40th Anniversary of DRDO

DRDO

Technical Data

Date of Issue January 26, 1999
Denomination Rs. 10
Quantity 700,000
Perforation comb 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1672

Stamp Number IN 1733

Yvert et Tellier IN 1439

Stanley Gibbons IN 1835

Themes Aircraft | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Aviation | Organizations | Rockets | Tanks | Weapons

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s defense capabilities and self-reliance. Established in 1958, DRDO is dedicated to the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge defense systems across various domains. Here’s an overview of DRDO’s achievements and contributions, along with the commemorative stamp issued to mark its efforts:

Key Contributions:

  • Main Battle Tank (ARJUN): Developed with superior firepower, mobility, protection, and a low silhouette, the ARJUN tank represents a significant advancement in armored vehicles.
  • Bridging Systems: The Mechanically Launched Bridging System and the Bridge Layer Tank (BLT) have enhanced the mobility of troops on the battlefield.
  • Missile Systems:
  • PRITHVI: A surface-to-surface missile with variants for both the Army (150 km range) and the Air Force (250 km range).
  • AGNI: A reentry technology demonstrator system that has successfully undergone flight tests.
  • Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Incorporates advanced technologies and is undergoing pre-flight testing, with plans for induction into service by 2003.
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles and Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA): In the final stages of development and induction across the three Services.
  • Communications and Electronics:
  • Portable Satellite Communication Terminals.
  • Very Low Frequency (VLF) receivers.
  • Secure Telephone (SECTEL).
  • Night Vision Devices.
  • Radar and Computing:
  • Indra Radar: Features pulse compression for detecting low-level aerial targets.
  • Pace Plus Super Computer: A high-performance parallel processing computer for computational fluid dynamics.
  • Marine and Environmental Research:
  • SAGAR DHWANI: A marine acoustic research ship for ocean data collection.
  • Development of Extreme Cold Climate Clothing and NEC Protective Clothing for soldiers in harsh conditions.
  • Spin-off Technologies: DRDO’s advancements have led to biomedical devices like eye lasers, cancer detection systems, and cardiac devices, and have contributed to providing potable water and greening cold deserts.

Commemorative Stamp Details:

  • Purpose: The stamp commemorates DRDO’s successful efforts in enhancing self-reliance in defense systems.
  • Design Elements:
  • Foreground: ARJUN Main Battle Tank.
  • In Flight: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), and PRITHVI missile.
  • Background: INDRA radar and the experimental marine research ship SAGAR DHWANI.

The stamp highlights DRDO’s significant role in advancing India’s defense technology and ensuring self-reliance, showcasing key developments and contributions that have bolstered national security and technological capabilities.