Now Reading: Parliamentary panel seeks fast-track funds for next-gen weapons
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Parliamentary panel seeks fast-track funds for next-gen weapons
A Parliamentary Committee has recommended a dedicated budget head for research into critical defence technologies, including hypersonic missiles, sixth-generation fighter jets and supersonic glide weapons. The panel said separate funding would avoid…
The Story in Brief
A Parliamentary Committee has recommended a dedicated budget head for research into critical defence technologies, including hypersonic missiles, sixth-generation fighter jets and supersonic glide weapons. The panel said separate funding would avoid bottlenecks and ensure time-bound development of strategic projects, with clear milestones and testing infrastructure. DRDO is already developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft as a fifth-generation fighter and planning work on sixth-generation aircraft, the report notes.
The Ministry of Defence told the panel that hypersonic weapons, travelling at Mach 5 or more, are highly manoeuvrable and nearly impossible to intercept with current systems. India Today reports that indigenous development in glide missile technology is seen as vital as warfare shifts to networked systems. The panel also stressed that these capabilities would support future unmanned platforms and next-generation combat aircraft.
The Indian Opinion
A dedicated budget line for cutting-edge defence tech sounds sensible, but the real test is execution. Past DRDO projects have slipped years past their deadlines, and money alone has rarely fixed that. Watch whether the ministry actually sets public timelines for the AMCA and hypersonic glide missiles, and whether it names a single agency accountable for each milestone. If the panel's report leads to faster procurement and fewer cost overruns, it will matter. If it just adds another layer of paperwork, it is another report gathering dust. The next budget will show the intent.
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
