India has evolved its own state-of-the-art four-layered indigenous air defence (AD) system, designed to counter modern warfare threats, including drones, missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Drawing parallels with Israel’s Iron Dome, this system combines cutting-edge technology with battle-proven legacy assets, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), elaborated on how the system “neutralised recent Pakistani aggression while minimising damage to Indian infrastructure.”
“….. the performance and efficacy demonstrated by even the older and battle-proven AD weapons in countering the Pakistani threat vectors in the current operations. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of indigenous AD weapons like the Akash system,” he said on Monday.
Noting a change in the nature of targets in cases of cross-border terrorist attacks, he said from military assets, the target has now shifted to civilians and religious places of worship. Moreover, threats are no more restricted to just land, but have moved into aerial combat zones.
“I would like to also mention that putting together and operationalisation of this potent AD environment has been possible over the last decade due to unwavering budgetary and policy support provided by the Government of lndia, in acquiring state-of-the art equipment and weapon systems,” Bharti added.
Four-layered system
The air defence system, orchestrated by the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS), integrates a variety of sensors and weapons, from short-range portable, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile systems (called MANPADS) and LLAD guns to long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like the Akash and advanced systems such as the S-400.
Indigenous counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies have proven particularly effective against drone swarms – a hallmark of the contemporary conflicts.
Earlier, Indian armed forces had highlighted a barrage of drone attacks by Pakistan – nearly 300 – 400 – across the Northern and Western borders, following the attack on 9 terror camps in the Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).
The DGAO, Bharti, underscored that modern warfare has evolved beyond traditional air threats, with adversaries increasingly relying on low-cost, high-volume assets like drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided missiles.
Cricket analogy
Highlighting the robustness of India’s air defence systems, Ghai invoked a cricket analogy from the 1970s on how Pakistani aerial attacks were repelled.
“In the 1970s, during the Ashes between Australia and England, two Australian bowlers – Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lille – destroyed the English batting line-up. And then Australia gave the proverb – ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust if Thommo doesn’t get you, Lille must,” he said.
Ghai explained, that even if drones and UAVs or UASs are able to get though one layer, another layer of the grid system will hit them or neutralise them.
“Targeting our airfields and logistics is way too tough,” DGMO Lt General, Rajiv Ghai, said.
He corroborated Bharti’s claims with visuals of India striking Rahim Yar Khan airbase and Nur Khan airbase with precision strikes causing significant damage like craters on the runway.
Modern warfare
Air Marshal Bharti underscored that modern warfare has evolved beyond traditional air threats, with adversaries increasingly relying on low-cost, high-volume assets like drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided missile.
He emphasised the stellar performance of home-grown systems like the Akash, which offers cost-effective, high-precision defence. These systems reflect India’s push for self-reliance, reducing dependency on foreign technology while matching global standards.
“Our forces are prepared for any further missions, should the need arise,” he said adding that “every war is different” with technological advancements happening. The need was to stay ahead of the curve.
Naval positioning
According to Vice Admiral AN Pramod, DGNO, the maritime force maintains “persistent surveillance, detection and identification”, including the air space. Surveillance is conducted through “layered Fleet Air Defence mechanism that caters to all threats” – be it drones or high0speed missiles or aircraft (fighters or surveillance).
“Any aerial target that attempts to penetrate this bubble is detected and identified using various techniques and technologies,” he said, adding that quick and clear distinction is made between commercial, neutral and hostile aircraft or flying objects at ranges in excess of the anticipated attack range.
“The Carrier Battle Group with its integral Air Wing provides the first layer of this layered mechanism. Adequately equipped and trained to high degree of proficiency our pilots are able to operate both by day and night,” Pramod said.
According to him, during Operation Sindoor, the presence of Navy’s Aircraft Carrier with a large number of Mig 29 K fighters and Air-Borne Early Warning helicopters “prevented any suspicious or hostile aircraft to close the Carrier Battle Group within several hundred km.”
“….compelled the Pakistani Air Elements to remain holed up close to the Makaran coast denying any opportunity to be a threat in maritime space,” Pramod said. He added, “The Indian Navy’s dominance thus ensured that should we choose to, we can strike at will.”
Published on May 12, 2025