India’s Missile Defense Capacity

In light of the recent Iranian missile attack on Israel, there are pressing questions about India’s own missile defense capabilities.

Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program

• The BMD program was launched in 2000 post-Kargil War to create a multi-layered defense shield against ballistic missile threats.
• Phases: The BMD program consists of two phases:
  • Phase I: It focuses on high-altitude interception using systems like Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD).
  • Phase II: This phase extends capabilities to neutralize ballistic missiles in endo-atmospheric and low exo-atmospheric regions. The two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched missile system demonstrated successful interception capabilities.
• Key Components of BMD
  • Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): It is designed for exo-atmospheric interception, this system targets incoming ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
  • Advanced Air Defence (AAD): It is focused on endo-atmospheric interception, it complements the PAD by dealing with missiles at lower altitudes.

S-400 Triumf System

• India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 systems, with three units already operational.
• Capabilities:
  • Range: The S-400 can engage targets up to 400 kilometers away, effectively covering a vast area.
  • Target Tracking: It can track 300 targets simultaneously and engage 60-80 targets, employing a dual-missile strategy for each target.
  • Counter-Stealth: The system's advanced radar (AESA 1L119 NEBO SVU) is said to pose significant challenges for stealth aircraft, including the American F-35.

BrahMos missile system

• The BrahMos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile of a short-range developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• BrahMos was named after two major rivers of India and Russia: Brahmaputra and Moskva.
• The technology used in this joint venture is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile and similar sea-skimming cruise missiles from Russia.
• Features:
  • Stealth Technology
  • Advanced guidance system
  • High Target Accuracy (irrespective of weather conditions)
  • Constant supersonic speed
  • Operates on ‘Fire and Forget’ Principle
  • BrahMos can be launched from land, aircraft, ships, and even submarines.
  • One of the heaviest missiles, weighing up to 2.5 tonnes.
• Surface-to-Air Missile Systems:
  • Akash Missile System: A versatile surface-to-air missile capable of intercepting aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles, at ranges up to 30 kilometers. While not specifically designed for ballistic missile defense, it enhances overall air defense capabilities.
  • Barak-8: A joint development with Israel, this medium-range surface-to-air missile system can engage various aerial threats, including missiles and drones, at ranges up to 70 kilometers.