National Technology Day observed on May 11 commemorates 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) and technological milestones like Hansa-3 aircraft and Trishul missile.

Key facts

• National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, collectively known as Operation Shakti, which made India the sixth member of the global nuclear club.
• India conducted three underground nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, followed by two more on May 13, demonstrating thermonuclear and fission weapons capability.
• The operation was led by aerospace scientist and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• The day also marks the successful test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft in Bengaluru and the successful test-firing of the Trishul surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999 to honour India's scientific community.