India's Air Defense System and its Capabilities

[IndianHawk]

The Indian federal government has approved the procurement of six additional squadrons of the Akash surface-to-air (SAM) missile system for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for INR55 billion (USD767.7 million).

Senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials said on 5 September that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had sanctioned in late August the acquisition of more units of the indigenously developed system, with a contract for 550-600 Akash missiles expected to be signed "imminently" with state-owned company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

BDL is the principal integrator of the 5.8-m long Akash missile, which is fitted with a 55-60 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead and is stated to be capable of engaging multiple aerial targets such as combat aircraft and assorted missile systems up to a 25-30 km range.

The system's locally designed electronics and Rajendra 3D phased array multifunctional fire-control radar are produced by public-sector company Bharat Electronics Limited, while private manufacturers Larsen & Toubro and Tata Power SED provide its tracked and wheeled launchers.

Military sources said that at least some of the new missiles will be fitted with a new, indigenously designed radio-frequency seeker that was successfully tested in December 2017 in an effort to improve accuracy.

The new Akash systems will supplement two Akash squadrons that were formally inducted into the IAF in July 2015 to replace the ageing Soviet-era S-125M Pechora-M (SA-3B Goa), 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko), and 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grouse) air-defence systems.

While these two squadrons are deployed almost entirely in static roles to provide security to IAF bases, the new Akash systems will be based along India's borders with Pakistan and China to counter aerial threats, military sources told Jane's .
https://www.janes.com/article/90912/indian-air-force-to-acquire-additional-akash-sam-systems

The report misses previous order of 6 squadron.
Total 8 squadron of akash are already in service with iaf and 2 regiments with army .

More than 3000 missile have already been produced.

 

[Brahmos_ii]

Astra vertical launch (VL) is India’s 5th Indigenous Air Defence System

Its raining Indigenous Air Defence Systems in India, DRDO Chief G. Satheesh Reddy in an interview confirmed that DRDO has taken up development of Astra vertical launch (VL) based low-level quick-reaction air defence system based on Astra BVR-AAM which is all set to be inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF) by end of this year. Astra-VL Air Defence System is the latest and will be 5th Indigenous Air Defence System program which has been under development to meet air defence system requirements of the defence forces in the country.

DRDO already has developed Akash-1 and 1S medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system which already has been inducted in Indian Army and Indian Air Force. DRDO is already working on the development of Next Generation Akash Air Defence System which will have longer range and also come with additional features and enhanced performance. DRDO also has started development trials of Mobile QR-SAM Air Defence System to meet Indian Army’s requirement for a surface-to-air missile defense system for its Strike corps. The fourth project taken up by the DRDO is of XR-SAM Air Defence System which will have a range of 250km and will supplement Russian S-400 Very Long-range surface-to-air missile defense system.

Ground-based Astra air defence system will provide 360° coverage (vertical launch) and will be Fire-and-Forget system with Interception range up to 10-15 km with the addition of boosters Astra-VL will have an extended range of 30km against a wide range of targets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and UAVs and precision-guided munitions. Astra-VL Air Defence System will have its Command and Control Unit (CCU) or can be guided by other CCU of other air defence systems in the vicinity to provide air defence coverage in static mode for vital military installations working in tandem with Akash-1 and 1S and Akash NG Air Defence System. DRDO is also working on Short Range Surface to Air Missiles (SR-SAMs) for Indian Navy which basically will be Astra-VL Air Defence System customised for Indian Navy.

Sea Astra will have a range of 20-25 km and will also be tasked to perform anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon system roles and will work in tandem with 70 km long-range surface-to-air missile system (LRSAM) to provide 360 degrees complete aerial defense against all airborne threat including aircraft, helicopters and anti-ship missiles. Sea Astra will replace Israeli supplied Barak-1 ship-borne point-defense missile installed in many front-line warships of the Indian Navy.

idrw.org . http://idrw.org/astra-vertical-launch-vl-is-indias-5th-indigenous-air-defence-system/ .

 

[Tanmay]

The Indian federal government has approved the procurement of six additional squadrons of the Akash surface-to-air (SAM) missile system for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for INR55 billion (USD767.7 million).


The new Akash systems will supplement two Akash squadrons that were formally inducted into the IAF in July 2015 to replace the ageing Soviet-era S-125M Pechora-M (SA-3B Goa), 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko), and 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grouse) air-defence systems.

While these two squadrons are deployed almost entirely in static roles to provide security to IAF bases, the new Akash systems will be based along India's borders with Pakistan and China to counter aerial threats, military sources told Jane's .
https://www.janes.com/article/90912/indian-air-force-to-acquire-additional-akash-sam-systems

Report says we have just 2 squarons of Akash!
We already have 8 squadrons of Akash currently deployed
2 in west (Pune, Gwalior)
6 in North East


Also it says Akash will replace Igla. Igla is a shoulder fired SAM in a totally different class.

