India-Pakistan War: From S400 to Akash, here's how Indian air defence system works 24x7 to protect our skies from enemy missiles
Air defence systems are military platforms designed to detect and destroy aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, aircraft, and missiles. These systems operate through integrated radar and sensor networks that identify incoming threats in real time.At the core of air defence are radar units, which scan the skies and detect hostile movement. These are supported by early warning systems and command centres that process data and issue response commands. Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), which vary in range and capability, are launched to neutralise threats. Many of these systems are mounted on mobile platforms, allowing for rapid deployment across different locations.India's air defence system is a multi-layered network designed to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft. The system integrates various missile systems and radar technologies to provide comprehensive coverage across different ranges.
S-400: Russian system with a 380-km range. India deployed 3 squads under a ₹40,000 crore deal in 2018. Delivery of 2 squads has been delayed due to the Russia–Ukraine war.Barak-8 MR-SAM: Developed with Israel. Covers over 70 km. Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy are progressively inducting the system.Akash: Indigenous system with a 25-km range. The Air Force has inducted 15 squads under a ₹10,900 crore deal. The Army operates four regiments, with more planned.
Spyder: Israeli system with a 15-km range. Multiple units have been inducted.
Short-range defences: Include Russian Igla-S (6 km), Igla-1M (5 km), OSA-AK-M (10 km), Pechora missiles, and upgraded L-70 guns (3.5 km). The S-400 Triumf, acquired from Russia, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of targeting threats up to 380 km away. India has deployed three squadrons of the S-400, with two more expected by 2026. This system forms the backbone of India's strategic air defence, offering protection against a variety of aerial threats. The Barak-8, developed jointly by India and Israel, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system with a range of 70–80 km. It is deployed by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy to counter aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.
The Akash missile system, developed indigenously, has a range of 25–40 km. It is used by both the Indian Air Force and Army for defending against aerial threats. The SPYDER system, sourced from Israel, is a short-range surface-to-air missile system with a range of up to 15 km. It is designed for quick reaction and is deployed by the Indian Air Force and Army. The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system with a range of 6 km. It is used for close-range defence against low-flying aircraft and helicopters. India's air defence systems are integrated through the Air Defence Ground Environment System (ADGES) and Base Air Defence Zones (BADZ). These networks provide wide-area radar coverage and coordinate the deployment of missile systems to protect vital assets and regions. This multi-tiered approach ensures that India can effectively detect, track, and neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, maintaining the security of its airspace.Pakistan's main air defence relies on Chinese-supplied HQ-9 systems, with a base range of 120 km that can extend up to 300 km in newer versions. Pakistan also operates the French Spada system, which has a 20–25 km range and is used to protect airbases and other critical locations.
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