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After Op Sindoor success, Army moves to boost drone defence network
Learning from recent global conflicts and its own Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is moving to strengthen its air defence network against modern aerial threats, including drones and swarm Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure Air Defence Fire Control Radar – Drone Detector (ADFCR-DD) systems. These will be used to detect, track, classify and neutralise threats ranging from fighter jets and helicopters to small, low radar-cross-section Air Defence aims to protect high-value assets in strategic locations. Officials said threats have evolved from fighter aircraft to low-flying, electrically operated drones with minimal radar and infrared signatures — a trend seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict and Operation Sindoor.
During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used drones and swarms for surveillance and strikes on civil and defence targets. The Army's L/70, ZU 2B and Schilka weapon systems, firing smart ammunition, were credited with cost-effective neutralisation of these enhance capabilities, the Army plans to pair L/70 guns with new fire control radars able to detect, identify, classify and direct fire against even the smallest drones. Each radar system will include a search radar, track radar, fire control system, electro-optical fire control system with Identify Friend or Foe capability, and a power supply radar will be lightweight, mounted on a single vehicle and able to control at least two L/70 or successor guns. It will also transmit target data to very short-range air defence RFI specifies that the search radar should use active array technology with digital beam forming, have multi-function capability including track-while-scan, and operate in jamming conditions. Vendors have been asked to provide cost estimates for 12, 24, 36 and 48 systems, along with delivery equipment will be tested in India on a 'no cost, no commitment' basis to assess performance under operational conditions.- EndsTune InMust Watch
