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News18
7 days ago
- News18
Guardians Of The Sky: How India & The World Are Reinventing Air Defence Systems
Last Updated: Escalating global security concerns, technological advancements, and strategic military developments have put the spotlight on air defence systems Every day, across the world, air defence systems quietly scan the skies. Whether in conflict zones or peaceful regions, nations are investing heavily in networks of technology designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming aerial threats like drones, missiles, and aircraft. Escalating global security concerns, technological advancements, and strategic military developments have put the spotlight on air defence systems, with the most recent example being India's deployment of the S-400 system from Russia during the recent skirmishes with Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. From the Iron Dome in Israel to the Patriot systems in the United States and the S-400s in Russia, these defences have become critical tools in modern warfare and national security. As aerial threats grow more advanced and unpredictable, countries are racing to build multi-layered shields that can respond in seconds — often before anyone on the ground is even aware there's danger overhead. The best and most advanced air defence systems in the world as of 2025 can be categorised by their capability—such as range, altitude, interceptor speed, and target types—and their global recognition based on deployment, combat performance, and technological sophistication. WHY ARE AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS IMPORTANT? Air defence systems don't just protect cities, military bases, and strategic sites from enemy attacks but also discourage enemy aggression. In conflict zones, mobile air defence shields ground forces and with the rise of drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons, advanced air defences are vital. Even in offensive operations, protecting your airspace allows your air force to operate freely. The main components of an air defence system are radars and sensors to detect and track threats; command and control to make decisions based on radar input; and interceptor weapons that are missiles or guns to neutralise the threat. Among the Long-Range, Multi-Layered air defence systems, Russia's S-400 Triumf leads the pack with a range of up to 400 km and can easily target aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It can track up to 80 targets, has multiple missile types, is mobile and highly integrated. Its prowess was on display during the India-Pakistan confrontation after Operation Sindoor when Pakistan resorted to unprovoked attacks on India and fired missiles as well as drones. The attempts, however, were futile as the S-400 system destroyed the ammunition. Among the users of the S-400 are Russia, China, India, and Turkey. Second on the list is United States' Patriot PAC-3 MSE, which has a range of ~35 km (for ballistic missile) and ~160 km (aircraft). It can target tactical ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft. Its key features include hit-to-kill technology and it is combat-proven in Gulf Wars and Ukraine. The top users are USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. US' THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), with a range of ~200 km, is a short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (above atmosphere). Its key features include high-altitude intercept, ability to work with Aegis and Patriot for layered defence, and users are USA, UAE, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Next on the list is America's Aegis Combat System with SM-3/SM-6 Missiles, with a range of up to 2,500 km. Along with a powerful radar, it is integrated with NATO assets and can intercept ICBMs in mid-course. Its users are USA, Japan, Spain, and South Korea. The last spot in the Top 5 is occupied by Isarel's Iron Dome, which has a range of 4–70 km and can neutralise rockets, artillery, mortar shells, and drones. It has an extremely high success rate (~90 per cent) and is capable of real-time threat evaluation. Israel, USA, India (tested), and Azerbaijan are among its users. WHERE DOES INDIA STAND? India has made rapid progress in air defence over the last two decades, combining indigenous systems, joint collaborations (mostly with Israel and Russia), and foreign acquisitions (like the S-400) to build a multi-layered air defence network. India is among the top five global air defence powers by volume, diversity, and depth, and its arsenal includes the following: The S-400 Triumf, imported from Russia, is helping India in strategic deterrence against Pakistan and China. While five regiments have been ordered, three are deployed, and its targets include aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Its coverage includes Delhi-NCR, Punjab sector, and the Northeast. The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)—Phase I & II— is developed by DRDO and has a two-layered system: PAD/AAD (Phase I): Exo- and endo-atmospheric interceptors for ballistic missiles, and AD-1 / AD-2 (Phase II): Designed to intercept IRBMs and ICBMs (range 5,000+ km). The test phase of BMD is complete and Delhi is the first city to get the shield. The MR-SAM/Barak 8, which is jointly developed by India and Israel, has a range of 70–100+ km, active radar homing, 360° launch capability, high maneuverability and is deployed by the Indian Army and Navy. Akash & Akash-NG (Next Gen) can easily target Aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), with a range of 30 kilometres, can be mounted on 8×8 trucks and mobile air defence for moving army columns. The final user trials are complete and it will replace older OSA-AK and Strela systems. The Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORADS) is a man-portable infrared homing missiles (like Stinger). The deployment of the new version developed by DRDO