Context:

• Recently, India successfully thwarted drone and missile attacks by Pakistan using its advanced air defence systems like the S-400, Akash, and Barak-8. In retaliation, under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed Pakistan's air defence units stationed in Lahore.
• India's air defence system is a multi-layered and integrated structure, capable of tackling diverse aerial threats.

What is an Air Defence System?

• An Air Defence System is a military mechanism developed to secure a country’s airspace from hostile aircraft, missiles, drones, and other aerial threats.
• It comprises components like radars, sensors, missiles, gun systems, interceptor aircraft, and electronic warfare systems.

India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence Structure:

India’s ADS consists of multiple layers to counter threats at different ranges and altitudes:

1.Long-Range Interception:

• Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme
• Capable of destroying ballistic missiles at 50–80 km altitude (PAD) and 30 km (AAD).

2. Intermediate Range:

• S-400 Triumph System
• Can track and neutralize targets up to 400 km away.

3. Short Range:

• Akash, MRSAM (Barak-8)
• Effective against targets within 25–70 km.

4. Very Short Range:

• MANPADS, ZU-23-2, L-70, Shilka Guns
• Effective for low-altitude threats within 2–5 km range.

How Air Defence Systems Work:

1. Threat Detection:

• Advanced radars like Swordfish, Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) and satellite surveillance detect threats such as missiles, drones, and aircraft from hundreds of kilometers away.

2. Data Processing & Tracking:

• Threat analysis includes speed, altitude, direction, and type.
• Data is relayed to command centers.

3. Counter Action:

• The appropriate weapon system (missiles, guns, interceptors) is activated to neutralize the threat mid-air.

4. Damage Assessment:

• Post-engagement debris analysis ensures complete elimination of the threat.

India’s Major Air Defence Systems:

S-400 Triumph: Long-Range Air Defence System

• Developed by Russia, the S-400 is a cutting-edge surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
• India signed a deal in 2018 for five squadrons.

Key Features:

• Nicknamed “Sudharshan Chakra” (possibly informal or media-named).
• Capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles.
• Detection Range: Up to 600 km.
• Engagement Range: Up to 400 km.
• Missile Types: 4 different missiles to counter varied threats.
• Launchers: Each battalion has about 8 launchers; each launcher has 4 missile tubes.
• Target Capacity: Simultaneous tracking and engagement of 72 targets.

Akash Missile System: Indigenous Medium-Range Air Defence

• A medium-range mobile SAM system developed by India.
• Used by both the Indian Army and Air Force.

Key Features:

• Range: 25–30 km.
• Altitude Coverage: Up to 20 km.
• Speed: Mach 2.5.
• Warhead: 60 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead.
• Propulsion: Air-augmented rocket with ramjet sustainer.
• Guidance: Mid-course command guidance + terminal active radar homing.
• Launch Platform:

• • Army: Mounted on T-72 or BMP-2 chassis.
  • Air Force: Tata LPTA 3138 8×8 trucks.
• Tracking Capacity: One battery can track 64 targets and engage 12 simultaneously.
• Development: By DRDO; Production by BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited).

Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): High-Altitude Interceptor

A crucial component of India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program, also known as Pradyumna Interceptor Missile.

Key Features:

• Type: Exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile (intercepts outside Earth's atmosphere).
• Developed by: DRDO; based on the Prithvi missile.
• Interception Altitude: Up to 80 km.
• Engagement Range: Designed to intercept missiles with ranges of 300–2000 km.
• Speed: Mach 5+ (hypersonic).
• Guidance:

• • Inertial Navigation System (INS)
  • Mid-course updates from ground-based radar
  • Terminal phase – Active Radar Homing
• Launch Platform: Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) based on 8x8 vehicles.
• Role: Neutralizes long-range ballistic missiles during their mid-flight phase—forms the first layer of India’s BMD shield.
• Status: First successful test in 2006.

Advanced Air Defence (AAD):

AAD is another crucial component of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program. It is also known as the Ashwin Interceptor Missile.

Key Technical Features:

• Type: Endo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile, designed to intercept ballistic missiles within the Earth's atmosphere at low altitudes. It acts as a second line of defence if the target escapes interception by the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) system.
• Development: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Interception Altitude: Maximum interception altitude is up to 30 km; some sources cite 15–30 km.
• Range: Operational range of 150–200 km.
• Speed: Up to Mach 4.5.
• Guidance: Uses an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and an Active Radar Seeker in the terminal phase.
• Propulsion: Single-stage, solid-fuel missile with siliconized carbon jet vanes for fast pitch and roll control during launch.
• Launch Platform: Can be launched from mobile platforms.
• Role: Designed to neutralize ballistic missiles in their terminal phase within the atmosphere.
• Status: First successful test in 2007; now deployed and part of India's BMD architecture.

MRSAM (Medium Range Surface to Air Missile):

Also called Abhra, MRSAM is a modern air defence system jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with participation from Indian public and private defence firms.

