In a defining moment, India’s cutting-edge surface-to-air missile systems—especially the indigenous Akash and probably the Russian-made S-400 Triumf – successfully intercepted and neutralized a coordinated wave of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan. The attacks targeted 15 military installations and multiple urban centers.
This report highlights eight key air defence systems that have been developed or significantly upgraded between 2014 and 2025.
What Are Air Defence Systems?
Air defence systems are advanced military technologies designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming aerial threats such as fighter jets, ballistic missiles, drones, and helicopters. These systems are typically deployed in a layered structure, ensuring that threats can be engaged at various ranges and altitudes.
India’s integrated air defence network combines imported systems (like the Russian S-400 and Israeli Spyder) with indigenous solutions (like the Akash) to form a comprehensive shield against enemy aerial incursions.
Types of Air Defence Systems
Let us take a look at some of the types of air defence systems.
- Short-Range Systems
Designed to intercept threats at distances up to 30 km.
Examples: QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), Spyder. - Medium-Range Systems
Engage targets between 30 km to 70 km.
Examples: Akash NG, MR-SAM (developed with Israel). - Long-Range Systems
Capable of neutralizing threats from 70 km up to 4000 km.
Examples: S-400 Triumf, BMD Phase-2 interceptors.
Let’s take a look at each one of them.
#1 Akash & Akashteer: India’s Indigenous Air Shield
India’s Akash Air Defence System, developed by DRDO and inducted in 2014, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of neutralising multiple aerial threats—fighter jets, UAVs, helicopters, and cruise missiles—at interception ranges up to 40 km. Its advanced variants, including Akash-NG with a range of 70–80 km, enhance speed and engagement capabilities. The system was deployed during Pakistan’s retaliatory strike following India’s precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
India’s defence also featured Akashteer, a next-gen Air Defence Control and Reporting System by Bharat Electronics Limited. Touted as India’s Iron Dome, Akashteer integrates data from various radar and missile platforms to produce a real-time, unified airspace picture. Its automated, decentralised decision-making significantly shortens response times—critical for frontline defence.
During the Pakistani assault on 15 Indian locations, including key cities and military bases, Akash and Akashteer—alongside the S-400 Triumf—intercepted all incoming drones and missiles without casualties. Akashteer’s mobility, scalability, and built-in redundancy make it a flexible and reliable asset.
With over 455 Akashteer units planned and deliveries ongoing, India’s air defence posture reflects both technological progress and strategic foresight, showcasing its growing self-reliance and preparedness against evolving threats.
#2 S-400: India’s Long-Range Missile Shield
The S-400 Triumf is a Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile system acquired by India in a $5 billion deal signed in October 2018. Designed to counter aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, it can engage multiple targets simultaneously up to a range of 380 km. As of 2023, three of the five contracted squadrons are operational. While it was not used in the recent conflict with Pakistan, the S-400 is a very valuable asset to our defence. Dubbed Sudarshan Chakra, this shield was seen in action in the Ukraine-Russia war.
#3 Barak-8: Key to India’s Missile Defence in 2025 Standoff with Pakistan
In May 2025, rising tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps across the border. In retaliation, Pakistan launched multiple missile and drone strikes, including a Fatah-II ballistic missile aimed at Delhi. India’s Barak-8 missile system intercepted the Fatah-II over Haryana’s Sirsa, highlighting its effectiveness in air defence.
Barak-8 is a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Israel’s IAI. With a range of 70–100 km, Mach 2 speed, and a 60-kg warhead, it features dual-pulse propulsion, thrust vector control, and advanced radar and sensors. First acquired in 2017, Barak-8 has been deployed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Amid the current conflict, Barak-8 works alongside India’s S-400 Triumf, Akash SAMs, and anti-drone systems to shield key cities. Pakistan’s missile arsenal includes the Fatah-II, Shaheen-III, and PL-15, but experts believe India maintains a technological edge with missiles like BrahMos, Agni-V, and Pralay.
🔊 on
IAI and @DRDO_India successfully test launch the MRSAM air defense system last week at a test range in India 💪
The MRSAM is an advanced path breaking air and missile defense system that provides ultimate protection against a variety of aerial platforms. pic.twitter.com/Wk4vWPWeQ9
— Israel Aerospace Industries (@ILAerospaceIAI) January 5, 2021
#4 SPYDER: India’s Quick-Response Shield Against Aerial Threats
The SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) is a mobile, low-level, quick-reaction air defence system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and IAI. It is capable of neutralising a wide range of aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions. Designed to fire Python-5 and Derby missiles—originally air-to-air systems—it offers both short-range (SPYDER-SR, up to 15 km) and medium-range (SPYDER-MR, up to 35–50 km) variants, with altitudes ranging up to 16,000 m and speeds of Mach 4.
