Low-intensity weapons on DRDO agenda

Fending off threats from internal enemies with least damage to surroundings is high on the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) agenda.

Fending off threats from internal enemies with least damage to surroundings is high on the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) agenda.

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The organisation has been forced “to switch its focus from border areas to internal security”, due to the rising number of terror and Naxalite attacks.

“Around 50 to 60 scientists with 10 labs are developing special infrastructure,” V.K. Saraswat, scientific advisor to the Union defence minister said on Wednesday at the 7th International High Energy Materials Conference at High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

“The DRDO is interacting with the state police and border security forces handling low-intensity conflicts,” he said.

The HEMRL in Pune has successfully tested some products like 84 mm incendiary ammunition and the chilli bomb. While the incendiary can be helpful in flushing out terrorists in 26/11-like attacks, the chilli bomb, made of potent chillies, can control violent mobs.

“The HEMRL has transferred the technology to a private company for production”, said DRDO spokesperson Manish Bharadwaj.