India’s defense strategy, particularly concerning missile defense, is undergoing significant evolution in light of regional security dynamics. The indigenous development of anti-missile systems gained momentum following the Kargil conflict, emphasizing the necessity to counter potential threats from neighboring nations.
The S-400 Triumph, acquired from Russia, represents a multi-tiered defense system, providing a combination of short- to long-range capabilities, extending up to 400 km. Its deployment is viewed as a vital aspect of India’s strategic defense framework against aerial threats, including those posed by ballistic and cruise missiles.
In response to these challenges, India has made strides in indigenous missile defense. The creation of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) system allows for high-altitude interception, while the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile is designed to engage threats at lower altitudes, effectively countering missiles with ranges of up to 5,000 km. However, these systems are yet to be fully operationalized for national defense.
Advancing self-reliance in defense capabilities, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively engaged in developing the Long Range Surface to Air Missile System (LR-SAM) under Project Kusha. This initiative aims to match the capabilities of advanced systems like the S-400, thereby providing comprehensive protection against a wider array of aerial threats.
The recent Israeli-Hamas conflict has brought attention to the effectiveness of anti-missile systems, particularly highlighting the performance of the Iron Dome. In response, India’s Project Kusha aims to create a system that not only meets but exceeds the capabilities of the Iron Dome, incorporating long-range detection and neutralization features, with aspirations to rival the U.S. Patriot system.
The ongoing development of the LR-SAM is anticipated to yield a system with a high kill probability, seamlessly integrating with the Indian Air Force’s control systems to bolster airspace defense. This evolution is particularly significant, considering the strategic security concerns posed by China and the deployment of missile systems along the Indo-Tibetan border.
India’s commitment to advancing its missile defense systems like the LR-SAM signifies a crucial step in strengthening national security and effectively countering multifaceted aerial threats at its borders.
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