KEY POINTS
- Pakistan launched missiles that failed to reach targets due to India’s advanced air defence.
- Indian military’s swift radar response neutralized potential threat in seconds.
- Experts say India’s system could deter future Pakistani aggression.
In early May 2025, India found itself under aerial attack. Pakistani drones, missiles, and loitering munitions came swarming across the border, targeting northern India after India launched a bold pre-emptive operation called Operation Sindoor. This mission struck deep into terrorist camps across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, shaking up the enemy and triggering a desperate retaliation.
But Pakistan’s strategy was clear: send a flood of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision weapons from multiple directions, especially across Punjab and the Kashmir region. The aim was to confuse and overwhelm Indian defences. However, India was ready. What followed was a textbook example of modern warfare and brilliant coordination. India’s Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) swung into action and showed the world what decades of careful planning and investment can achieve.
A Multi-Layered Shield That Worked Perfectly
The success wasn’t an accident. India has spent years building a strong, multi-layered air defence grid that includes radars, missiles, electronic warfare systems, and real-time command networks. This setup is run through two powerful systems: the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) managed by the Indian Air Force, and the Akashteer network operated by the Indian Army. Together, they make sure the Army, Air Force, and Navy work together with a clear, real-time view of the sky.
After Operation Sindoor, the Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO) described India’s air defence as a “200-kilometre wide dome” stretching from the border inward. Every layer of this dome has its job: long-range missiles to stop threats far away, mid-range and short-range systems for closer dangers, and finally, point-defence units ready to intercept anything that slips through.
Long-Range Guardians (S-400 and Future Kusha Missiles)
The outermost ring is guarded by the S-400 Triumf, known in India as the Sudarshan Chakra. It is India’s most powerful air defence missile system to date. With a range of up to 400 km (although engagements typically happen at 60–100 km), it can destroy fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles even before they come close.
During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 played a critical role. It detected and intercepted threats at long range and kept the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) from even crossing into Indian airspace.
India currently has three S-400 squadrons operational, with two more arriving from Russia by 2026. Meanwhile, India’s DRDO is working on an indigenous project called Project Kusha, which will include missiles with ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and even 350 km. Approved with a budget of Rs 21,700 crore, it is expected to be ready by 2028–29 and will reduce dependency on foreign systems.
The Mid-Range Shield (MRSAM)
The next layer includes Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) developed jointly by India and Israel. These missiles are designed to hit threats at around 70 km distance. Used by both the Army and Air Force, they are capable of shooting down enemy jets, UAVs, and even cruise missiles.
Built on the Israeli Barak-8 system but modified with Indian components, the MRSAM features radar-guided targeting and can work day and night in all weather. During Operation Sindoor, this layer played a key role in stopping several Pakistani UAVs that had slipped past the outer defences.
The Short-Range Defenders (Spyder and Akash)
When enemy threats get closer, India activates the second shield made of systems like Spyder and Akash.
The Spyder system, built by Israel, uses two types of missiles: Python-5 (infrared-guided) and Derby (radar-guided). These missiles are deadly for drones and low-flying aircraft. With a range of up to 20 km, they are fast-reacting and very effective.
On the other hand, India’s Akash system is completely indigenous. With ranges between 25 and 35 km depending on the version (Akash-1, Akash-NG, and Akash Prime), it uses radar tracking and command guidance. The Akash system is also mobile and was deployed near border zones to destroy drones and loitering munitions during the operation.
The Last Line of Defence
This innermost layer is the final safety net. It includes close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) that defend against anything that comes within 10 km of key targets.
The Army uses older systems like OSA-AK-M, Strela-10M, and guns like Tunguska and Shilka, which can fire thousands of rounds per minute to destroy incoming missiles or drones. Portable systems like Igla-M and the newer Igla-S are also used by infantry to take down helicopters or UAVs on short notice.
Even the Navy plays a part here with systems like the AK-630, a six-barreled Gatling gun that shoots 5,000 rounds per minute, and Barak-1 missiles for ship defence.
No air defence system works without good surveillance. India has a wide range of radar systems keeping constant watch.
The Arudhra Radar, developed by DRDO, is one of the most important systems for long-range tracking. It can detect targets up to 300 km away and even spot small drones.
In rough terrain like the Himalayas or the Northeast, mobile radars like Aslesha and Bharani are deployed. These radars specialise in low-altitude detection and are ideal for areas with hills and forests.
Drones have become one of the biggest threats in modern warfare, and Pakistan used them heavily in the May 2025 attack. But India had an answer—its new D4 anti-drone system developed by DRDO.
The D4 uses jammers, radars, and even lasers to stop or destroy drones mid-air. These were used during Operation Sindoor to protect airbases and key facilities.
In addition, electronic warfare systems like Samyukta and Himshakti jammed the signals and GPS links of many enemy drones, rendering them useless.
Operation Sindoor and the Pakistani response were a real-world test of India’s air defence capabilities. A resounding success. Most threats were stopped before they could do any damage, and India’s armed forces operated with perfect coordination.
More importantly, this success proved that India is no longer just relying on foreign equipment. With indigenous missiles, radars, and anti-drone tech, the country is marching towards self-reliance in defence.
From the S-400s that watch the skies from afar to the shoulder-fired missiles held by soldiers on the ground, India’s iron shield is now one of the strongest in the region, and growing stronger every day.
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