India procured 18 SPYDER-MR systems in a $395 million deal, which included 750 each of Python-5 and Derby missiles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates one squadron, with four more on order. Each battery includes a command unit, missile launchers, and radar systems—EL/M-2106 for SR and EL/M-2084 (also used in Israel’s Iron Dome) for MR.
SPYDER has been deployed during high-tension events including post-Balakot airstrikes in 2019 and provides protection for fixed installations as well as mobile formations. With multi-target tracking, all-weather operability, and fast reaction capability, SPYDER plays a critical role in India’s layered air defence strategy, bridging gaps in low-altitude threat interception.
#5 QRSAM: India’s Rapid-Response Shield Against Low-Altitude Threats
The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is an indigenous short-range missile system developed by DRDO to bolster India’s air defence capabilities. Designed for swift deployment, it can engage multiple aerial targets within a range of 25 to 30 km. Tailored for all-weather operations, QRSAM supports “search-on-move, track-on-move, and fire-on-short-halt” tactics—making it ideal for mobile air defence during fast-paced battlefield scenarios.
The QRSAM system is configured with two primary vehicles: a fully automated command and control unit and a radar platform integrating an Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) and Battery Multifunction Radar (BMFR), ensuring target detection, tracking, and engagement accuracy. The missile is launched from a truck-mounted canister, enhancing mobility and response time.
Its first successful test took place on 7 June 2017, at Chandipur, Odisha. The latest tests have validated its performance against aerial targets, confirming robust telemetry, radar tracking, and system coordination. Defence officials hailed it as a vital milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliant air defence solutions.
The QRSAM complements other missile systems like Akash and SPYDER, forming a crucial layer in India’s integrated air defence network, protecting critical assets and mobile military formations from low-altitude aerial threats.
#6 Abhra MRSAM: India’s Advanced Defence Shield
In February 2023, the Indian Army operationalized its first “Abhra” Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) regiment in the 33 Corps, guarding the Sikkim frontier and the Siliguri Corridor. Developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, the MRSAM is designed to neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, at ranges up to 70 km. The system’s successful flight tests, conducted off the Odisha coast, involved intercepting high-speed aerial targets, including long-range, short-range, high-altitude, and low-altitude threats.
These trials validated the missile’s operational capabilities, proving its effectiveness in intercepting multiple targets in complex, saturation scenarios. The system includes a multi-function radar, mobile launchers, and command posts. The MRSAM is already in service with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with its deployment on naval platforms like the INS Vikrant and Kolkata-class destroyers.
The MRSAM’s cutting-edge features include an indigenously developed rocket motor for high manoeuvrability, ensuring successful interception even in critical combat scenarios. The successful trials and operationalization of the MRSAM system signify a major advancement in India’s air defence capabilities, strengthening its ability to counter evolving aerial threats.
#7 VSHORADS: India’s Portable Air Defence Solution
The Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system designed by DRDO to counter low-altitude aerial threats. Optimized for short-range engagement, it can target hostile aircraft and helicopters at ranges of 6–7 km and altitudes up to 4.5 km. Weighing 21 kg and measuring 2 meters in length, the VSHORADS is lightweight, portable, and can be deployed by individuals or small groups, making it ideal for rapid deployment in defense scenarios.
The missile system achieved a significant milestone with three successful flight trials off the Odisha coast. The VSHORADS incorporates advanced technologies such as a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS), responsible for attitude control and steering. It has been developed with contributions from DRDO’s Research Center Imarat and other labs.
Despite having a shorter range and speed than the Russian Igla-S or US Stinger missiles, VSHORADS is tailored to meet the requirements of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its versatility, ease of use, and successful trials position it as an important asset in India’s air defense capabilities, designed to protect against low-flying aerial threats across various operational environments.
#8 2K12 Kub Kvadrat: Soviet-Origin Short-Range Air Defence
The 2K12 Kub (Kvadrat) is a Soviet-designed short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, designed to provide air defense for ground forces against low to medium-level aerial threats. With an operational range of up to 24 km and an altitude capability of 14 km, the Kub system is equipped with a semi-active radar homing missile, the 3M9, which can reach speeds of Mach 2.8. The missile weighs 599 kg and carries a 59 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
Each 2K12 Kub battery consists of several tracked vehicles, including the 1S91 radar vehicle with a 75 km detection range, and multiple triple-missile transporter erector launchers (TELs). These TELs are based on a GM-578 chassis, while the radar vehicle is built on a GM-568 chassis, all developed by MMZ. The system is designed for rapid mobility, providing versatile air defense in combat situations.
The 2K12 Kub’s ability to engage multiple targets at various altitudes and its semi-active radar guidance make it a reliable air defense system. Despite its Soviet origins, the system remains operational in several countries, contributing to the protection of military assets against aerial threats.
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