WEAPONS IN NEWS : DRAGON DRONES, T90 BHISHMA TANK

Context 

A deadly new weapon in the Russia-Ukraine War, dragon drones are known to emit a molten metal that burns at 2,427 degree Celsius, essentially raining down fire.

Purpose

Incendiary unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used to burn down natural barriers and fortifications, targeting military personnel and equipment.

Development

Developed by private manufacturer Steel Hornets; thermite capable of burning through 4 mm of metal in under 10 seconds.

Payload

Thermite (powdered iron oxide and aluminum)- developed a century ago to weld railroad tracks.

Legal Status

Legal for military use; illegal against civilians.

Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: Incendiary weapons like thermite are limited to military targets due to their indiscriminate nature and the severe burns they cause.

United Nations' stance

Discourages use due to environmental damage and difficulty containing fires.

Context 

Indian Army rolls out its first overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank, further enhancing its operational readiness.

Introduced in Indian Army

2003

Three Crew

Commander, Gunner, Driver.

Main Gun

125 mm smoothbore gun.

Anti-Aircraft Gun

Mounted, 2 km range, 800 shells per minute.

Speed

60 km/h.

Maneuverability

Capable of quick movement through forests, mountains, and marshy terrains.

Thermal Sighting System

Advanced, detects targets up to 8 km away, day or night.

Origin

Developed from T-72, Russian main battle tank.

Indian Variant

T-90S Bhishma.

India's Acquisition

Purchased 310 T-90S tanks in 2001.

Upgrades

Advanced Mid Wave Thermal Image-based sight, Laser Range Finder, Digital Ballistic Computer, Automatic Target Tracker.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.India has made significant strides in its defense industry, aiming to become a global defense power. Discuss the state of India's indigenous weapons systems development and the potential for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. (250 words)