Key takeaways from DEFEXPO-2022
While the Rudram-1 NG-ARM is meant for destroying X-band target engagement radars of ground-based SHORADS, the Rudram-2 NG-ARM is meant for neutralising the L-band & S-band gapfiller radars of MR-SAM systems. The Rudram-3 ARM is meant for destroying the low-band long-range airspace surveillance radars. Hence, HQ-17A-type SHORADS will be destroyed by Rudram-1, while the LY-80E LOMADS will be destroyed by Rudram-2 & LR-SAMs like HQ-9 HIMADS will be destroyed by Rudram-3.
The Prahaar SS-BSM will be used for engaging time-urgent targets like ground-based formation HQs. Each Prahaar Regiment will comprise 14 high-mobility vehicles each carrying 2 Prahaar SS-BSMs inside cannisters, or 28 missiles per Regiment. They will replace the existing Prithvi SS-150s in the three IA Missile Groups.
The Pralay SS-BSM, on the other hand, will be employed for destroying ammunition depots located within the hinterland in Pakistan’s case, and ammo depots in rear-areas in China’s case. BrahMos-1 SS-BSMs will be reserved for very high-end targets like politico-military HQs & strategic bridges & railway nodes.
The CVRDE-designed & L & T-built Zorawar Light Tank will have a combat weight of 27.5 tonnes, will be powered by the very same 1,000hp MTU/RENK powerpack that is used by the K-9 Vajra tracked 155mm/52-cal SPH, and will have a power-to-weight ratio of almost 30hp/tonne. The turret will be totally unmanned & the crew complement of 3 will be seated in the hull.
Given the demonstrated capabilities of Iran’s The Shahed-136/ASN-301 drone (a clone of the IAI Harpy), which is launched at a rate of five per target, both the IA & IAF need to go back to the drawing boards for procuring suitable cost-effective terminal air-defence systems. To this end, preferred choice is still the AK-630M six-barrelled CIWS integrated with an optronic fire-control system using an all-passive infra-red search-n-track sensor. In addition, far cheaper SHORADS SAMs need to be procured for shooting down such attack-drones as well as subsonic cruise missiles.
The A320 LRMR/MPA design configuration shown at the LRDE/CABS booth mistakenly shows it with IN markings. In fact, it is meant for the Indian Coast Guard & it will be the optimum long-range airborne surveillance/maritime patrolling platform for the ICGS within the IOR.
IAF-developed SAMAR air-defence system is just a conceptual technology demonstrator, with no production orders to be placed.