 

[tharun]

Why can't we upgrade 9K33 Osa missile system with new radar and missiles rather than replacing it entirely.Because it's is mobile.
One Osa can do mission independently without any support from other systems.
We can upgrade the old radar with new radar and targeting system.
We can replace the 6 old missiles with the new Qrsam missiles or Astra missiles.


Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk

 

[Tanmay]

Why can't we upgrade 9K33 Osa missile system with new radar and missiles rather than replacing it entirely.Because it's is mobile.
One Osa can do mission independently without any support from other systems.
We can upgrade the old radar with new radar and targeting system.
We can replace the 6 old missiles with the new Qrsam missiles or Astra missiles.


Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk

So only the vehicular platform to be reused? Rest systems like radars, missiles and computers to be replaced by Indian systems?

QRSAM is much more powerful than Osa. And meatier too.

QRSAM vs OSA
Range: 30km vs 15km
Altitude: 6km vs 4km
Radar Ranges : 120km/80km vs 30km
Active non rotating radar vs Older rotating radar.

 

[aarav]

Astra & SFDR based vertically launched SAMs are the next frontiers DRDO is looking at with boosters india can have a excellent SRSAM for navy & base protection on Land ,the production on Akash and Akash 1s should also be high ,these systems needs to percolate on frontiers bases which still have Soviet era SAMs

 

[tharun]

So only the vehicular platform to be reused? Rest systems like radars, missiles and computers to be replaced by Indian systems?

]

Yes only the platform should be reused...Rest all the radars, missiles etc will be our systems.
We can replace Osa missile with Qrsam.

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[Tanmay]

When did this happen?

India to buy 104 K-30 Biho Anti Aircraft Systems for Indian Army.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K30_Biho

https://www.armyrecognition.com/may...obile_air_defense_system_for_indian_army.html

Even RSTV had carried a detailed report on it.


Also fitted with Chiron Missiles (7 km range)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiron_(missile)

This is replacement for Shikla and Tunguska AA systems

So perhapAir Defence Corps would look like this.
K30 Biho > QRSAM > Akash > MRSAM

Not sure if it will replace Osa used by IAF

 

[uoftotaku]

When did this happen?

India to buy 104 K-30 Biho Anti Aircraft Systems for Indian Army.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K30_Biho

https://www.armyrecognition.com/may...obile_air_defense_system_for_indian_army.html

Even RSTV had carried a detailed report on it.


Also fitted with Chiron Missiles (7 km range)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiron_(missile)

This is replacement for Shikla and Tunguska AA systems

So perhapAir Defence Corps would look like this.
K30 Biho > QRSAM > Akash > MRSAM

Not sure if it will replace Osa used by IAF

It's been selected as L1 but contract not yet inked. Most likely will see same type of arrangement as K-9 Vajra with bulk being made here by L&T. Details are being sorted out. Additional order for K-9s is also being pursued on urgent basis.

 

[Tanmay]

It's been selected as L1 but contract not yet inked. Most likely will see same type of arrangement as K-9 Vajra with bulk being made here by L&T. Details are being sorted out. Additional order for K-9s is also being pursued on urgent basis.

Both K9 and K30 are manufactured by South Korean Hanwha. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanwha_Techwin
So the deal does make sense. L&T wont set up an entire facility in Gujarat for just 90 K9 orders. I think we will see good number of inductions of both systems.

The Tank, K9 SPG, K30 SPAAG, Apache combo seems to be in sync with the Integrated Battle Group IBG concept being rolled out in IA.

RM Rajnath was in SoKo last week. So it seems things have moved in right direction.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...-components-in-india/articleshow/71014262.cms

 

[uoftotaku]

Both K9 and K30 are manufactured by South Korean Hanwha. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanwha_Techwin
So the deal does make sense. L&T wont set up an entire facility in Gujarat for just 90 K9 orders. I think we will see good number of inductions of both systems.

The Tank, K9 SPG, K30 SPAAG, Apache combo seems to be in sync with the Integrated Battle Group IBG concept being rolled out in IA.

RM Rajnath was in SoKo last week. So it seems things have moved in right direction.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...-components-in-india/articleshow/71014262.cms

They have a good line of vehicles. Check out their K-21 IFV and its new derivative the Redback which has been shortlisted by Australia just this week for its Land 400 requirement. Would be a perfect fit for IA's long delayed BMP replacement

 

[Tanmay]

They have a good line of vehicles. Check out their K-21 IFV and its new derivative the Redback which has been shortlisted by Australia just this week for its Land 400 requirement. Would be a perfect fit for IA's long delayed BMP replacement

Impressive vehicle. But that would mean kicking out indigenous FICV project. Anyways lets keep this thread about air defence systems and not derail it with OT content.

 

[uoftotaku]

Impressive vehicle. But that would mean kicking out indigenous FICV project. Anyways lets keep this thread about air defence systems and not derail it with OT content.

