India-Pakistan tensions: What is India's Air Defence System that armed forces use to counter airstrikes?
India-Pakistan tensions: India on Thursday said it neutralised Pakistan's air defence system in Lahore through its Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. India retaliated to Pakistan's drona and missile on April 8 evening in border areas of Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan attempted to engage 15 military targets using drones and missiles in northern and western India comprising Jammu, Awantipura, Amritsar, Srinagar, Pathankot, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj.
'These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,' the central government's statement mentioned.
India's air defence system is a multi-layered network combining indigenous and imported technologies to counter aerial threats ranging from drones to ballistic missiles. Long range, with a reach of between 40 to 4,000 km.
2. Medium-range systems, with a reach of 30 to 70 km.
3. Short-range systems, which hit targets between 30 to 70 km.
The star of India's long-range defense system is the S-400, which is mainly deployed against Pakistan and China, India's two neighbours. The S-400 Triumf can intercept cruise missiles or aircraft at an altitude of 30 kilometers.
India also has the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), which involves the Prithvi Air Defence for intercepting and destroying missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere. It can strike targets at a speed of Mach 5 and has a range of up to 2,000 km. The Advanced Air Defence for lower altitude targets, which can strike targets at an altitude of 15 to 30 km and has a range of up to 300 km.
India is also developing a homegrown defense system called Project Kusha, a programme under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and a long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) that aims to be on par with the S-400 or the Iron Dome.
India's medium-range defense system is built on the Akash-NG, designed by DRDO to intercept and destroy high-speed aerial threats like fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles at ranges up to 70 km. It is served by the Rajendra III radar, which is the primary sensor for the Akash weapon system.
Besides these homegrown systems, India also has the Barak-8, jointly developed with Israel, which is a surface-to-air missile that counters airborne threats like aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, UAVs, cruise missiles, and even short-range ballistic missiles.
For short-range defense, India relies on the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) for rapid response and to protect moving armored columns from aerial attacks. India has also procured the Spyder defense system from Israel, which is armed with Python and Derby missiles
India uses its BMD and S-400 batteries to protect strategic cities like Delhi and Mumbai, as well as its nuclear and space installations. Its border has two fronts: The Line of Control (LOC), which is its border with Pakistan. This is protected by Akash, Spyder, and QRSAM to counter Pakistani drones and fighter jets.
India uses S-400 or Sudarshan Chakra as seen in recent strikes against Pakistan. It is considered to be one of the world's most advanced long-range air defence systems. India signed a deal worth nearly ₹ 35,000 crore (around $5.4 billion) in 2018 to buy five squadrons of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system.
China was the first country to procure the S-400 missile system in 2014. The S-400 is said to be a huge threat by NATO members because of its sheer long range capabilities.
India protects its naval assets, including warships like INS Vikrant, with naval SRSAM and Barak-8 systems. Its airspace is constantly monitored by the Swordfish and Rajendra radars, capable of tracking over 200 targets simultaneously. If a threat is detected, the system moves into the interception phase. If the threat is outside the Earth's atmosphere, PAD engages exo-atmospherically. AAD acts as a backup within the atmosphere.
