We have large numbers of AA guns for point defence. They are mainly used for deterrence, not for actually destroying aerial threats. We need to update our inventory and shift from point defence to area defence.
India is looking at systems that can be deployed in multiple configurations and can be used by tall three services from man-portable that can easily lifted by troops in rugged mountain areas and carried to newer locations to fully automated self propelled systems.
India has launched the procurement process for three types of SAMs - medium-range, quick-reaction and man-portable short-range missile systems - to replace the Air Defence Corps' old Russian-origin Kvadrat, Strela and other systems.
These will be in addition to two regiments of the indigenous Akash systems, whose deliveries have been completed. The IAF has also got eight Akash squadrons - six of them based in the north-east to counter China.
The modernization road map envisages a vibrant AD force which will be equipped with a range of guns and missile systems capable of meeting the challenges posed by the emerging air threat over the next few decades. These weapon systems would be networked on an automated Control and Reporting (C&R) system integrated to the C&R systems of the Indian Air Force.
The process is on. It's a question of time. Till then we will have to prioritize deployment of available resources.