KEY POINTS
- India successfully intercepted missile and drone attacks on May 8, 2025, using systems like S-400 and Akash.
- Eight advanced air defence systems were developed or upgraded between 2014 and 2025.
- Indigenous and international collaborations strengthened India's multi-layered air defence network.
In a major show of strength, India’s air defence systems successfully neutralised a massive attack by Pakistan on May 8, 2025. Using the powerful S-400 Triumf and the indigenous Akash missile systems, India intercepted drones and missiles aimed at 15 military bases and several major cities. This wasn’t just a victory in battle, but proof of India’s decade-long investment in building one of the world’s strongest air defence shields.
What Are Air Defence Systems?
Air Defence Systems are powerful weapons used to stop enemy aircraft, missiles, drones, and helicopters from attacking a country. These systems detect incoming threats, track them in real time, and destroy them before they cause harm. India has developed a multi-layered air defence system, meaning there are several lines of protection, from very short to long-range missiles. This includes Russian, Israeli, and Indian-made missile systems.
There are three types of air defence systems:
- Short-range systems: Used to shoot down targets within 30–70 km.
- Medium-range systems: Operate between 30–100 km.
- Long-range systems: Can strike targets up to 4000 km away.
S-400 Triumf: India’s Long-Range Shield
India signed a deal with Russia in 2018 to buy five S-400 Triumf systems, and by 2023, three had already been deployed. The S-400 is a mobile system that can detect and destroy multiple targets like aircraft, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles at long distances, up to 380 km. On May 10, 2025, this system played a crucial role in shooting down 15 missiles launched by Pakistan towards Indian military sites.
Akash Missile System: Proudly Made in India
The Akash missile system was inducted in 2014 and is fully made in India by DRDO and Bharat Dynamics. It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile that can intercept fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. The Akash has several variants including the Akash-NG, which has a range of up to 80 km. It proved its worth during the May 2025 attacks, where it successfully destroyed multiple threats targeting urban areas.
Barak 8: India-Israel Partnership in Action
Developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, the Barak 8 missile is designed for medium-range threats. With a range of up to 100 km and a top speed of Mach 2, it can be launched from land or sea. On May 10, 2025, the Barak 8 system intercepted Pakistan’s Fatah-II ballistic missile in Haryana’s Sirsa district. Its fast response time and high accuracy make it a key part of India’s defence wall.
SPYDER: Quick Reaction System for Sudden Threats
SPYDER is an Israeli quick-reaction missile system used to shoot down low-flying threats. India uses two versions, SPYDER-SR and SPYDER-MR. After the Balakot airstrike in 2019, SPYDER systems were deployed in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. Though its range is only 15 km, its fast launch and mobility make it ideal for protecting troops and cities from surprise attacks.
QRSAM: India’s Answer for Mobile Defence
The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system is another indigenous project launched in 2017. It has a range of 25–30 km and can fire while on the move. Designed to protect convoys and field formations, it includes radar systems that detect and track threats on the go. It adds another layer to India’s robust air defence system.
Abhra MR-SAM: Defence of the Northeast
Operational since 2023, the Abhra missile system was developed jointly with Israel and is deployed along India’s northeastern borders, especially in Sikkim and the Siliguri Corridor. With a range of 70 km, it is meant to stop enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones in the region near China. Its role has become more important as India faces multiple threats on two fronts.
VSHORADS: Defence at Close Range
Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), developed by DRDO, are designed for low-flying threats at close range, within 6 to 7 km. All three services, Army, Navy, and Air Force, helped test this system. It is lightweight and portable, and can be used by soldiers in the field to stop drones or helicopters suddenly appearing at low altitudes.
2K12 Kub (Kvadrat): Veteran of the Field
Although this system is older and of Soviet origin, it is still used for short-range air defence. With a range of 24 km and altitude coverage of 14 km, it has provided backup in several past operations. It has been gradually upgraded over the years to stay relevant and support newer systems during large-scale attacks.
The May 2025 incident wasn’t the first time India’s air defence systems had proven their capability. From the Balakot aftermath in 2019 to border tensions with China, these systems have been repeatedly tested and refined. Trials, upgrades, and joint operations with other countries have helped India build a multi-layered defence net that can protect both civilians and soldiers.
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