The entire system is coordinated by the Akashteer system, which digitally integrates radar data for real-time decision-making and reduces the risk of friendly fire. This mobile system is capable of functioning even if communications are disrupted.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), an automated air defence network developed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), coordinates Army, Navy, and Air Force responses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Pakistan gets law to arrest Baloch citizens for 90 days only on suspicion
The Pakistani-administered Balochistan Assembly passed a law that allows security forces to detain Baloch civilians for 90 days without any judicial recourse. Activists compare it to laws in Nazi Germany. read more Earlier this week, the Balochistan Assembly passed the Counter-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025, prompting a widespread alarm among human rights groups and Baloch civil society . What makes the law controversial is the fact that it allows Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies to detain individuals, especially Baloch civilians, for up to 90 days without charge. The authorities are allowed to detain them solely on suspicion. Shortly after the law was passed in the Balochistan Assembly, legal experts and human rights activists warned that the legislation bypasses judicial safeguards and effectively legalises the atrocities and practices already being committed by the Pakistani security forces in the shadows. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the Act, Pakistan's Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) can now operate with expanded powers. They can issue detention orders and conduct ideological profiling of the suspects. Not only this, but military officials will now be sitting on the oversight panel, eroding civilians' control over law enforcement. Why is it concerning? Apart from this, law enforcement agencies are also granted increased authority to search, arrest and seize property without any form of prior judicial approval. With these provisions, activists are now arguing that the law paves the way for widespread abuse and mass surveillance. It is pertinent to note that enforced disappearances have been a persistent issue in Balochistan, where families have waited for decades to get any information about their loved ones. The Baloch activists insisted that the new law effectively codifies these practices, placing entire communities under constant fear of state violence. 'This Act transforms Balochistan into a legalised detention zone,' the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said in a statement after the legislation passed. The group condemned the legislation, calling it a step towards full militarisation of civilian lives. Not only this, the group compared the tactics authorised by the Act to those used in Nazi Germany and the modern-day Xinjiang region . What makes it more concerning is the fact that the law violates Article 10 of Pakistan's Constitution, as well as Pakistan's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In its statement, BYC called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and global civil society to intervene and pressure Islamabad to repeal the law. 'Silence now is complicity,' the group averred. With inputs from ANI.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'11 years and no press conference': Congress slams PM Modi; claims 'his term coming to an end'
Pawan Khera and PM Modi (R) NEW DELHI: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi , suggesting that his tenure is nearing its end while criticising his governance and international standing. In a post on X, Khera wrote: Eleven years and no Press Conference….. His term coming to an end. His politics globally exposed. His governance is in tatters. His policies have boomeranged. This Prime Minister is a joke. The remarks came a day after the Congress party accused the Modi government of failing to isolate Pakistan on the world stage following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Khera termed it a "criminal betrayal" of Indian soldiers and citizens. He alleged that instead of punitive measures, Pakistan continues to benefit diplomatically and militarily. "After the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, we expected strong actions and global isolation of Pakistan, but what has actually happened?" Khera said. "China is arming Pakistan with 40 fifth-generation stealth J-35A fighter jets armed with cutting-edge PL-17 missiles. Azerbaijan is investing $2 billion in purchasing 40 Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets," he mentioned. He further added, "The World Bank has pledged $40 billion for Pakistan's development. The IMF approved $1 billion bailout to Pakistan. Russia has signed a $2.6 billion agreement to rebuild a steel plant in Karachi." Khera also pointed out that Pakistan was appointed Vice-Chair of the UN Security Council 's Anti-Terrorism Committee just days after the attack, calling it a serious diplomatic failure.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
The irony of the UN: From peacekeeper to harbinger of terror?
Those who once stood in the dock accused in the 'War on Terror' declared by George W Bush are now in the UN coffee room, and officially, there is no terrorism at all anymore. Times do change, but rarely does it stand on its head read more Hardly anyone expects anything at all from the United Nations, especially given its irrelevance in Ukraine or Gaza or anywhere else. But this week it outdid itself in its utter mediocrity. Recently, Pakistan was chosen to chair not just the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN but will also co-chair the 1373 Counter Terrorism Committee. Though this is far less than Pakistan demanded, it asked to lead four committees and got a single chairmanship of only one. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Consider the irony that the UN was set up after the Second World War to maintain a semblance of peace after the utter failure of its predecessor, the League of Nations, formed after the First War. The UN seems to be headed the same way, as wars break out in all forms and levels of violence. Pakistan Gets a Chair Pakistan was elected last year as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a period of two years, that is, till it ends its term in 2026. Earlier, it received a comfortable mandate to be part of the Security Council, polling 182 of 193 seats. That's not a surprise, since the voting in the General Assembly is usually by blocs, with the OIC (Organisation of Islamic States) dominating the Council, while it is also part of the Asia-Pacific Regional Group and the G-77. Pakistan replaced Japan, who contributed some 8 per cent of the UN budget. Pakistan contributes less than one per cent and is a country with some of the highest concentrations of terrorist groups, with 12 