SKY DEFENDER THROUGH THE INDIGENOUS ROUTE

India's Russian-origin AD systems are gradually being replaced by indigenously developed systems through collaborative joint ventures and Make in India programmes says ATUL CHANDRA

- ATUL CHANDRA

The Indian armed forces operate large quantities of gun and missile-based Air Defence (AD) systems, sourced from the erstwhile Soviet Union and Russia. Some of these Ground Based Air Defence Systems (GBADS) operated by the army and air force are the OSA-AK, Tunguska, Strela, Pechora, Shilka, etc. The newest Russian Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system inducted into service is the S-400. In addition to Russian-origin systems, the Air Force has also inducted the Israeli Spyder AD system and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has entered into several missile joint development programmes with Israel. Indian private sector firms are also now entering the fray to provide AD systems to the Indian armed forces.

Akash SAM

This January, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the successful flight test of the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) SAM system, during which the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. "The successful flight test has paved the way for User trials," the MoD said in a release. The complete weapon system comprises the missile which now features an indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. The agencies for the Akash SAM are Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

The MoD had awarded BDL with an order worth over ₹8,160 crore, for the supply of the improved Akash SAM system to the army. These Akash SAM systems are for the 3rd & 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence (AAD) and can engage targets as far away as 25 km. BDL will complete the deliveries by March 2026.

As per the MoD, Akash SAM systems have an overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27. The Akash SAM system was inducted into service by the IAF in 2014, followed by the army in 2015.