Latest news with #Schilka
Mint
10-05-2025
- Mint
L-70, ZU-23mm, Schilka and S-400—India's multi-layered strategy to counter Pakistani drones
India and Pakistan are exchanging drone and missile attacks following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror incident. Border areas are seeing shelling from Pakistan, with India retaliating and using its air defence systems, including L-70 guns, Zu-23mm, Schilka, and S-400, to intercept drones and airstrikes effectively. The L-70 40mm gun has been significantly enhanced with radar, electro-optical sensors, including auto-tracking systems. It is manufactured in India and was developed by Sweden's Bofors. The gun, capable of firing 240–330 rounds per minute with a range of up to 4 km, now serves as a key front-line defence against radar-evading drone swarms. In anti-drone warfare, it floods the sky with predictive fire, making it highly effective against swarm attacks and radar-evading drones. Electro-Optical Fire Control System: Improves target acquisition and tracking accuracy. Integrated Radar: Comprises advanced systems like a new X-band radar for autonomous drone detection and tracking. Auto-Tracking: Enables automatic target acquisition and tracking in all weather conditions. Video Tracking: Permits visual confirmation of targets, enhancing firing accuracy. Notably, India has inducted more than 1,000 L70 guns, making it the most popularly used air defense gun in the armed forces. The Zu-23 is capable of offering a high volume of fire and is frequently used to shield static installations against low-flying threats. It is a Soviet-designed, towed anti-aircraft gun featuring twin 23mm autocannons. It has an effective range of up to 2.5 km for air targets and about 2 km for ground targets. The Russian-made Schilka, a tracked anti-aircraft system equipped with four 23mm cannons, has been upgraded to effectively counter modern threats. Originally featuring radar with a 20 km detection range, it incorporates advanced fire-control systems and proximity-fuse ammunition. With a firing rate of 4,000 rounds per minute, the modernised Schilka offers precise targetting and devastating effectiveness against drones, helicopters, and even lightly armoured ground vehicles. S-400 is among the most cutting-edge long-range surface-to-air missile systems across the globe. India signed an agreement with Russia in 2018 to buy five S-400 units worth $5.43 billion as part of the deal and named it 'Sudarshan Chakra', an Indian name to S-400 Triumf air defence missile system. This term is from Mahabharata which shows precision, speed and lethal capability. It was deployed in Punjab in 2021 to strengthen the defences against Pakistan and China threats. It has a range of up to 400 km and detect threat within 600 km.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Enemy Attack On May 8: 500 Pak drones target 24 cities
New Delhi: On Thursday night, between 8 pm and 11.30 pm, Pakistan launched simultaneous drone attacks across several cities in India, Army sources said. Pakistan deployed around 500 small drones targeting 24 cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, the sources added. The Indian Army and Air Force successfully thwarted Pakistan's drone strikes using an array of anti-missile systems, including the L70, ZU-23, Schilka, and Akash. Pakistan's motive behind sending mostly unarmed drones may have been to spread panic among civilians or an attempt to gather intelligence on Indian military installations, the sources said. Islamabad escalated tension after India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. India emphasised that the mission- codenamed Operation Sindoor- was aimed at terrorists and avoided Pakistan military targets. Pakistan, however, retaliated on May 8 by attempting to target several locations in India, including military sites in Jammu and Pathankot. India's air defence system intercepted the aerial barrage and neutralised it, preventing damage to any vital installation or any casualties. Apart from swarm of drones, Pakistan also deployed missiles, which were promptly intercepted and blocked by India's air defence units. "Eight missiles from Pakistan were directed at Satwari, Samba, R S Pura and Arnia. All were intercepted and blocked by air-defence units. Visuals over Jammu reminded exactly of a Hamas-style attack on Israel, like multiple cheap rockets," an Army official said.
