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New Delhi: After the Phalgham terrorist attack, Pakistan has deployed several advanced radars and surface-to-air missile systems to strengthen its air defense systems near the Indian border. This includes the Chinese-origin HQ-9/P long-range air defense system and HT-233 radar. On the other hand, India has deployed Su-30MKI fighter jets, Russian Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles, and indigenously developed Rudram-1 missiles to enhance its Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) capabilities. This report focuses on Pakistan's radar deployment, India's SEAD strategy, and the technical characteristics of these missiles.
Pakistan has deployed several radar and missile systems near the Indian border to enhance its air defense. HQ-9/P Air Defense System
Type: Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
Range: Approximately 125 km (up to 200 km according to some sources).
Radar: HT-233 phased-array fire control radar, which works with active radar homing (ARH) and inertial navigation system (INS). This radar can detect targets at a distance of up to 150 km.
Features: The HQ-9/P is considered an advanced version of the Chinese S-300PMU, capable of destroying complex aerial threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones.
Deployment: Pakistan has specifically deployed these systems in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, particularly around Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. All these locations are close to the border with India. LY-80 and LY-80EV
Type: Medium-range air defense system (LOMADS).
Range: 40-70 km.
Radar: IBS-150 S-band passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar and L-band fire control radar.
Features: Semi-active radar homing (SARH) and INS usage. These systems are capable of targeting low-altitude flying objects. They are primarily deployed for the protection of military bases and critical infrastructure near the border. FM-90 (export version of HQ-7)
Type: Short-range air defense system (E-SHORADS).
Range: 15 km.
Command-guided missiles that can target drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. These systems are used for the protection of military bases and airports near the border.
These deployments by Pakistan are aimed at preventing India's air strikes, especially after the 2019 Balakot air strike. The deployment of the HQ-9/P and its HT-233 radar is intended to increase the threat posed to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and strengthen its defense systems. However, the effectiveness of these radars may be limited against India's advanced SEAD strategies.
India's SEAD Strategy: Su-30MKI and Kh-31P
The Indian Air Force has utilized the Su-30MKI fighter jets and Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles for conducting SEAD missions. This multi-role fighter jet is capable of long-range flights and carrying heavy weapons, making it ideal for SEAD missions as it can launch missiles from high altitudes (up to 15 km).
Weapons: With Kh-31P, Rudram-1, BrahMos-A, and Astra missiles. The Su-30MKI's long operational range and advanced avionics make it effective in targeting Pakistani radars. Kh-31P Anti-Radiation Missile
Supersonic anti-radiation missile.
Range: 110-250 km (depending on launch altitude)
Speed: Mach 3.5+ (approximately 4300 km/h)
Navigation: Passive Homing Head (PHH) that detects K-band radar signals. It operates in lock-on-before/after-launch mode.
Its low radar signature helps avoid detection by radar. The missile comes down rapidly from altitude, leaving no time for radar to respond. The missile can be launched from more than 100 km away, keeping the Su-30MKI at a safe distance.
Effect: The Kh-31P can destroy the HT-233 radar of the HQ-9/P, as its high speed disrupts the K-band homing radar's OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop. It can destroy the radar before it is aware of the missile. SEAD Operation
The Su-30MKI launches the Kh-31P from an altitude of 15 km, targeting the HT-233 radar located 100-125 km away. The missile's passive homing head detects the radar signals and quickly moves towards it. Its low RCS does not give the high-diver attack radar enough time to respond, resulting in the radar getting destroyed.
Result: The HQ-9/P system becomes blind, making air attacks easier for Indian aircraft.
Rudram-1: Rudram-1 is India's first indigenous anti-radiation missile developed by DRDO. It is an advanced variant of the Kh-31P, capable of revolutionizing SEAD missions. It is a supersonic air-to-surface anti-radiation missile.
Range: 100-250 km (depending on launch altitude, from 500 meters to 15 km).
Speed: Mach 2 (approximately 2470 km/h)
Weight: 140 kg
Features: Rudram-1 can track targets even when the radar is turned off, as it uses inertial navigation and memory tracking.
Targets: radars, communication centers, and other radio frequency sources.
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