Key Features:

• Range: 0.5 to 100 km
• Speed: Around Mach 2.5 (≈ 2448 km/h)
• Warhead Capacity: Approximately 60 kg
• Targets: Fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise and ballistic missiles
• System Includes: Active radar homing, multi-function radar, radio frequency seeker
• Design: Dual-stage missile, low-smoke emission, capable of engaging multiple targets

Deployment:

• Deployed with Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Installed on aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant
• Deployed along the western border by Army missile units

SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby):

SPYDER is a short-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It uses Python-5 and I-Derby missiles.

Key Features:

• Range: Around 20 km (varies by variant)
• Targets: Fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles

Missiles Used:

• Python-5: Infrared seeker-based
• I-Derby: Active radar seeker-based

Capabilities:

• Multi-target engagement
• Rapid response
• All-weather, day-and-night operations

Mobility & Radar:

• Easily deployable on vehicles
• Equipped with advanced radar capable of tracking and neutralizing multiple threats

Use in India:

• Deployed by Indian Air Force
• Enhances aerial defence capabilities
• Protects key defence installations

QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile):

QRSAM is an indigenously developed missile system by DRDO, designed to protect mobile armoured units of the Indian Army from aerial threats.

Key Features:

• Range: 3 to 30 km
• Targets: Fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles

System Capabilities:

• Can track and engage targets while in motion
• Canister-based design for easy transport and storage
• Single-stage solid-fuel missile
• Equipped with active radar seeker and ECCM capabilities

Radar Systems:

• Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR)
• Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR) — offers 360° coverage

Launch Platform:

• 6 missiles per launcher with multi-target engagement capability
• Operable in all weather conditions

Deployment & Importance:

• To be inducted into Indian Army
• Supports 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India)
• Provides fast and effective low-range air defence

Barak 8 Missile System (LRSAM – Long Range Surface to Air Missile):

Barak 8 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system jointly developed by India and Israel. 'Barak' means 'lightning' in Hebrew.

Development:

• Jointly developed by DRDO (India) and IAI (Israel)
• Manufactured in India by BDL with involvement of Israeli companies

Key Features:

• Range: 70–100 km (some reports suggest more)
• Targets: Fighter jets, drones, helicopters, cruise and anti-ship missiles
• Launch Capability: Land and sea-based versions

Technology:

• Active radar homing
• Tracking via MF-STAR radar
• 360° coverage with vertical launch capability
• Speed up to Mach 2, 60 kg warhead
• Capable of tracking multiple targets and handling saturation attacks

Deployment:

• Indian Navy: Deployed on INS Vikrant and Kolkata-class destroyers
• Indian Air Force & Army: Land-based version known as MRSAM

Advanced Air Defence (AAD):

AAD is another vital component of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program. It is also known as the Ashwin Interceptor Missile.

Key Technical Features:

• Type: It is an endo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile, designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at lower altitudes within the Earth's atmosphere. It is meant to engage targets that evade the PAD system, thus acting as a complementary second layer of defence.
• Development: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Interception Altitude: Maximum interception altitude is up to 30 km; some sources mention a range between 15 to 30 km.
• Range: Operational range of 150 to 200 km.
• Speed: Can achieve speeds up to Mach 4.5.
• Guidance: Uses Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Active Radar Seeker in the terminal phase.
• Propulsion: Single-stage, solid-fuel missile equipped with silicon-carbide jet vanes for rapid pitch and roll control during launch.
• Launch Platform: Can be launched from mobile launchers.
• Role: To intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their terminal phase at low altitudes within the atmosphere.
• Status: First successful test conducted in 2007. It is now deployed as part of India’s BMD system.

MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile):

MRSAM, also known as Abhra, is a modern air defence system developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with contributions from several Indian public and private defence companies.

Key Features:

• Range: 0.5 to 100 km.
• Speed: Approximately Mach 2.5 (~2448 km/h).
• Warhead Capacity: Around 60 kg.
• Target Types: Capable of engaging fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
• System Components: Includes Active Radar Homing, Multi-Function Radar, and Radio Frequency Seekers.
• Design: Two-stage missile, low smoke emission, supports multi-target engagement.

Deployment:

• Integrated into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Deployed on aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant.
• Used by missile units along the Western border.

SPYDER (Surface-to-Air Python and Derby):

SPYDER is a short-range surface-to-air air defence system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It uses Python-5 and I-Derby missiles.

Key Features:

• Range: Around 20 km (more in some versions).
• Targets: Effective against fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.

Missiles:

• Python-5: Infrared seeker-based missile.
• I-Derby: Equipped with active radar seeker.

Capabilities:

• Supports multi-target engagement.
• Offers quick response time, all-weather and day-night operation.
• Mobility: Easily deployable on vehicle-mounted launchers.
• Radar: Equipped with advanced radar capable of tracking and neutralizing multiple targets.