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The article details a recent escalation in drone activity along the India-Pakistan border, highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and potentially offensive operations. The specific incident involved a large number of drones, reportedly between 300 and 500, launched from Pakistan into Indian airspace. The drones were identified as a mix of quadcopters and, potentially, Songar drones manufactured by Asisguard of Turkey. These Songar drones are particularly concerning due to their armed capabilities, representing a direct threat to Indian security. The Indian response involved a multi-layered air defense system, with recently upgraded air defense guns playing a crucial role in intercepting and destroying a significant number of the incoming drones. This success underscores the importance of continuous modernization and adaptation of air defense systems to effectively counter emerging threats. The article emphasizes the strategic significance of air burst ammunition, which is designed to explode near a target rather than requiring a direct hit, making it particularly effective against swarms of small, agile drones. The effectiveness of the L-70, Zu-23, and Shikla air defense guns, which have been recently upgraded, demonstrates the value of modernizing existing platforms while also pursuing next-generation technologies. The incident also prompted a retaliatory response from India, involving the deployment of long-range loitering munitions such as the Harop and Harpy. These weapons systems are designed to autonomously search for and destroy targets, providing a potent offensive capability. The article further highlights the ongoing efforts by the Indian Army to upgrade and modernize its air defense capabilities, including the planned replacement of the L-70 and Zu-23 guns with a more advanced system. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing the evolving threat landscape and ensuring that India maintains a robust and capable air defense posture. The procurement of smart ammunition, which can be programmed to maximize its effectiveness, is also identified as a key priority. Smart ammunition offers increased kill probability and reduced logistical burden, making it a valuable asset in modern warfare. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plays a critical role in coordinating and managing the country's air defenses through its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The IACCS acts as a central nervous system, integrating data from various sources, including radars, satellites, and ground stations, to provide a comprehensive picture of the airspace and enable effective threat assessment and response. The article suggests that the heightened threat of drones is driving innovation and investment in air defense technologies, both in India and globally. The lessons learned from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine are informing the development and deployment of new air defense systems and tactics. The focus on air burst ammunition, laser and microwave weapons, and smart ammunition reflects a shift towards more sophisticated and effective methods of countering drone threats.
The detailed description of India's layered air defense system illustrates a comprehensive approach to protecting its airspace. The system incorporates a range of capabilities, from long-range systems like the S-400 to short-range systems like the Igla-S, providing multiple layers of defense against a variety of aerial threats. The S-400, with a range of 400 km, provides long-range interception capabilities, while the MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) and Akash systems offer medium-range defense. Shorter-range systems like the Israeli Spyder SAM and legacy systems like the Osa-AK and Tunguska provide close-in protection against low-flying targets. The shoulder-fired Igla-S and Strela-mounted systems offer a final layer of defense against targets that manage to penetrate the outer layers. This layered approach ensures that no single point of failure can compromise the entire air defense system. The emphasis on upgrading existing systems, such as the L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns, is a cost-effective way to enhance India's air defense capabilities. By equipping these guns with air burst ammunition, India can significantly improve their effectiveness against drone swarms. The planned replacement of the L-70 and Zu-23 guns with a more advanced system demonstrates a commitment to long-term modernization. The Army's Request For Proposal (RFP) for a successor gun indicates a thorough evaluation process to ensure that the new system meets India's specific requirements. The emphasis on domestic production, with Director General of Army Air Defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D’Cunha stating that they are not looking to import any guns, aligns with India's broader efforts to promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The procurement of smart ammunition is a crucial aspect of this modernization effort. Smart ammunition's ability to be programmed enhances its precision and effectiveness, reducing the number of rounds required to neutralize a target. This not only improves kill probability but also reduces the logistical burden associated with ammunition resupply. The Army's Request For Information (RFI) for 23 mm ammunition for its Zu-23mm and Schilka air defense weapon systems further underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the capabilities of existing systems. The Army's interest in procuring air burst rounds for its 30mm cannons on infantry combat vehicles demonstrates a recognition of the drone threat to armored units and a proactive approach to mitigating this risk.
The IAF's role in managing and coordinating India's air defenses through the IACCS is critical to ensuring a unified and effective response to aerial threats. The IACCS acts as a central command and control center, integrating data from various sources to provide a comprehensive picture of the airspace. This enables the IAF to quickly assess threats and assign the appropriate air defense system to engage them. The IACCS nodes located across the country act as crucial nerve centers, constantly monitoring the airspace and communicating with various layers of the air defense network. This ensures that all elements of the air defense system are coordinated and working together effectively. The article highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the evolving threat of drones. The mention of Songar drones manufactured by Asisguard of Turkey underscores the global nature of the drone industry and the need for countries to work together to address the challenges posed by these technologies. The lessons learned from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where drones have played a significant role, are informing the development and deployment of new air defense systems and tactics. The focus on air burst ammunition, laser and microwave weapons, and smart ammunition reflects a shift towards more sophisticated and effective methods of countering drone threats. The article also touches on the broader implications of drone warfare for international security. The increasing availability of drones and their potential use by both state and non-state actors poses a significant challenge to traditional notions of national security. The need for effective air defense systems and counter-drone technologies is therefore becoming increasingly urgent. The incident described in the article serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing India and the importance of maintaining a robust and capable military. The successful interception of the Pakistani drones demonstrates the effectiveness of India's air defense system and the professionalism of its armed forces. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for continued investment in air defense technologies and the importance of adapting to the evolving threat landscape. The focus on domestic production and self-reliance in defense manufacturing is crucial to ensuring that India can maintain a strong and independent defense posture. The ongoing efforts to upgrade existing systems and procure new technologies will help to ensure that India remains well-prepared to defend its airspace against any future threats.
Source: Recently upgraded air defence guns take down Pak drones