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.

1. Short-Range Systems
   Designed to intercept threats at distances up to 30 km.
   Examples: QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), Spyder.
2. Medium-Range Systems
   Engage targets between 30 km to 70 km.
   Examples: Akash NG, MR-SAM (developed with Israel).
3. 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.

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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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Just hours after India carried out precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan launched a retaliatory aerial assault on Indian territory. The coordinated strike targeted at least 15 locations across northern and western India, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Chandigarh.

India swiftly activated its multi-layered air defence systems to neutralise the threat. Among the key defence mechanisms employed were the indigenously developed Akashteer system—hailed as India’s equivalent of Israel’s Iron Dome—and the Russian-built S-400 Triumf system, dubbed Sudarshan Chakra by the Indian Air Force.

According to defence officials, the attempted Pakistani attack involved a combination of drones and missiles launched towards key civilian and military infrastructure. The Indian Air Force and Army air defence units responded in real time, using the Akashteer-S-400 combo to intercept and destroy all incoming projectiles. No damage or casualties were reported, marking a significant validation of India’s air defence preparedness.

What Is Akashteer?

The Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) is a next-generation platform developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Army. It digitises air defence command and control functions to ensure seamless detection, tracking, and interception of aerial threats.

The system is being touted as India’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome due to its automated, decentralised capabilities and rapid response time—features that were fully leveraged during the Pakistani strike.

Key Features Of Akashteer System

• Sensor Fusion for a Unified Air Picture: Akashteer integrates data from Indian Army and Air Force sensors—including 3D tactical radars, low-level lightweight radars, and Akash weapon systems—to create a real-time, multi-dimensional airspace view. This live data is accessible down to the lowest operational units.
• Fully Automated Engagement: One of Akashteer’s most critical features is its elimination of manual data entry. Automated tracking and response mechanisms ensure that threats are dealt with in real time, crucial when defending against high-speed aerial attacks.
• Decentralised Authority: By allowing frontline units to independently make engagement decisions, Akashteer significantly reduces response time. This feature is vital in sensitive zones along India’s northern and eastern borders, where immediate retaliation is often necessary.
• Redundancy and Scalability: Built-in communication redundancy ensures uninterrupted operation even in hostile electronic environments. The system is also future-ready, with both software and hardware scalability integrated into its design.
• Flexible Deployment Models: Akashteer can be deployed via mobile platforms for offensive strike formations or through fixed installations for pivot formations. This flexibility allows India to tailor its air defence posture based on terrain and threat levels.

According to official data, out of the total 455 Akashteer units planned, 107 were delivered by November 2024. An additional 105 were on track for delivery by March 2025, with the remainder expected by March 2027. The induction is part of a broader plan to equip all key Indian Army formations with the latest in air defence technology.

Operation Sindoor

India’s response to the Pakistani attack has garnered global attention. Reports indicate that the United States has urged Pakistan to “de-escalate immediately” in light of the failed retaliation. Washington is reportedly monitoring the situation closely while reiterating its support for India’s right to self-defence.

The aerial retaliation follows India’s successful execution of Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike targeting terror camps operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across Pakistan and PoK. The Indian Defence Ministry described the mission as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” carried out entirely from Indian territory.

The dual use of Akashteer and S-400 systems in thwarting Pakistan’s attempted strike underlines India’s advanced defensive capabilities and growing technological self-reliance in national security.

(With inputs from MSN)

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India’s recent military successes in Operation Sindoor and its ongoing conflict with Pakistan have underscored the critical role played by two key defence acquisitions—the Russian S-400 air defence system and the French Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles. These systems, inducted under the Narendra Modi government despite fierce political and external pressure, have now proven their worth in combat, repelling a massive Pakistani drone and missile assault overnight.

This detailed analysis explores the multifaceted obstacles encountered by the Narendra Modi government in securing the Russian S-400 air defence system and the French Rafale fighter jets, both pivotal for India’s recent military successes in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The acquisitions, finalized despite significant external and domestic resistance, highlight India’s strategic autonomy and resilience in defence procurement.

Background And Context

India’s military modernization efforts have been driven by escalating threats from Pakistan and China, necessitating advanced air defence and fighter jet capabilities. The S-400, signed for $5 billion in 2018, and the Rafale deal, worth €7.8 billion for 36 jets in 2020, were critical to enhancing India’s defence posture. However, both deals faced a complex web of geopolitical, diplomatic, logistical, and domestic political hurdles, which the Modi government navigated with determination.

