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Operation Sindoor, a response to pre-emptive strikes on terrorist infrastructure, showcased the robustness of India's air defense network. The Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO) highlighted the intricate, layered structure, likening it to a high-tech onion, designed to neutralize threats ranging from long-range missiles to low-flying drones. This sophisticated system, spanning a 200-km-wide zone from the International Border inward, underscores years of strategic investment and inter-service coordination, positioning India as a regional powerhouse in air defense.
The core of India's air defense strategy lies in its multi-layered, inter-service grid. The Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and the Indian Army's Akashteer framework form the backbone of this network. IACCS links radar stations, missile batteries, and airbases across the country, while Akashteer integrates sensor data and weapon control at the battlefield level. Together, these systems provide a real-time, unified air situation picture, ensuring seamless coordination between the Army, Air Force, and Navy. This unified command-and-control structure proved crucial during Operation Sindoor, enabling a swift and decisive response to the aerial assault launched by Pakistan.
The defensive shield is structured in four primary layers. The outermost layer is anchored by the S-400 Triumf, known in India as the Sudarshan Chakra. With three operational squadrons and two more expected by 2026, this system is capable of tracking and engaging a wide range of targets, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, at ranges up to 60 km. Each S-400 battery is equipped with advanced radars, such as the 91N6E Big Bird for long-range detection and the 92N6E Grave Stone for fire control, capable of handling up to 80 targets simultaneously and firing 12 missiles at once. During Operation Sindoor, the S-400's effectiveness not only intercepted Pakistani attacks but also deterred the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) from venturing into Indian airspace. India is also actively pursuing indigenous capabilities through ‘Project Kusha,’ developing long-range surface-to-air missiles (LR-SAM) with interceptors reaching 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km, aiming to rival the S-400's capabilities by 2028-29.
The third layer consists of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAMs), a collaborative effort between DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries. With a range of approximately 70 km, these systems are operated by both the Army and the Air Force, providing versatile protection against mid-altitude threats like cruise missiles, UAVs, and fighter jets. The MRSAM, based on the Israeli Barak-8, has been customized with Indian technology, including a two-pulse solid rocket motor for propulsion. It can engage targets at altitudes from 15 meters to 18 km and handle multiple threats simultaneously, leveraging an active radar seeker and seamless integration with IACCS and Akashteer.
The second layer is comprised of short-range defense systems, including the Israeli Spyder and India's homegrown Akash. The Spyder system, with a range of 15–20 km, employs two types of missiles: the Python-5 and the Derby. The Python-5 is an infrared homing missile known for its agility and ability to lock onto fast-moving targets, while the Derby is an active radar-guided missile offering all-weather capability and longer reach. Together, they form a quick-reaction system ideal for intercepting low-flying aircraft and drones that evade outer layers. The Akash, developed by DRDO, boasts a range of 25–30 km and utilizes command guidance for mid-course updates and proportional navigation for the final approach. Variants like Akash-1 (25 km range), Akash-NG (up to 30 km with improved guidance), and Akash Prime (up to 35 km, optimized for low-altitude threats) further enhance its capabilities. Each Akash battery can engage four targets simultaneously, utilizing its Rajendra radar for tracking and guidance. These mobile systems, deployed to protect strategic locations, proved their value during Operation Sindoor by neutralizing Pakistani drones and low-flying threats.
The innermost layer, the last line of defense, focuses on terminal protection with close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). Designed to handle threats within 10 km, this layer ensures that no attacker slips through the preceding defenses. The Indian Army deploys a range of systems, including the OSA-AK-M and Strela-10M, both Soviet-era systems with ranges under 10 km capable of engaging low-flying targets. For close-in defense, the Tunguska and Shilka systems combine guns and missiles. The Tunguska, for instance, has two 30mm cannons and eight missiles, while the Shilka uses four 23mm cannons with radar guidance, delivering high-volume fire. Older anti-aircraft guns like the L70 and ZU-23MM provide additional firepower. On the MANPADS front, India relies on the Igla-M and Igla-S, with ranges of 5 km and 6 km, respectively. The Igla-S, with its improved infrared seeker, was recently enhanced by a fresh batch procured from Russia in April 2025. DRDO is also developing a Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system to replace older MANPADS with a more advanced, indigenous solution.
A critical element of India's air defense network is its robust surveillance infrastructure. Advanced radar systems continuously monitor the skies, ensuring no aerial threat goes unnoticed. The Arudhra Radar, developed by DRDO, plays a central role for the Indian Air Force, capable of detecting targets up to 300 km away. It can track a wide range of objects, from fast-moving fighter jets to smaller targets like UAVs and drones, even detecting objects with a radar cross-section as small as 2 square meters. The Arudhra offers versatility with full 360-degree rotation for comprehensive coverage or a more focused 120-degree arc for precision tracking. It covers a wide elevation range, scanning from as low as 100 meters to as high as 30 km, ensuring comprehensive airspace awareness.
The increasing use of drone warfare, as demonstrated by Pakistani UAV attacks, has necessitated the integration of counter-UAS capabilities into India's air defense systems. Radars like Aslesha and Bharani play crucial roles in low-level and tactical surveillance. The Aslesha Radar, designed for mountainous terrain, offers a compact, mobile solution for detecting low-flying targets in areas like the Northeast and Kashmir, with a detection range of 50–70 km. Its AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology provides high-resolution tracking, making it effective in cluttered environments. The Bharani Radar, a lightweight system ideal for high-altitude regions, detects low-flying aircraft and UAVs. The DRDO-developed D4 anti-drone system, equipped with advanced radar, RF jammers, and laser-based kill mechanisms, can disrupt and disable enemy UAVs mid-flight. Systems like Samyukta and Himshakti perform electronic warfare functions, effectively jamming drone GPS and communication links, often neutralizing threats before they can inflict damage. These integrated surveillance and counter-drone technologies enhance the effectiveness and resilience of India's air defense network.
In conclusion, the air defense network that shielded India during Operation Sindoor exemplifies a sophisticated, multi-layered approach combining indigenous and foreign technologies, seamless inter-service coordination, and advanced surveillance capabilities. With ongoing developments like Project Kusha and the integration of counter-drone technologies, India continues to strengthen its air defense posture, ensuring its airspace remains protected against evolving aerial threats and solidifying its position as a key player in regional security.
Source: Inside India's Air Defence Network That Stood Tall During Operation Sindoor