India’s Air Defence System (ADS)

Current Context : India’s Integrated Air Defence System (ADS) successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple hostile aerial incursions along the western frontier in May 2025.

About India’s ADS
An Integrated Counter-UAS Grid layers multiple Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems for comprehensive coverage:

S-400 “Triumf” (Sudarshan Chakra)

• Origin: Acquired from Russia; known as “Storm Shadow” in the UK.
• Role: Long-range, multi-target engagement; deep-strike capability.
• Range & Coverage:
  • Tracking: up to 600 km
  • Engagement: up to 400 km
  • Altitude: 30 m–30 km
• Features: Phased-array radars, 360° coverage, electronic-warfare counter-measures, layered-defence interoperability.

Barak 8 (LR SAM / MR SAM)

• Co-development: India & Israel (DRDO-IAI).
• Range: Up to 100 km
• Speed: Mach 2
• Variants: Land- and maritime-based
• Capability: Simultaneous multiple-target engagement via active radar seeker.

Akash Weapon System

• Indigenous: Developed by DRDO & Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
• Range: 4.5 km–25 km
• Altitude: 100 m–20 km
• Features: Command guidance, built-in ECCM, group/autonomous engagement, rapid “detect-to-kill” cycle, high jamming immunity.

Significance

• Layered Defence: Integrates long-, medium-, and short-range SAMs for seamless protection.
• Threat Response: Proven capability against low-signature drones, high-altitude aircraft, and cruise missiles.
• Strategic Deterrence: Enhances security along sensitive border sectors.