SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Air Force, equipped with a diverse fleet that includes the Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft, relies on a range of munitions to bolster its air defence capabilities. Among these, the High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) Mk II missiles play a crucial role.
As part of the nation’s Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) initiative, there is a growing need to manufacture these advanced missiles within the country. To realize this objective, the proposal is to produce HSLD Mk II missiles following the “Make III” procedure as outlined in Chapter III of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP 2020).
The High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) Mk II missile is part of India’s next-generation short-range air-dropped precision-guided munition family. This advanced munition is currently in development under the auspices of India’s renowned Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the HSLD Mk II missile offers the capability to target and destroy strategic high-value enemy infrastructure from stand-off distances.
This general-purpose bomb is compatible with a variety of aircraft within the IAF’s inventory, including the Dassault Mirage 2000, Mikoyan MiG-29, SEPECAT Jaguar, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and the indigenous HAL Tejas. The adaptability of the HSLD Mk II missile makes it a versatile asset for the IAF’s air defence strategy.
The Indian Air Force has already taken significant strides in validating the capabilities of the HSLD Mk II missile. Notably, the IAF successfully tested the PGHSLD 500 from the Su-30MKI platform, demonstrating the missile’s precision and reliability in real-world scenarios.
The proposal to manufacture HSLD Mk II missiles within India, in alignment with the Atmanirbhar scheme, marks a substantial leap toward self-reliance in munition production. By reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and embracing indigenous manufacturing, India strengthens its national defence capabilities while fostering a self-reliant future.
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