Indian Army Boosts Air Defence Network - 25.02.2025, Sputnik India

Given the asymmetry in both the quality and quantity of threats posed by India's adversaries, experts argue that rapidly enhancing the Indian Army's Air Defence (AD) capabilities is not just necessary but a critical imperative for national security.

"India faces an adversary on its northern borders that is a global leader in unmanned aerial platform systems. Additionally, our western enemy, due to its close ties with the northern adversary, presents a seamless aerial threat through these game-changing technologies," said Lieutenant General (Retd) Dushyant Singh, Director General of the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) in New Delhi, speaking to Sputnik India.

The situation becomes even more concerning when considering the aerial capabilities of both China and Pakistan. China now boasts a sixth-generation fighter, while Pakistan benefits from active support in manufacturing JF-17 aircraft, Singh noted.

Thus, strengthening India's AD systems is crucial to prevent strategic surprises by adversaries coordinating joint operations, he added.

Close Air Defence (CAD) for vulnerable areas, critical points, and mobile forces is an operational necessity in any future conflict along India's northern or western borders. While India possesses some static air defence capabilities, it faces a significant shortfall in Air Defence Gun Missile Systems (Self-Propelled) [ADGM (SP)] and man-portable systems, Singh pointed out.

Currently, India's mechanised forces along the Western frontier rely on legacy systems such as the OSA-AK ADGM (SP) and handheld systems like the Igla 1M and Igla S. However, the lack of indigenous development in this domain has created a critical capability gap, the veteran military officer emphasised.

To address this, Singh advocates for a dual approach:

Immediate procurement of advanced imported systems like the Russian Pantsir or K30 Biho to bridge the current operational void.

A long-term indigenous development program, ensuring self-reliance in future air defence capabilities.

"While progress in indigenisation has been gradual, significant efforts are underway to develop a mobile air defence self-propelled system under the Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System (SPAD-GMS) program. This initiative envisions integrating both guns and missiles on a mobile platform, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) exploring the possibility of using a light tank chassis as its base. Additionally, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to formulate PSQR/GSQR," Singh explained.

Recognising the urgent need for a modern, robust Air Defence Gun Missile (ADGM) self-propelled system, Singh stressed the importance of a dual-track approach—leveraging global expertise for immediate capability enhancement, while simultaneously pushing forward with indigenous development on a mission-mode basis. With a strong commitment to self-reliance and innovation, India is well-positioned to bridge the gap and emerge as a leader in advanced air defence systems, he added.

On the other hand, Colonel (Retd) Sailesh Kumar Rai emphasized that developing a completely new system from scratch could take 20 to 30 years. In such a scenario the Indian Army has no choice but to procure ready-made systems like the Pantsir or K30 Biho in the short term.

However, Rai stressed the importance of India developing its own AD system sooner rather than later. He suggested that India need not start from scratch or reinvent the wheel. Instead, the country should focus on acquiring an AD system with a technology transfer deal, allowing local production of the systems.

"At the same time, India should work on developing something new from the existing system. A classic example is the BrahMos missile, which wasn't developed from scratch but adapted from an existing Russian anti-ship missile, creating a completely new missile system," Rai noted in a conversation with Sputnik India.

Singh and Rai’s comments follow a recent briefing by Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence (AAD), where he laid out the details of the Indian Army’s plans to enhance its air defences.

During the briefing, D'Cunha revealed that the Army was working on replacing older platforms like the L70 and ZU-23mm. Additionally, the Schilka and Tanguska systems are set to be replaced with homegrown AD systems. The Osa-AK missile system is also set to be replaced by the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), which is being developed by DRDO to safeguard mechanised columns from aerial threats.

Moreover, the Indian Army is inducting VSHORADS, a local man-portable air defence system, and the Russian Igla-S to defend against low-flying aircraft, drones, and missiles.

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