JWALA Missile

• JWALA-MK1: India’s first indigenously developed private-sector micro-missile.
• Developer: IG Defence, a private Indian defence technology company.
• Type: Short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM).
• Primary Purpose: Designed specifically to intercept and physically destroy hostile drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
• Hard-Kill Interceptor: Physically destroys the target rather than relying only on electronic disruption.
• GRID Defend Ecosystem: JWALA operates as the physical effector within IG Defence’s wider GRID Defend ecosystem.
• GRID Defend: An AI-enabled battle-management network that connects sensors, command structures and weapons into a single common operational picture.

Technical Features

• Propulsion: Dual-pulse solid rocket motor with fin control.
• Engagement Range: 2–5 km.
• Altitude Range: 50 metres to 5,000 metres.
• Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 2 metres at maximum range.
• Warhead: 0.5–1.5 kg pre-fragmented high-explosive payload.
• Proximity Fuze: Equipped with a proximity fuze for effectiveness against small targets.
• Electronic Warfare: Designed to operate under electronic warfare and anti-jamming conditions.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the JWALA-MK1 missile, consider the following statements:

1. It is being developed by a private Indian defence technology company.
2. It is a short-range Surface-to-Air Missile.
3. It is designed to physically destroy hostile drones.
4. It uses a liquid-fuel rocket motor.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: JWALA-MK1 is being developed by IG Defence as a short-range, hard-kill interceptor. It uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, not a liquid-fuel rocket motor.