Centre approves new missile testing range in Andhra Pradesh

This move is aimed at strengthening the country's defence capabilities, particularly in testing tactical missile systems.

In Short

• New range to test surface-to-air, anti-tank missiles
• 31 Predator drones to be procured from the US
• Approval for two nuclear submarines construction

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh. This move is aimed at strengthening the country's defence capabilities, particularly in testing tactical missile systems.

Government sources informed India Today that the new facility will support testing of surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, and other projects under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The CCS meeting last week also cleared several key proposals for the armed forces. Among them is the procurement of 31 Predator drones from the United States and the construction of two nuclear submarines under Project ATV, which focusses on developing strategic submarines for the Indian Navy.

The proposals for building roads for the forces along with space-based capabilities were also given a go-ahead. The DRDO is at an advanced stage of developing a large number of weapon systems for the defence forces, including the Very Short Range Air Defence Systems, man-portable anti-tank guided missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, vertically launched short-range air defence systems, and many other systems in the tactical domain.