India Today
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
500 Pak drones targeted 24 cities in J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat: Army sources
On the night of May 8, between 8.00 pm and 11.30 pm, Pakistan launched simultaneous drone attacks across several cities in India, Army sources said. Pakistan deployed around 500 small drones targeting 24 cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, sources Indian Army and Air Force successfully thwarted Pakistan's drone strike using an array of anti-missile systems, including the L70, ZU-23, Schilka, and motive behind sending mostly unarmed drones may have been to spread panic among civilians or an attempt to gather intelligence on Indian military installations, sources added. Islamabad escalated tension after India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. India emphasised that the mission- codenamed Operation Sindoor- was aimed at terrorists and avoided Pakistan military targets. Pakistan, however, retaliated on May 8 by attempting to target several locations in India, including military sites in Jammu and air defence system intercepted the aerial barrage and neutralised it, preventing damage to any vital installation or any casualties. Apart from swarm of drones, Pakistan also deployed missiles, which were promptly intercepted and blocked by India's air defence units."Eight missiles from Pakistan were directed at Satwari, Samba, R S Pura and Arnia. All were intercepted and blocked by air-defence units. Visuals over Jammu reminded exactly of a Hamas-style attack on Israel, like multiple cheap rockets," an Army official was quoted as saying by news agency Watch
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
Delhi Airport: Operations remain normal; some flight disruptions possible
Amid growing cross-border tension, India's major airports—particularly the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi—have stepped up security measures while striving to maintain operational normalcy. In a tweet on May 8, Delhi Airport confirmed that flights are continuing as scheduled, though passengers should expect increased security checks and potential delays. 'Operations at Delhi Airport remain normal. Some flights are impacted due to changing airspace conditions and enhanced security. Please contact your airline for updated flight status and avoid sharing unverified information,' the official airport handle posted on X. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones The advisory came in response to the tensions across the border and the resultant strategic alertness in airspace management. Several international airlines are apparently reevaluating their flight routes on conflict zone, and some routes have been modified even though no formal airspace closures have been declared. Read more: 6 best places in India to spot leopards (without losing your mind) The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented stricter procedures at all major Indian airports to adapt to the changing security environment. These include the reinstatement of Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC), an additional screening procedure carried out right before passengers board the aircraft, and stricter screening of both passengers and cargo. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued synchronized advisories asking passengers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departures. This is especially critical for flyers on domestic routes that typically see high throughput during peak hours. 'With heightened security protocols in place, we advise all passengers to report at the airport three hours before their flight,' read a notification from Air India. Despite the geopolitical undertones, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has not issued any directive halting operations. Instead, the emphasis has been placed on vigilance, preparedness, and clear communication. Authorities at Delhi Airport, India's busiest air hub, are coordinating closely with both security agencies and airline operators to ensure minimal disruption to passengers. Read more: From reel to real: Top 10 iconic movie locations to visit in India Nonetheless, both regionally and globally, operational impact has been felt. Some multinational airlines have temporarily redirected flights to avoid conflict zones as a changes to the airspace will probably have an impact on flight times, fuel prices, and scheduling. Travelers have been urged to stay updated through official airline and airport sources rather than rely on social media, where misinformation can spread rapidly during times of national tension. While Delhi Airport functions smoothly for now, the current scenario serves as a reminder of how quickly geopolitics can intersect with civilian infrastructure. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are prepared to adjust protocols should the conflict escalate. For now, the message is clear: arrive early, stay alert, and trust official updates. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
IndiGo cancels flights to 10 cities, including Srinagar, Leh & Amritsar, till May 10
Following India's 'Operation Sindoor,' heightened security measures have led to widespread flight cancellations and airport closures across northern and northwestern India. IndiGo and other major airlines have cancelled flights to several cities until May 10th. NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Friday announced that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot have been cancelled until 23.59 hours on May 10. With several airports across India shutting down commercial operations in the wake of India's 'Operation Sindoor' on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a fresh advisory to all airlines and airport operators. The circular mandates enhanced security protocols at all airports across the country. As per the advisory, all passengers will now have to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC). Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones Visitor entry into terminal buildings has been banned. Additionally, deployment of air marshals will be carried out accordingly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated. In light of these enhanced measures, airlines have asked passengers to arrive at airports well in advance of their scheduled departure time. Air India, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said, 'In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure.' SpiceJet also issued a similar advisory on X, stating, 'In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.' Akasa Air echoed the same, urging passengers to reach airports at least three hours before departure. 'Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding,' the airline said in its advisory. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled or rescheduled by various airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, as 27 airports in north and north-western India remain closed. The widespread shutdown has significantly disrupted air travel, with 430 flights cancelled on Thursday alone—accounting for nearly 3% of India's total scheduled flights. Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 showed nearly empty skies across the western corridor of India and Pakistan. Full list of closed airports Passengers are advised to carefully plan their travel over the next few days and confirm the status of their flights. Here is the complete list of airports currently shut: Punjab/Himachal/Chandigarh: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Pathankot Rajasthan: Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh: Jammu, Leh Gujarat: Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.
