Pankaj, also, the MINGS is a big deal because it can be employed on tactical missiles. Usually, earlier the DRDO employed SDINS (strap down INS) on its long range missiles with GPS update with probably a similar system in backup, or just a GPS system. For tactical missiles, they didn't have much of a choice bar explicit guidance from ground based transmitters - eg they could develop command guided systems but were limited to importing subsystems if they had to build their own self guiding missiles.
Now, they can use a combination of RLG-INS (primary) with MINGS (as backup) for strategic missiles or just the MINGS for tactical missiles (a few km to a few hundred km) which can use a combination of inertial (MINGS) for mid-course guidance along with datalink update and the sensor for terminal guidance.
Also, at Defexpo, DRDO displayed three seekers - one for its PAD & the other (with partner Datapatterns) for a land attack system, both of these RF ones while the Semiactive laser one above was for the CLGM. Sudarshan, the LGB uses a similar seeker. Subsystems are key to making these missiles quickly, in response to service requirements. With these breakthroughs in propulsion (eg dual pulse motor for LRSAM, high maneuverability motors for AAD etc), control + actuation systems - both hardware & software for many programs ( eg check out the motors for Astra's fins, the guidance for the AAD/PAD sort of bullet hits bullet missiles), structures (composites for Agni etc), guidance (RLG-INS, MINGS, these seekers), plus the advances in onboard computing (advanced OBCs for missiles such as the Astra, Prithvi), and finally, the land based sensors (a whole bunch of radars)...I do think we are fast approaching the critical point that we can churn out many products across multiple requirements.
The Prahar is an excellent example of how a product originally intended for BMD could be used as a SSM..or how we employed the AKASH C3I system, suitably customized along with the Prithvi FCS for the Brahmos variants.
The need of the hour is to give the IAF/IA/IN tons of smart munitions at reasonable cost. The Sudarshan success is yet another positive step. Hopefully with the Glonass agreement now signed, we can churn out many local-JDAM types as well.
Am fairly certain now that what we are seeing from DRDO is just a portion of what they must be working on. With a successful missile expert like Saraswat at the top, these programs would have surely got an impetus and the results will be evident over time. The good thing about the missile programs is that they "pull" a lot of other tech advances along with them - eg radars, metallurgy and sensors, which can then be employed by other programs whether it be ground based air defence (which can use tech in its radars), or the LCA (which can use the RLG-INS) and so forth.
Another program mentioned publicly, were smart missile launched munitions. Sort of like
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_and_Destroy_ARMor and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBU-97_Sensor_Fuzed_Weapon.
The Nag's sensor was mentioned as a possible option for such a project.
Interestingly at Defexpo, the DRDO also displayed a lazer fuse for the Astra. Again - a subsystem which can be used for other programs as well.
sometimes we yindoos think we are over smart in konphusing mullahs, but even a no brainer will see the facts onleee.
it is important to keep low on the range.
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