Sky Shields Unleashed: How India's S-400, Akash Crushed Pakistani Airstrikes In Seconds
India's increasing focus on VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) systems, as well as indigenous hypersonic missile development, reflects the country’s push for self-reliance and advanced deterrence.
In the wake of Pakistan’s unsuccessful aerial offensives and India’s swift retaliation on Thursday morning, the spotlight has firmly shifted to the nation’s formidable air defence capabilities. While Indian fighter jets hit enemy air defence targets deep inside Pakistani territory, it was India’s own sky shield that helped prevent any damage during the initial attacks.
The Indian air defence ecosystem — an intricate network of radars, missile batteries, fighter aircraft, and electronic warfare — is designed to detect, track, and neutralise any threat from above. Here's a breakdown of how these defences work, and the powerful systems India currently has in place.
How India’s Air Defence Systems Work
Detection: The first line of defence involves detecting incoming threats using radar systems. These radars transmit electromagnetic waves that bounce off aerial objects like enemy jets or missiles and return signals that help determine speed, location, and type.
Tracking: Once a threat is detected, it must be constantly tracked. This is done using advanced sensors, including infrared and laser rangefinders, which work in tandem with radar systems to ensure continuous monitoring of multiple targets in complex environments.
Interception: The final step is taking the threat down. Based on the range and type of incoming object, India employs a variety of countermeasures — from missile systems to interceptor aircraft and electronic warfare tools. Seamless communication between detection, tracking, and interception units — known as Command, Control, and Communication (C3) — is crucial for successful air defence.
Missile Shields: India’s Defence Arsenal
S-400 Triumf
- Type: Long-range surface-to-air missile system
- Effective Against: Aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles
- Range: Up to 400 km
- Procured From: Russia
- Commissioned In: 2021
- Total Units: 5 regiments ordered
One of the most advanced systems in the world, the S-400 offers a massive coverage area and precision targeting. It’s designed to intercept and destroy threats even before they enter Indian airspace.
Akash Air Defence System
- Type: Medium-range surface-to-air missile
- Effective Against: Aircraft, cruise missiles
- Range: Up to 45 km
- Procured From: Indigenous (DRDO)
- Commissioned In: 2007
- Total Units: Multiple squadrons with IAF and Indian Army
This indigenously developed missile has seen several upgrades, including the Akash-NG variant with improved range and accuracy. Its mobility and quick deployment make it a reliable short-to-mid-range solution.
Barak 8
- Type: Medium-to-long range SAM
- Effective Against: Aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles
- Range: 70–100 km
- Procured From: Joint development with Israel
- Commissioned In: 2016
- Total Units: Deployed on warships and in land-based systems
Deployed across both naval and land platforms, the Barak 8 offers flexibility and high interception efficiency. Its strength lies in neutralising fast-moving, low-signature threats.
SAMAR
SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation)is an advanced air defence missile system developed by the Indian Air Force's 7 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Tughlakabad.
- Target Interception: Designed to intercept low-flying aerial threats like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and attack helicopters.
- Speed & Range: Can operate at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach (2 to 2.5 times the speed of sound), with a range of up to 12 km.
- Dual Missile Firing: Capable of firing two missiles simultaneously or in rapid succession for enhanced threat neutralisation.
- First Showcase: Unveiled at Aero India 2023.
- Successful Test Firing: Successfully test-fired during Exercise AstraShakti in December 2023.
SAMAR was inducted into the Indian Air Force in December 2023, enhancing air defence capabilities.
Defenders at the Ready: Other Air Defence Tools
Fighter Interceptors:
India’s air defence isn’t just about missiles. The IAF’s fighters — including Rafales, Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, MiG-29s, and Tejas jets — can be scrambled at a moment’s notice to intercept hostile aircraft before they strike. Interceptors are fighters that take on attacking enemy aircraft, especially bombers.
Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA):
Though overshadowed by SAMs, AAA still plays a key role, especially against drones and low-flying objects. Rapid-fire shells create a deadly zone of shrapnel, forming the last line of defence.
Electronic Warfare (EW):
Modern threats don’t always need to be destroyed physically. EW systems jam enemy signals, blind radars, and scramble communication. EW can confuse attack drones or prevent enemy air-to-surface missiles from homing in on targets.”
Long-Range Interceptors: India’s Missile Defence Programme
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)
- Type: Exo-atmospheric interceptor
- Effective Against: Ballistic missiles
- Range: 300–2,000 km
- Procured From: Indigenous
- Commissioned In: Tested in 2006
- Total Units: Classified
Built to intercept missiles outside the atmosphere, PAD adds a crucial layer to India’s two-tiered ballistic defence shield.
Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
- Type: Endo-atmospheric interceptor
- Effective Against: Missiles that evade PAD
- Range: 150–200 km
- Procured From: Indigenous
- Commissioned In: Operational post-PAD
- Total Units: Classified
AAD steps in when threats slip past the PAD layer, intercepting missiles within the atmosphere.
The Bigger Picture
India's increasing focus on VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) systems, as well as indigenous hypersonic missile development, reflects the country’s push for self-reliance and advanced deterrence. With strategic partnerships and home-grown innovation, India’s skies are better protected than ever. And when the enemy’s air defence is dismantled — as it was in Pakistan — the road to aerial dominance becomes much easier.
As India showed last night, when the shield holds firm, the sword strikes harder.
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