Indian Army, Air Force to acquire self-reliant missile systems to tackle drones from China and Pakistan

In a bid to enhance the country’s defence capabilities against the threats from enemy drones and fighter jets is working on two crucial projects to develop indigenous shoulder fired air defence missile systems.

These initiatives are meant to bolster the armed forces readiness to counter potential threats along the borders with both China and Pakistan by providing 350 launchers and 2000 missiles to the troops from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to defence officials, the first project focuses on development of a highly effective laser beam riding Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). This project involves collaboration between a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) based in Hyderabad and private sector company from Maharashtra.

Both entities have received project sanctioned orders to develop prototypes domestically signalling a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence technology. While the project is underway officials have expressed optimism about the progress achieved so far, citing it as highly encouraging.

The second project is being undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with selected partners including Adani Defence and I-Comm Engineering Limited, a Hyderabad based firm.

The DRDO system initially developed as a tripod-based system for targeting airborne threats, is now being adapted to enable soldiers to launch missiles from their soldiers’ sources familiar with the development of told an Indian news agency.

India’s pursuit of shoulder-based missile systems dates back to 2009 with efforts focused on replacing and augmenting the existing inventory primarily comprising Russian Igla-1M missiles. Despite previous attempts to find a suitable replacement through tender processes including the procurement of the Igla system from Russia, the project faced setbacks and was subsequently discontinued.

However, there are plans to revive project under the Make in India Initiative with discussions amongst the relevant officials expected to take soon. Indian forces have received over 48 launchers from Russia under emergency procurement measures with an additional 48 launchers anticipated in the near future.

However, the overall requirement of the armed forces exceeds 500 launchers underscoring the urgency, need and importance of indigenous development initiatives in bolstering Indian defence capabilities.