On the K-30 itself, the Indian version will feature so customisation (same as done on K-9). One of the major items is replacement of the Korean Chiron ManPads SAM with either Igla-S or Mistral both of which are in service with Indian forces and are also available under MII

 

[vampyrbladez]

Sale of K-30 Biho to India seems to have given a new impetus to South Korean defence exports. It seems that post the drone strike, the Saudis may be interested in the system as well.

In phone talks, President Moon Jae-in and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also emphasized the importance of a unified response to the problem by the international community.

He requested South Korea's help in a plan to beef up his nation's air defense system and the two sides agreed to continue consultations on it, Cheong Wa Dae said.

An oil for guns type deal may be emerging.

Moon also pointed out that Saudi Arabia is South Korea's top oil supplier. Last year, South Korea imported 323 million barrels of crude from Saudi Arabia, accounting for nearly 30 percent of its total oil imports, official data show.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190918005800315

 

[Tanmay]

Bengaluru node of IACCS declared functional

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/city/b...node-of-iaccs-declared-functional-768857.html

Dont know if posted before
IACCS Progress by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Phase I :
As of September 2015
The Indian Air Force has already established 5 nodes of the IACCS in the western sector facing Pakistan at
Barnala (Punjab),
Wadsar (Gujarat),
Aya Nagar (Delhi),
Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Ambala (Haryana)


Phase II :
4 new nodes and 10 new sub-nodes will come

While 3 nodes will be deployed in eastern, central and southern India, the fourth is meant for A&N Islands

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...mmand-control-system/articleshow/49079201.cms

New IACCS node at AFS Memaura (Central Air Command)

https://www.indiastrategic.in/2018/...ing-in-chief-central-air-command-inaugurated/



I think A&N IACCS would be fully operational after BSNL links A&N with Opical Fiber Cable from India by 2020. Port Blair already has top of the line radars installed.




2019 controversy: Irregularities by BEL in IACCS implementation

https://www.firstpost.com/india/bel...-defence-officials-under-scanner-6414261.html

https://www.dnaindia.com/india/repo...t-norms-to-favour-private-firm-report-2735884


The IACCS centres would probably be hardened/underground facilities. So this news is indeed troubling.

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/b...node-of-iaccs-declared-functional-768857.html

Bengaluru node of IACCS declared functional PTI, Bengaluru, OCT 16 2019, 18:17PM IST | UPDATED: OCT 17 2019, 01:40AM IST A node of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was declared as operational in the city by the Indian Air Force. (PTI Photo) DH Newsletter Privacy Policy Get top news in your inbox daily Your email address The Bengaluru node of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was declared functional in a ceremony here on Wednesday. The concept of IACCS aims towards facilitating centralised command and control by automated integration of all air defence resources, a Defence release said. The Bengaluru node exercises air defence control over the whole Southern Peninsula and is the only such node in this region. The node is equipped with the latest batch of equipment from Bharat Electronics Limited. "This landmark technology enables system assisted faster decision making while operating in an integrated environment both during peace and hostilities", the release said. The event was presided over by Air Marshal B Suresh, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Air Command, in the presence of Group Captain Anuj Pathak, Station Commander Air Force Station Chimney Hills and senior officers from the Indian Air Force and Bharat Electronics Limited, the release said

Phase I :
As of September 2015
The Indian Air Force has already established 5 nodes of the IACCS in the western sector facing Pakistan at
Barnala (Punjab), WAC
Wadsar (Gujarat), WAC
Aya Nagar (Delhi), WAC
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) WAC
Ambala (Haryana) WAC


Phase II :
4 new nodes and 10 new sub-nodes will come
Memaura (Lucknow) CAC
Chimney Hills (Bengaluru) SAC

Interestingly: Look at the image. It shows that Lakshadweep and A&N Islands will come under Bengaluru IACCS node. I thought that it would come under Kolkata or Kalaikunda which are much closer to A&N.

 

[porky_kicker]

First publicly available picture of a upgraded schilka with mounted Igla manpads.

1 Igla manpads on either side on a rotatable/tilting mount

 

[Kunal Biswas]

In service, though won`t be carrying SAMs ..

==============

Surprisingly : https://www.iai.co.il/p/schilka

View attachment 39891

First publicly available picture of a upgraded schilka with mounted Igla manpads.

1 Igla manpads on either side on a rotatable/tilting mount

 

[tharun]

We need air defence on move for the Integrated Battle Groups.
1)We can upgrade the 9K33 Osa with new Qrsam missile and new radar so it can target up to 30km
2) Short range missiles like Tor missile system.We can make our own system with either barak1 or Mica or indigenous missile to target upto 20km
3)Very short range system like pantsir S-1
K-30 Biho

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[bhramos]

upgraded ZSU-23-4 Shilka system..........

 

[porky_kicker]

First pic of L&T CIWS ( close in weapon system )