Missiles (Defence Technology).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: General Science; Mains GS3: S&T developments
On 25 August 2026 the Raksha Mantri approved the transfer of technology of all DRDO-developed conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry for production within the country. The aim is to move missiles from development to industrial production, widen the defence industrial base, cut imports and bring MSMEs into the supply chain.
UPSC angle: Mains: Private sector in defence manufacturing.
25 Aug 2026
India successfully test-fired the Medium Range Ballistic Missile Agni-4 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha, on 6 August 2026, the Defence Ministry said. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, which handles such strategic missile tests.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Agni series.
6 Aug 2026
DRDO conducted the maiden flight-test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha on 23 July 2026. The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat. Missiles, radars and the command centre are indigenous DRDO-industry products.
UPSC angle: Prelims: missiles in news.
23 Jul 2026
DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on 8 July 2026. The rocket flew a user-defined minimum range of 60 km and hit the target as planned. It was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, showing multi-variant launch from the same system.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Pinaka.
8 Jul 2026
DRDO successfully flight-tested the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha on 15 June 2026. All test objectives were met on data from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru, is the nodal laboratory; subsystems are indigenous with industry partners.
UPSC angle: Prelims: cruise vs ballistic missiles.
15 Jun 2026
DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from an airborne platform, the Defence Ministry said on 2 June 2026. The tests were done under extreme release conditions, and the missiles hit a predefined target with pin-point accuracy. Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, is the nodal laboratory.
UPSC angle: Prelims: missile types.
2 Jun 2026