DRDO 2.0 – Strategic Transformation
Exam Level: UPSC Foundation | Content Type: Notes + MCQs
📘 1️⃣ Introduction
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is undergoing a strategic transformation under its initiative DRDO 2.0. Spearheaded by Dr. B.K. Das, the organization is shifting from traditional weapon development toward advanced, future-oriented defence technologies.
Core Shift: From conventional weapon systems ➜ To deep-tech future warfare technologies.
🚀 2️⃣ Key Focus Areas Under DRDO 2.0
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) | Laser-based systems for drone & projectile neutralization |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Autonomous defence systems & threat detection |
| Quantum Systems | Quantum-safe communication networks |
| Photonics | Advanced radar & sensing systems |
🏭 3️⃣ DCPP Model (Industry Collaboration)
Under the Develop and Produce with Production Partner (DCPP) model:
- Private sector handles conventional weapon production.
- DRDO retains only 10–20% support role.
- Focus shifts to disruptive and long-term R&D.
This model promotes defence privatization while enhancing deep-tech innovation.
🔬 4️⃣ Major Breakthroughs
- India’s first Photonic Radar
- 30 kW Laser-Based DEW capable of neutralizing drones
- D4 Anti-Drone Platform integrating AI, radar & lasers
- Quantum entanglement-based secure communication (1+ km)
📝 5️⃣ Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
What is the core focus of DRDO 2.0?
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: Focus is on future warfare technologies such as AI, quantum systems, and directed energy weapons.
What is the core focus of DRDO 2.0?
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: Focus is on future warfare technologies such as AI, quantum systems, and directed energy weapons.
Question 2:
How much support does DRDO retain in conventional weapon development?
A) 0%
B) 10–20%
C) 50–60%
D) 100%
Answer: B
Explanation: Only 10–20% support is retained while private firms handle production.
How much support does DRDO retain in conventional weapon development?
A) 0%
B) 10–20%
C) 50–60%
D) 100%
Answer: B
Explanation: Only 10–20% support is retained while private firms handle production.
Question 3:
Which is a major breakthrough under DRDO 2.0?
A) Railgun artillery
B) Photonic radar and 30 kW laser weapon
C) Nuclear-powered aircraft
D) Stealth submarines
Answer: B
Explanation: DRDO developed photonic radar and a laser-based directed energy weapon.
Which is a major breakthrough under DRDO 2.0?
A) Railgun artillery
B) Photonic radar and 30 kW laser weapon
C) Nuclear-powered aircraft
D) Stealth submarines
Answer: B
Explanation: DRDO developed photonic radar and a laser-based directed energy weapon.
Question 4:
What is the significance of DRDO’s quantum breakthrough?
A) Launching quantum satellites
B) Entanglement-based secure communication over 1 km
C) Pulsed laser missile defense
D) Deploying AI drones
Answer: B
Explanation: It demonstrated quantum-secure communication link beyond 1 km.
What is the significance of DRDO’s quantum breakthrough?
A) Launching quantum satellites
B) Entanglement-based secure communication over 1 km
C) Pulsed laser missile defense
D) Deploying AI drones
Answer: B
Explanation: It demonstrated quantum-secure communication link beyond 1 km.
Question 5:
Which platform integrates AI, radar, and laser for drone countermeasures?
A) ASAT system
B) D4 anti-drone platform
C) Hypersonic missile system
D) Akashteer network
Answer: B
Explanation: D4 anti-drone system is operational for urban & border defence.
Which platform integrates AI, radar, and laser for drone countermeasures?
A) ASAT system
B) D4 anti-drone platform
C) Hypersonic missile system
D) Akashteer network
Answer: B
Explanation: D4 anti-drone system is operational for urban & border defence.
