Akash, MR-SAM Success Prompt MoD to Focus on Low-tier VSHORADS, VL-SAM, QRSAM Against Emerging Drone Threats

Following the demonstrated effectiveness of indigenous Akash and Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) systems in recent Indo-Pakistan clash, India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly shifting its focus towards bolstering its capabilities against emerging low-altitude aerial threats, particularly unmanned systems.

This strategic pivot involves the prioritised acquisition of Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SRSAM), and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM).

These advanced missile systems are intended to provide a robust defence mechanism against a spectrum of aerial challenges, including hostile drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and potentially manned aircraft operating at lower altitudes. The move underscores a proactive approach to the evolving nature of aerial warfare.

The Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile that can engage multiple targets simultaneously up to a range of about 25-30 kilometres.

Similarly, the MR-SAM, a collaborative project between India's DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), also known as Barak-8, has proven its mettle in providing reliable air defence cover with an reported interception range of up to 70-100 kilometres.

The success of these systems against Pakistani drones has provided the impetus for India to enhance its air defence umbrella, particularly at the lower tiers.

The Ministry of Defence aims to fortify the nation's air defence architecture to counter the increasing prevalence of cost-effective and agile aerial platforms such as drones and UAVs.

These systems have become a significant feature in modern conflicts worldwide, often used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and direct attack roles, posing a challenge to traditional air defence structures.

To address these specific threats, the VSHORADS are being acquired to equip ground forces with a highly portable and rapidly deployable solution for engaging low-flying targets at very short ranges.

The VL-SRSAM, also a DRDO-developed system based on the Astra mk1 missile, offers 360-degree engagement capability due to its vertical launch configuration, providing enhanced flexibility against various aerial threats, including sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, UAVs, and helicopters, with a reported range of around 40-50 km.

The QRSAM, another indigenous system by DRDO, is designed for rapid engagement of aerial targets, including aircraft, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions, offering a quick reaction defence shield for mobile army formations. The QRSAM system can engage targets on the move and has a stated range of up to 30 km.

According to defence analysts, the procurement strategy for these systems is likely to involve a combination of indigenous development, led by organisations like DRDO and public sector undertakings, alongside potential collaborations with international partners to ensure timely acquisition and technology infusion.

This focus on advanced short-range air defence systems is integral to India's broader strategic objective of establishing a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence network.

Such a network is deemed crucial for safeguarding national assets and maintaining security in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region, which faces a diverse array of aerial threats.

The successful development and induction of these systems will significantly enhance India's tactical air defence capabilities.

 

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[sanket]

That the advantage of Home Grown defence Industry and exactly what Russia has done against NATO weapons in the Ukraine war. Imported weapons have restrictions on modifications according to feedback. Even evaluating Stryker was a very bad decision and waste of time.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We need to mass-produce high-energy weapons. Also, can we have an anti-drone system every 5 km? We need cheaper rockets to overwhelm the enemy and cost-effective cruise missiles to take down enemy launch pads.

 

[Mango_Indian]

The unsung hero here is the L70 guns. They stole the show against the drone attacks. This is a 50 year old platform which was going to be discarded. Saner folks thoroughly modernized these guns and BEL did a stellar job and is now a champion drone killer. The firing ratio between the L70 guns to Akash/S400 is probably closer to 100:1 ratio. The Air Defense economics would not work out for the volume of drones brought down if L70 was not extensively used. Look what they did to be mentioned in same breath as S400 and Akash.

The S400, Akash systems are obviously top-of-the-line platforms and they did not disappoint.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

We must also focus on offensive swarm drone capability and long-range drones like MQ-9 Predator, Lakshya, Tapas BH 201, Rustom, and Archer NG, Ghatak, HALCATS warrior for the next wave of development with armed drones and stealth in swarms!

 

[Dr]

More homegrown drones are also the need of the hour, which includes kamikaze drones in huge numbers, as well as developing cheap drones to attack incoming drones and longer-range kinetic electronic systems.

 

[Enforcer]

Follow the Israeli doctrine. Iron dome for close range, David sling for long range.

Iron dome has range of up to 70km, Carries 20 missiles in each launcher and can target just about anything besides long range ballistic missile.

David Sling and arrow are 200km plus range. Primarily for anti ballistic missile.

 

[Arun]

India should develop laser weapons to deal with low-cost swarm drones against an enemy like Pakistan. India should avoid the situation where the anti-drone system is more expensive than the drone itself.

 

[Marcus]

India's defence budget needs to be increased to 100-120 billion dollars to see different aspects of further upgradation.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to increase its manufacturing capacity and complete developing the indigenous SAM like the Akash NG, VL-SRSAM, QRSAM and the VSHORADS which are crucial in taking out drones, jets and missiles.

Another critical and important part is to upgrade, modernise and manufacture more of the L70 guns. These guns are a cheap, effective, efficient and reliable way to destroy cheap surveillance or armed drones along with any helicopters about to attack. If not then develop a brand new and better alternative gun.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

We need guns that fire fragmentation rounds, not missiles. In a high volume attack, that would be our best option, cost effective, precise and effective.

 

[Man-ju]

Our air defence really surprised everyone, but I still have a doubt. Why did we use MRSAM to take down (over Sirsa) Fateh-2 missile headed for Delhi using MRSAM? What about our BMD systems?