of 15 designated by the US. That tells you much more about what the 'contribution' of Pakistan is. Meanwhile, Pakistan is among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping, serving in 46 missions in 29 countries. That means a hefty amount in foreign exchange. No details are available for that figure, which is vital to the Pakistani economy. Pakistan in the Driver's Seat Election to chair any UN SC committee naturally requires the assent of all permanent members of the Council, and as of date, no one has been rejected. Neither does the Council have the power to override the General Assembly in its selection of non-permanent members. So while it's not a ' foreign policy collapse', as the Opposition would have it, it's certainly a matter of concern, not only to India but to other countries in the crosshairs of Pakistani terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the ultimate irony, Pakistan – which has waged war on Afghanistan for more than thirty years – is now in the driver's seat on the 1988 Taliban sanctions committee which is mandated to an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo on individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with the Taliban. In other words, a country that devastated Afghanistan for more than three decades is now in the driver's seat. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Groups will Take a Beating That would mean trouble for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan has for long been accusing Kabul of supporting. Now expect that the activities of TTP will be highlighted in this and other reports that are produced by the UN Counter Terrorism Committee. Islamabad has already been busy. Look at the March Resolution S/RES/2777 (2025) of the Security Council on Afghanistan. It expresses concern about terrorist groups in the country 'condemning in the strongest terms all terrorist activity and all terrorist attacks… that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorist acts, or to shelter and train terrorists, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country…' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It reads like a Pakistani diplomatic memo, especially since earlier UN reports had noted that the Taliban was steadily pursuing nasty groups like the Islamic State to the best of its ability. Then there are Baloch groups who are understood to be sheltering in Afghanistan. Groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army are, for reasons unknown, listed as 'terrorist' by the United States. Even as Kabul accuses Pakistan of faulting it for its own terrible internal policies, relations between the two are being smoothed over by the proverbial 'foreign hand'. China Lends a Hand An 'informal' meeting – as in unscheduled – and therefore convened in a hurry for various reasons – was held of the 'Trilateral' between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. May 21, where Beijing called for seven points for cooperation that included restoring diplomatic relations – which Pakistan promptly announced a week later – promoting the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, and strengthening the building of regional connectivity networks; both China and Pakistan would expand trade and support Kabul's reconstruction; cooperating on terrorism across the board; and most interestingly, advising that all three 'stay vigilant against external interference in the internal affairs of regional countries'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Expect a crackdown soon on the poor Baloch, with Beijing seriously concerned after a spate of attacks virtually paralysed Gwadar port, caused containers to pile up, and trucks carrying material for the project were set ablaze, even as India-Pakistan tensions climbed. The Baloch declaration of independence was hardly noticed in India, but it was all over Chinese chats. While there is irritation at Islamabad at not being able to do anything for the Baloch, there is also concern that Beijing's plans for the Belt and Road Initiative are being thwarted. Sharing a Chair on a Core Committee Pakistan is also part of the UN's Counter Terrorism Committee, in which capacity it is now co-chair of the 1373 committee, which is the basic resolution that established the whole UN counter-terror architecture after the 9/11 attack. A key aspect of the resolution is the 'decision' (which in UN language means its legal), which bars any financial assistance to terrorist groups, and also that 'all States shall refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts, including by suppressing recruitment of members of terrorist groups and eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists.' For one, Pakistan enabled legislation to criminalise terrorist finance only recently, and that too after pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and for the second, it's self-evident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As of now, Pakistan is in violation of all four UN Conventions on terrorism and all UN Resolutions on the subject, including 1267 (freezing assets and banning travel of terror-linked individuals like Dawood Ibrahim), Resolution 1373, which is quoted above, Resolution 1269, which requires states to deny safe havens to terrorists, and all the other resolutions linked to these. And it is this country which is chairing a nodal instrument of the UN, which in turn produces reports that were once regarded as completely reliable. Now no more. The newest has no mention of the Lashkar-e-Taiba or the Jaish-e-Mohammad; indeed, attempts to get the LeT-proxy Terrorist Resistance Front by Delhi were frustrated by committee members – but it does mention the Baloch Liberation Army. In sum, the UN system has become a travesty of its original mandate and no longer has any relevance at all. True, its many goof-ups are not linked only to Pakistan but also include its posture on the origins of Covid-19, for instance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In sum, it might be time to wind up a body that is governed by those most inimical to its original intentions. From the time that Jawahar Lal Nehru went to the UN with the Kashmir question searching for justice, the UN has only shown the duplicity of international politics. But nations are after all made up of people, and what is most worrisome is the total collapse of values, where terrorists turn into administrators and, like in Syria, suddenly turn 'respectable' ; so it was with the Taliban, and so it is with Pakistan. Terrorists rule. Those who once stood in the dock accused in the 'War on Terror' declared by George W Bush are now in the UN coffee room, and officially, there is no terrorism at all anymore. Times do change, but rarely does it stand on its head. Time to end this. The author is Director (R&A) at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. She tweets @kartha_tara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
