Maitri (missile)

The Maitri missile project is a next-generation Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) with a lethal hundred per cent kill probability. It is a short-range (15km,9.3mi) surface-to-air point defense missile system. It should not be confused with the similar Indian Army Low-Level Quick Reaction Missile system (LLQRM) requirement. The missile will fill the gap created by the Indian government's decision to wind up development of the Trishul point defense missile system. It is believed to be a blend of the French Mica and DRDO Trishul. Maitri will build on the work done by DRDO while developing the Trishul missile, using technology transfer from MBDA to fill the technological gaps that led to the failure of the Trishul project.

On 15 July 2009, The Telegraph told that the project was scrapped.^[1] But later,in June 4, 2010 Indian Express told that "After moving ahead with similar projects with Russia and Israel, India is set to finalise a missile co-development project with France to manufacture a new range of Short Range Surface to Air Missiles (SRSAM) for the armed forces."From 2007-2010, MBDA and DRDO have finalised the design and performance parameters of the missile to suit the needs of the Indian armed forces. Besides providing the Indian armed forces with a modern air defence missiles, the project will also add a new capability with France that presently does not have a similar missile in production.^[2]

The Maitri missile project involved a technological collaboration between MBDA, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and defence public sector unit Bharat Dynamics Limited. Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a premier missile laboratory of DRDO will act as the main design centre in India. The project, with a budget of US$500 million was said to have been signed in May 2007.^[3]

MBDA principal contribution will be in providing be the active homing-head, thrust vector control, terminal guidance system and composites for a modified propulsion system for the missile, while the software, command-and-control system, the launchers and system integration work would be carried out by the DRDL.

MBDA have agreed to transfer all “sensitive” technology such as the seeker and thrust vector control system to India allowing India to manufacture the Maitri missile locally as well as support them.^[4]

Two variants of the missile are planned :

• A ship-borne point and tactical air defense version for the Navy
• A mobile wheeled and tracked system for use by the Air Force and Army

The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bangalore, would develop two indigenous radars for the Maitri project. These would be new-generation variants of Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR), with the ability to track 150 targets simultaneously at a distance of 200 kilometers. The naval variant would be called the Revati and the air force version would be called Rohini.

Development of the missile is expected to be completed within three years of the project go-ahead, when initial testing will commence. Over 1000 missiles are expected to be produced for the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

References

1. ^ Junked: France joint missile plan
2. ^ "After Russia and Israel, India to develop missiles with France". Indianexpress.com. 2010-06-04. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/after-russia-and-israel-india-to-develop-missiles-with-france/629252/0. Retrieved 2010-12-05. 
3. ^ india-defence.com: DRDO, MBDA to Jointly Develop Maitri Quick Reaction Missile
4. ^ "MBDA Eyes Stronger Ties With India". Aviation Week. 2010-06-08. http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/06/08/awx_06_08_2010_p0-232603.xml. Retrieved 2010-12-05. 

External links

• Domain-B.com: DRDO to develop quick reaction missile, Maitri, with MBDA