According to defence sources, India is making significant progress in indigenously developing a three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) defence system. The system is designed to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at a range of around 400 kilometers, aiming to bolster self-reliance in the defence sector.

The proposal for the development of the three-layered LRSAM system is currently in an advanced stage within the Defence Ministry and is expected to undergo clearance soon. This ambitious project, valued at over USD 2.5 billion, will place India in an elite group of nations with indigenous capabilities to engage and neutralize enemy assets from considerable distances.

The three-layered missile system will feature surface-to-air missiles capable of targeting different ranges, enhancing its versatility and effectiveness. In previous collaborative efforts with Israel, India successfully developed the medium-range surface-to-air missile system (MRSAM), capable of engaging aerial targets at ranges beyond 70 kilometers.

The indigenous LRSAM system being developed by India is projected to be highly capable and comparable to the S-400 air defence system obtained from Russia. The S-400 has been deployed along the China and Pakistan borders, providing an advanced layer of defence for the country.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has played a vital role in India's progress in air defence technology, contributing to both ground-based and warship-based systems.

Following the initiation of the LRSAM project by DRDO, the Indian Navy renamed its indigenous system to MRSAM, while similar systems were also named MRSAM by the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Currently, India has operationalized three squadrons of the S-400 air defence systems, capable of targeting up to 400 kilometers, and additional units are expected to be delivered in the future.

India's Air Force is taking the lead in the LRSAM project, demonstrating its commitment to promoting indigenization in defence hardware.

Meanwhile, the Chinese military also employs the S-400 air defence system along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, along with their own indigenous air defence systems, though less capable than the S-400.

India's progress in developing the three-layered LRSAM system showcases a significant stride towards self-reliance in the defence sector, further enhancing its capabilities to counter potential threats from enemy aircraft and missiles at extended ranges.

Image source: Business Standard