IGCAR’s FBTR Milestone: 40 Years of Nuclear Innovation Powering India’s Strategic Arsenal
The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) at Kalpakkam commemorated a nuclear odyssey on October 18, 2025, marking 40 years since the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) achieved first criticality in 1985. This sodium-cooled, plutonium-uranium fueled pioneer, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has fueled India’s three-stage nuclear program, from thorium mastery to advanced fuels for submarines and hypersonics.
Spanning four decades, FBTR’s innovations—yielding 500+ MWh of data on mixed oxide fuels and carbide variants—have underpinned reactors like the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), now operational. Key to strategic deterrence, its tech powers the 83 MW reactors in Arihant-class SSBNs, extending submerged patrols to 30+ days against Indo-Pacific rivals. Amid Operation Sindoor’s revelations on rapid strikes, FBTR-derived fuels enhance Agni-VI yields and BrahMos-II propulsion.
Rajnath Singh’s recent dedication of PTC Industries’ titanium plant in Lucknow complements this, securing rare earth elements (REEs) for reactor components amid global supply crunches. With ₹10,000 crore allocated for atomic R&D in FY26, IGCAR eyes FBTR-2.0 for 1 GWe output by 2030, slashing uranium imports by 30%.
This anniversary not only celebrates self-reliance but positions India as a nuclear exporter, eyeing collaborations with AUKUS partners while safeguarding sovereignty in a multipolar world.
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