KEY POINTS
- India’s S-400 missile system, with interception up to 380 km, vastly outperforms Pakistan’s HQ-9 and forms the backbone of national air defence.
- Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) ensures real-time coordination across services, enhanced by the indigenous Akashteer radar fusion network.
- Indigenous advancements like Akash and Project Kusha showcase India's self-reliance, with multiple systems also being exported to friendly nations.
India’s air defence architecture stands tall today as a shining example of technological depth, strategic foresight, and self-reliant military advancement. With a potent blend of Russian, Israeli, and indigenously developed systems, India has built a multi-layered and integrated shield that is far superior to that of Pakistan, which remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports.
At the heart of India’s formidable air defence lies the Russian-origin S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile system—one of the world’s most advanced surface-to-air missile systems. This powerhouse can detect and neutralize a wide array of aerial threats, including strategic bombers, fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, missiles, and drones, at staggering ranges of up to 380 kilometers. What makes the S-400 unparalleled is its four different types of missiles, capable of engaging targets at 120 km, 200 km, 250 km, and 380 km, respectively. Its radar systems, especially the primary acquisition radar with a 600-kilometer range, can track hundreds of targets simultaneously.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already deployed three S-400 squadrons in strategically vital sectors in north-western and eastern India, effectively covering both the Pakistan and China borders. This deployment is part of a $5.4 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) contract signed with Russia in 2018. While the final two S-400 squadrons are delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, they are expected to arrive by 2026-27.
India’s advantage over Pakistan is stark. Pakistan primarily relies on the Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence system, which in its base variant offers a range of only 120 km, extended up to 300 km in the latest version. Supplementing this are Pakistan’s aging French-origin Spada systems, limited to a range of 20–25 km and primarily used for static defence around key installations like airbases.
In contrast, India’s air defence coverage is unified and seamless, thanks to the cutting-edge Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This highly automated network ties together sensors and weapons across the country, providing real-time situational awareness and rapid response capability. It is now being further enhanced with the Akashteer system, which fuses radar data from both the IAF and the Indian Army to present a single, real-time air picture accessible by all defence nodes.
India is also marching forward with indigenous defence capabilities. The Akash missile system, proudly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is already deployed in significant numbers by both the Army and the Air Force. With an interception range of 25 km, Akash is now also being exported to friendly nations, marking India’s emergence as a reliable global defence supplier.
A landmark future addition to India’s defence prowess is the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) under Project Kusha, which is being developed to engage threats at ranges of around 350 km. This home-grown marvel is expected to be operational by 2028–29, underscoring India’s commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Complementing the long-range systems are a suite of medium and short-range solutions. The Barak-8 MR-SAM, jointly developed with Israel and inducted by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offers robust protection with a range of over 70 km. Additionally, India has Israeli Spyder quick-reaction missiles with 15 km range, and Russian Igla-S man-portable systems covering up to 6 km.
Legacy systems like the Igla-1M (5 km), OSA-AK-M (10 km), and Pechora are still in use alongside upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns (3.5 km). Meanwhile, DRDO is actively testing Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) with up to 6 km range, to add further agility and flexibility to India’s defensive arsenal.
India’s multi-tiered air defence system is not just a military asset—it is a statement of national resolve, a result of visionary policy, strategic alliances, and the growing strength of our indigenous defence industry. While Pakistan continues to depend on foreign imports, India is setting a global benchmark by combining world-class technology with home-grown innovation, securing the skies and shaping the future of defence.
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