Advanced Chaff Technology

Q Why is it in News ? 

A

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard the naval ships against enemy missile attack.

• It is another step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Q What is Advanced Chaff Technology ? 

A

• Chaff is an electronic countermeasure technology used by militaries worldwide to protect naval ships or other sensitive targets from radar and radio frequency (RF) guiding mechanisms of the enemy missile.
• The chaff rockets deployed in the air reflect as multiple targets for the missile guidance systems and deflecting adversary missiles, thus protecting their own assets.
• DRDO has indigenously developed three variants of the critical technology namely Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR).

Q What is difference between Chaff and Flares ? 

A 

• Both chaff and flares are defensive countermeasures deployed by military aircraft. The purpose is to confuse radar-guided or infrared-guided anti aircraft missiles fired so that they could be diverted.
• Chaff is composed of many small aluminium or zinc coated fibres stored on-board the aircraft in tubes. In case the aircraft feels threatened by any radar tracking missiles, chaff is ejected into the turbulent wake of air behind the plane.
• Flares on being fired provide an alternate strong IR (Infrared) source to heat-seeking anti-air missiles so that they are lured away from the aircraft.

Q What are some key details about DRDO? 

A 

• DRDO works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
• It is working to establish a world class science and technology base for India and provides Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
• It was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
• It is responsible for carrying out Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

Q What are some recent tests conducted by DRDO ? 

A 

• Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)
• Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target
• Laser-Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile
• BrahMos Missile
• Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system
• Rudram