?
A) Launching quantum satellites
B) Establishing secure, entanglement-based free-space links over 1 km
C) Pulsed laser deployment for missile defense
D) Deploying AI drones
Answer: B
Explanation: DRDO and IIT Delhi demonstrated quantum entanglement-based secure communication over more than 1 km, a key step toward quantum-safe networks. (DRDO, Business Today)

Question 5:
What operating platform has DRDO already deployed that integrates AI, radar, and laser technologies for drone countermeasures?
A) ASAT system
B) D4 anti-drone platform
C) Hypersonic missile system
D) Akashteer air defence network
Answer: B
Explanation: The D4 anti-drone platform is fully operational and integrates AI, radar, and laser-based technologies to address urban and border drone threats. (Indian Defence News