India to deploy indigenous air defence weapon system to protect Delhi from enemy aerial threats
By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, December 9
In a major development, India is moving towards deploying its own home grown integrated air defence system to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from enemy aerial threats like missiles, drones and fast moving aircraft.
The multilayered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) would be based around the indigenous air defence missiles such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile systems and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems along with other associated equipment to protect the Delhi National Capital Region, senior defence sources told ANI.
The project is being processed by the Defence Ministry at a time when Pakistan apparently tried to target the country during the Operation Sindoor in May this year. The plan to deploy the indigenous weapon system would be a big boost for homegrown defence systems as India had earlier planned to deploy the US-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II).
The two sides had even started negotiations for the sale of the American system that protects the city of Washington DC and the White House there.
The Indian government did not move forward on the deal with the Americans as they were asking for a very high price, sources said.
The IADWS would be responsible for protecting the vital installations in the national capital region and is the responsibility of the Indian Air Force. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be working with production agencies who will work on the networking and command and control
"Systems are required for such a complicated air defence system," sources said.
The DRDO has successfully developed multiple air defence systems like the QRSAM, Medium Range SAM and is working on developing a long range SAM under project Kusha.
India is also working to get its two remaining squadrons of the S-400 Sudarshan air defence missile systems while also considering a Russian proposal for more S-400s along with the S-500 air defence system.
— ANI
Reader Comments
A very sensible move. Self-reliance in defence is the only way forward for a country like India. We have the talent and the capability. The mention of Operation Sindoor is a reminder of why this is so crucial. Hope the deployment is swift and efficient.
Good step, but I hope the indigenous system is thoroughly tested and proven before deployment. The capital's security cannot be compromised. Also, we must ensure there is no delay—sometimes our projects get stuck in bureaucratic red tape. Speed is of the essence.
Interesting development. While promoting domestic industry is important, I hope the decision is based purely on technical merit and not just cost or national pride. The article mentions ongoing talks for Russian S-400/S-500 too. A balanced, multi-source approach might be wise for such critical infrastructure.
Jai Hind! This is the way. Every rupee spent on our own defence industry boosts our economy and our strategic autonomy. The QRSAM and MR-SAM have good track records. Project Kusha for the long-range system is something to watch. Our scientists have made us proud.
A multilayered defence for Delhi is absolutely necessary in today's times with drone threats becoming more common. Glad to see a focus on integration and command & control—that's often the hardest part. Hope this system gets extended to other major cities and vital installations across the country soon.
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