India to deploy ‘Made in India’ air defence shield over Delhi NCR to protect against enemy threats

(Representative image via Economictimes)

India is set to deploy its own homegrown air defence system to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from threats in the sky, as per reports. This new multilayered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) will include indigenous missile systems like the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM) and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), along with other important equipment to keep the capital safe from enemy drones, missiles, and fast-moving aircraft.

This decision comes at a crucial time in May this year, during Operation Sindoor, when Pakistan apparently tried to target Indian territory using aerial threats. Earlier, India was planning to get the American-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), which protects places like Washington, DC and the White House. However, talks with the US did not move forward as the price asked was very high.

The development and deployment of this indigenous system is a big boost for India’s defence capabilities. The Indian Air Force will be responsible for operating this system, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will work with production agencies to handle the networking and command controls needed for such a complex defence setup.

DRDO has already made several air defence systems like QRSAM and Medium Range SAM, and is currently working on a long-range missile system called Project Kusha. Alongside this, India is also getting ready to bring in two more squadrons of the Russian S-400 Sudarshan air defence missile systems. There is also ongoing consideration of buying more S-400s and the newer S-500 air defence system from Russia.

This step marks a significant move in strengthening India’s homegrown air defence and reducing reliance on foreign weapons to protect the nation’s capital from aerial threats.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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