What Did Union Minister Sanjay Seth Discover During His Visit to the Missile Complex in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Seth praised DRDO scientists for their contributions.
- Emphasis on strengthening the Armed Forces.
- Successful tests of Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles.
- Focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat for self-reliance in defense.
- Continued investment in indigenous defense technology.
Hyderabad, July 18 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State (MOS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, praised the scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for their significant contributions toward achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat by developing advanced weapon systems, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
He urged the scientific community to persist in fortifying the Armed Forces to tackle any present-day challenges.
During his two-day tour, the Union Minister explored the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
Seth reviewed the ongoing Missiles and Weapon Systems programme managed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of the Missile Cluster Labs.
He toured various work centres of DRDL, including the Astra Mk-I and Astra Mk-II, as well as facilities for vertically-launched short-range surface-to-air missiles and scramjet engines, as per a Defence Ministry announcement.
Distinguished scientist and Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems), U. Raja Babu, along with DRDL director G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, briefed him on the project status.
The Minister also visited essential work centres at RCI, where director Anindya Biswas informed him about the advancements in indigenous navigation/aviation systems, onboard computer division, and imaging infra-red seeker facilities.
The Ministry of Defence noted, "Sanjay Seth also visited various critical work centres of RCI, where Director, RCI Anindya Biswas apprised him of the progress of the Indigenous Navigation/Aviation Systems, Onboard Computer Division & Imaging Infra-Red Seeker facilities."
The conclusion of Union Minister Seth's two-day visit coincided with the successful test-firing of two significant strategic assets—the short-range ballistic missile Prithvi-II and the ballistic missile Agni-I.
These tests were conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur.
As reported by the Ministry of Defence, the launches were executed under the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine training and validation exercises.
Both missiles met all operational objectives and technical specifications, according to the Ministry's statement.
These tests reaffirmed the reliability and accuracy of India's nuclear-capable delivery systems.