India is all set to introduce its domestically developed long-range air defense system, expected to be operational by 2028-2029. This system possesses the capability to detect and neutralize incoming threats such as stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions, extending its reach up to 350 kilometers.

According to The Times of India, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been diligently working on the indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system within the framework of Project Kusha. This homegrown system is poised to possess interception capabilities on par with the recently acquired Russian S-400 Triumf air defense system, which has been integrated into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Following clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, designating the LR-SAM system as a "mission-mode" initiative, the Ministry of Defense has sanctioned the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of five squadrons of this system for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with an estimated cost of Rs 21,700 crore.

The mobile LR-SAM system will be equipped with long-range surveillance and fire control radars and will encompass a variety of interceptor missiles designed for engaging hostile targets at ranges of 150 kilometers, 250 kilometers, and 350 kilometers.

The LR-SAM system boasts robust area air defense capabilities, featuring a single-shot kill probability exceeding 80% for single missile launches and over 90% for salvo launches. Engineered to provide comprehensive air defense coverage for both strategic and tactical vulnerable areas, it excels at engaging high-speed targets characterized by low radar cross-section. This system can intercept fighter-sized targets at a range of 250 kilometers, while larger aircraft such as AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and mid-air refuelers can be intercepted at a 350-kilometer range.

The LR-SAM's firing units will be seamlessly integrated into the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), a fully automated air defense network that links military and civilian radars to enhance airspace surveillance within India.

The Indian Army and Navy maintain their air defense systems, but the Indian Air Force (IAF) holds the overarching responsibility for safeguarding the nation's airspace.

The IAF employs a variety of air defense weapons, including older systems like Igla, OSA-AK-M, and Pechora missiles, along with newer systems such as the Israeli Spyder quick-reaction missiles (15-kilometer range), indigenous Akash area defense missiles (25 kilometers), and the Barak-8 medium-range SAM systems (over 70 kilometers), developed in collaboration with Israel.

In addition to the forthcoming indigenous LR-SAM system, the IAF is set to receive the remaining two S-400 Triumf squadrons in the next year as part of a $5.43 billion contract signed in 2018.

The first three S-400 squadrons, with a range of 380 kilometers, have been deployed in northwest and east India to provide air defense against both China and Pakistan, though there have been delays owing to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Image source: Times of India