Obstacles In Acquiring The S-400 Air Defence System

The S-400 acquisition was marked by significant international and logistical challenges:

1. US Pressure and CAATSA Sanctions Threat: The US, under both Trump and Biden administrations, exerted considerable pressure to dissuade India from proceeding with the deal, citing concerns over interoperability with NATO systems and invoking the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Reports indicate the US warned of sanctions similar to those imposed on Turkey, with officials stating in 2021 that India was unlikely to receive a waiver. Despite this, India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific likely influenced the US to withhold sanctions, as noted in 2021 reports.

2. Delays Due to Russia-Ukraine War: Logistical challenges emerged with the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, delaying deliveries. Initially, all five squadrons were expected by early 2024, but as of recent reports, the remaining two are now slated for 2026, impacting India’s defence readiness. This delay, attributed to Russia’s focus on its conflict, tested India’s patience but did not derail the deal.

3. Concerns Over System Capabilities: There were discussions about the S-400’s perceived outdated technology and actual capabilities, with some analyses suggesting it might not be the game-changer India anticipated. This raised internal debates within India’s defence establishment, adding to the complexity of the acquisition.

4. Diplomatic Balancing Act: India had to balance its growing ties with the US, particularly through the Quad and Indo-Pacific frameworks, while maintaining its traditional partnership with Russia. This diplomatic tightrope was evident in reports from 2022, where the US discouraged the deal but acknowledged geostrategic considerations.

Obstacles In Acquiring The Rafale Fighter Jets

The Rafale deal faced a different set of challenges, primarily domestic political and legal, with additional negotiation complexities:

1. Domestic Political Opposition: The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, launched a fierce campaign against the deal, alleging corruption and favoritism. They claimed the per-aircraft cost had escalated from ₹715 crore to ₹1,600 crore under the UPA negotiations, labeling it a “scam” during the 2019 elections. The opposition criticized the selection of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence as the offset partner, suggesting crony capitalism, which fueled demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe. This political noise threatened to derail the deal, creating public and parliamentary pressure.

2. Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Intervention: The allegations led to legal challenges, with petitions reaching the Supreme Court. In December 2018, the court dismissed all petitions, finding no evidence of wrongdoing, which was crucial in allowing the deal to proceed. This legal hurdle, while eventually cleared, added significant delay and scrutiny to the process.

3. Negotiation Complexities with France: The government-to-government deal involved intricate negotiations with Dassault Aviation. France resisted India’s demands for full technology transfer and customization, such as integrating indigenous weapons like the Astra missile, creating friction. Additionally, offset obligations, requiring Dassault to invest in Indian manufacturing, were contentious, with the Reliance Defence partnership drawing criticism. Reports from 2016 highlight the joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), as part of these obligations, adding to the negotiation burden.

4. Bureaucratic Delays and Pricing Disputes: India’s defence procurement process, known for red tape, delayed approvals and scrutiny from bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) over pricing transparency. The government defended the deal, emphasizing national security, but these bureaucratic hurdles prolonged the timeline.

The Congress’ Sins

The Congress party significantly obstructed the Modi government’s acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France, a €7.8 billion deal signed in 2016 to bolster India’s air superiority. Their opposition, centered on allegations of corruption, favoritism, and procedural lapses, created political, legal, and public perception challenges, delaying the deal’s execution.

Congress leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi, alleged a price escalation from ₹715 crore to ₹1,600 crore per aircraft, labeling the deal a “scam” during the 2019 elections. They criticized the selection of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence as the offset partner over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), accusing the government of crony capitalism. Claims of bypassing standard procurement processes, like approvals from the Defence Acquisitions Council, further fueled their narrative.

The party demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe, met with the Central Vigilance Commission and Comptroller and Auditor General for investigations, and challenged the Supreme Court’s 2018 dismissal of petitions against the deal, even urging its recall. These actions kept the deal under intense scrutiny, diverting government resources to defend it and impacting public trust.

Congress’s campaign made Rafale a central 2019 election issue, delaying implementation as the government countered allegations across forums. Despite these hurdles, the Supreme Court’s clearance ensured the deal’s progress, and the Rafale jets proved their worth in Operation Sindoor by May 2025. Congress’s opposition, while not derailing the deal, significantly complicated its execution, forcing the government to navigate a prolonged political and legal battle to secure this critical defense asset.