started in 2024-25 and it is the last line of defence for infantry and forward units. The Israeli system SPYDER has a range of 15–20 km and provides point defence for strategic bases. It is used by IAF around airfields and assets. The upcoming Indian system XRSAM is being developed with a range of ~250 km to bridge the gap between MR-SAM and S-400 and is expected to be deployed in the late 2020s. The Iron Dome, trialed by India, is a short-range rocket interceptor. It was evaluated but India opted to focus on Akash & QRSAM for similar roles. Apart from these, India has IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System) which is responsible for real-time tracking and interception across radars and missile units. It is deployed across India and connects civilian and military radars. The radar systems supporting air defence are swordfish LRTR for BMD tracking; Ashwin Radar, which is a fire-control radar for Phase-II BMD; and Bharani, Rohini, Arudhra, and Atulya—a mix of low- to medium-power 3D radars for different zones. Since 2019, India has strengthened its forward air defence by deploying S-400 systems in Punjab sector, upgrading its radar networks near LoC, and placed quick-reaction air defence (QRSAM) systems in high-threat areas. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : DRDO news18 specials Operation Sindoor pakistan Russia S-400 air defence system United states Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 03, 2025, 12:40 IST News explainers Guardians Of The Sky: How India & The World Are Reinventing Air Defence Systems
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
NATO Ally Gains Ground With Stealth Jet Rivaling U.S.
Turkey's first homegrown fifth-generation fighter plane, KAAN, from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is generating increased global attention and buying interest, according to defense publications. Newsweek has reached out to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for comment. Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 over its purchase of Russian S-400s accelerated its drive for strategic autonomy and potential competition with the U.S.-made F-35 and F-22. Turkey is already becoming an increasingly important exporter of drones. Turkey's rising role, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, could change global defense dynamics. Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Indonesia have shown interest in the KAAN fighter jet program, Mehmet Demiroglu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) said this week, according to the Bulgarian Military News. He added that the agreement phase has been reached with some countries, according to the Defense Mirror. According to TAI's website, KAAN achieves air superiority with long-range strikes, internal weapons, supersonic speed, and artificial intelligence enhanced combat power. It performed its maiden flight in February 2024. Demiroglu announced earlier this year that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have shown interest in the KAAN fighter jet project. While Saudi Arabia may be looking to acquire 100 jets, the UAE's interest lies in the program itself, with potential for joint platform development, according to Forbes. The UAE's planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35s-following the signing of the Abraham Accords-was cancelled due to concerns about the UAE's military ties with China under the Biden administration. A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) also noted that the UAE has been a major recipient of Chinese arms exports. Saudi Arabia, still distant from normalizing ties with Israel, signed $142 billion arms during Trump's recent visit, but uncertainty over F-35s is driving it to seek alternatives to American defense reliance. "This shift is driven by complex political dynamics, especially with US restrictions on the sale of advanced fighters such as the F-35 and Washington's prioritization of maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge," Ali Bakir, nonresident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East programs, wrote in January. Although Trump's Gulf allies have recently secured more arms deals, the U.S. is not viewed as the sole supplier. Arms restrictions have pushed other traditional U.S. allies such as Egypt, which borders Israel, to look to China for advanced fighter jets. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet, as quoted by the Defense Mirror: "Saudi Arabia has been interested for a long time, their interest is at the highest level right now. the Indonesian side is also doing well." Turkey's new fighter aircraft aims at replacing the Turkish Air Force's aging F-16s starting in the 2030s. Related Articles Beach Clubs Offering First-Class Service, Food and ViewsTurkey's Erdogan Has Become One of World's Most Powerful Men-And Trump AllyNATO Issues Warning About Defense Spending Amid Threats from Russia, ChinaTrump: I'd Still Go to Turkey for Russia-Ukraine Talks if Appropriate 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US approves $304 million missile sale to Turkey as ties warm up