PM Modi: A Tough Negotiator For A Reason

Despite these obstacles, the Modi government’s resolve ensured both deals were executed, enhancing India’s defence capabilities. The S-400’s debut in combat, as reported on May 07, 2025, showcased its effectiveness in thwarting Pakistani threats, validating the decision despite delays. Similarly, the Rafale’s precision strikes, such as the Bahawalpur operation, underscored its strategic value, silencing critics of the deal.

The successful navigation of these obstacles reflects India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, balancing relations with major powers like the US, Russia, and France while addressing domestic political dynamics. As of May 09, 2025, these acquisitions have proven their worth, with ongoing operations demonstrating their battlefield efficacy.

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As Russia promises to supply India the S-400 triumf surface-to-air missile [SAM] system on time, it has emerged that this advanced air defence system has managed to shoot down a Ukrainian fighter jet at a distance of 150 Km. 

As per reports, Russia on February 25, downed Ukrainian fighter jets near Kyiv and sources have confirmed that one of the downed Ukrainian Su-27 fighters was shot down by an S-400 anti-aircraft missile fired by an air defence system.

Russia has claimed that this fighter was hit by a SAM system S-400, which was located in Belarus and according to BulgarianMilitary.com, Moscow deployed at least two S-400 batteries on the territory of Belarus as the Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had also asked Russia to deploy at least two more batteries on the outskirts of Minsk.

If this is true, Russia managed to shoot down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter with its S-400 SAM system in combat from a distance of 150 km, it would be the first time this weapons platform has been used in an actual war showcasing its true capabilities. 

However, Russia has not given in any official statement that it has indeed used the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system that shot down the Ukrainian fighter jet.

It must also be noted that the S-400 that hit the Ukrainian fighter was just one-third of its range because the S-400 is designed to strike at aerial targets at a distance of 400 km and its radars can detect targets at a distance of 600 km.

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In a boost for India’s air defense, Russia will soon deliver the S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft weapon system that will augment our national security interests against Pakistan and China, reports Livemint.

Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, the deputy chief executive of Russian air and defence major Almaz-Antey said, “I can confirm that we will deliver [the S-400 system to India] by the end of 2021 in accordance with the schedule and contractual obligations of the Russian side.”

Dzirkaln also mentioned that the training of the Indian military personnel who will operate the S-400 system is underway while interacting with the reporters at the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2021”.

“As for the training, the first group of Indian specialists have completed the training. The second group is undergoing training. I would not talk about the number of people but it is a sufficient number for the Indian armed forces to effectively operate our equipment,” Dzirkaln shared.

“I would like to say that the results shown by the first group of Indian specialists after the training were very high,” he said.

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As per reports, India is all set to receive its first batch of the S-400 anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile system from Russia in October-December this year.

On Thursday (June 10) Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told the Interfax news agency that, “Everything is going according to schedule,”.

The S-400 is considered one of the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system capable of destroying incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Members of the Indian military are already in Russia to train and understand the S-400 in January 2021, the agency said.

In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems ignoring warnings and threats by the then Trump administration as this purchase may trigger US sanctions under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

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As India runs the risk of triggering US sanctions over the impending purchase of the S-400 Surface-to-Air-Missile (SAM) system from Russia, the government on Friday reminded the United States that India has always followed an independent foreign policy.

A recent US Congressional report — prepared for members of the US Congress so as to help them make ‘informed decisions” — had cautioned that India’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system may provoke American sanctions. “India’s multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russian-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)”, the report had said.

America recently imposed sanctions on Turkey under the provisions of CAATSA for “knowingly engaging in a significant transaction” with Rosoboronexport, a prominent Russian arms export entity, by procuring the same S-400 system. This sanction, the US had said, was a clear signal that it will not tolerate “significant transactions” with Russia’s defence and intelligence sectors.

The Indian foreign ministry has said that while the USA and India have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, India has a special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia.

“India has always pursued an independent foreign policy. This also applies to our defence acquisitions and supplies which are guided by our national security interests,” Anurag Srivastava, a spokesman for the MEA, told reporters.

Nikolai Kudashev, Russian ambassador to India, had earlier said that both India and Russia saw all sanctions as illegal, unless they had been imposed by the UN Security Council.

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