The US approved the sale of $304 million-worth of missiles to Turkey as the NATO allies work to strengthen trade and defense ties. The deal, which still needs Congressional sign-off, came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Turkey to attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers on Thursday. Rubio is expected to travel on to Istanbul the following day for potential talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials about a ceasefire. Turkey has requested 53 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles at an estimated cost of $225 million and 60 Block II missiles at $79.1 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. The RTX Corporation will be the principal contractor for the sales. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been looking for a tentative meeting with US President Donald Trump to reset strained relations stemming from Ankara's purchase of a Russian missile-defense system and Washington's support for a Syrian Kurdish militia that Turkey views as a threat to the country, among other disputes. Turkey and the US have been holding talks over the integration of the US-backed Kurdish forces, who have links to a separatist Turkish group, the PKK, into a new Syrian army. Earlier this week, the PKK announced it would lay down its arms to end a 40-year war for autonomy against Turkey, a historic step that could strengthen Ankara's aspirations to become a regional powerhouse. The US and Turkey have the two largest armies in NATO, giving them good reason to maintain their seven-decade alliance. As the Pentagon plans to consolidate operations in Syria and draw down troops to less than 1,000, Ankara is offering several thousand Turkish soldiers already stationed across the border to help stabilize its war-ravaged neighbor. At the same time, Turkey is prepared to assist in monitoring a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea, in line with the US goal of stabilizing the region. Turkey has repeatedly expressed its intention to add F-35 warplanes to its planned arms purchases, although this will require the US to lift a ban on Ankara from buying the fifth-generation fighter imposed following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile-defense system. Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400s resulted in a deadlock with Washington, prompting the latter to impose sanctions known as CAATSA, that targeted the nation's defense industry and removed it from the F-35 development program. Ankara has refused to jettison the S-400s as demanded by Washington but it has high hopes that Trump could agree to amend the CAATSA to enable Turkey to buy F-35 jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp. Resolving the spat over the Russian S-400 missiles could lead to an unprecedented increase in defense-industry cooperation between the longtime allies. Outside of defense, Turkey has been considering an increase of liquefied natural gas imports from the US and is working to finalize an order for Boeing Co. aircraft.
New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Diplomacy struggles amid unprecedented conflict escalation
A day after India demolished terror infrastructure at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the entire western border became suddenly active for the first time in ages. Swarms of Pakistani drones and missiles flew in—from Bhuj to Jammu and beyond—giving Indian air defence systems and the integrated counter-unmanned aircraft system grid, which includes Russian S-400s, bragging rights on successfully neutralising the attacks. With a fresh wave of enemy drones and missiles flying in at night, blackout sirens rang out across the border, another first in decades. The Indo-Pak face-off was not as intense in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 and the Balakot strike, when an alarmed international community took to diplomacy to quickly force Pakistan to stand down. American diplomacy has not been as nimble-footed this time around, with Donald Trump having turned the world order on its head. Some stirrings of its engagement came the day after the Indian strikes, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In his conversation with Sharif, Rubio urged for concrete steps to end Pakistan's support to terror outfits. Meanwhile, Jaishankar told Rubio that India's response was strictly proportional, adding that any attempt to escalate the situation would be firmly dealt with. If Rubio stepped on the diplomatic gas pedal, Vice President J D Vance appeared to take his foot off by uttering a Trumpian phrase on not getting involved in a war that is 'none of the US's business'. It is this mixed messaging that gives wiggle room to aggressors. Apart from the US, Russia, the UK, and the UN are exploring a role in defusing the crisis. Besides, Saudi Arabia and Iran sent ministers to play peacemaker. While India changed the playbook by not sharing the Pahalgam evidence with Pakistan, it would have handed copies of the probe dossier to the aspirant interlocutors. Among lenders, the World Bank has already decided not to intervene after India put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Others like the IMF, too, must turn their fund squeeze on the broke exporter of global terror and stare down its army chief, General Asim Munir. As for PM Sharif, he does not have the requisite political stature. Perhaps his seasoned brother Nawaz has the heft to put the genie back in the bottle.
India Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Pak defence minister refutes reports of nuclear body meet amid India tensions
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that no meeting of the National Command Authority, the country's top civil-military body overseeing its nuclear arsenal, is scheduled in the aftermath of India's overnight military strikes, Reuters reported on comes despite an earlier statement from Pakistan's military that the Prime Minister had called for a meeting of the authorities following a military escalation with to Indian government sources, the latest flare-up began when Pakistan fired a long-range missile aimed at a strategic Indian target, which was intercepted and destroyed by India's air defence systems in the Western Sector. In response, India intercepted and destroyed drones and missiles after Pakistan tried to attack 26 locations across the border, ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. India also overnight successfully struck six key Pakistani airbases including Chaklala in Rawalpindi, Murid in Chakwal, Rafiqui in Shorkot, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Ministry of Defence said no major damage was reported on its side, crediting the swift action of defence systems, including S-400s and Akashteer units, which successfully neutralised incoming Watch
