Sulur Airbase, Tamil Nadu: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to conduct its first test firing of the indigenously developed SAMAR 2 air defence system by December. This new system boasts a range of almost 30 km, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, SAMAR 1, which has a range of 8 km.
Both SAMAR systems utilize repurposed Russian-origin air-to-air missiles, demonstrating India's innovative approach to bolstering its defence capabilities. SAMAR 1 is equipped with the R-73E missile, while SAMAR 2 will employ the R-27 missile. The innovative aspect lies in converting air-to-air missiles, which have exceeded their shelf life for aerial combat, into effective surface-to-air defense weapons.
SAMAR 1 was recently showcased at the International Defence Aviation Exposition held alongside the Tarang Shakti 2024 exercise, currently the largest multilateral air combat drills hosted by India. With participation from ten foreign air forces and 18 countries as observers, the exercise underscores India's growing prominence in the global defence arena.
The SAMAR systems are designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While enhancing its short-range air defence capabilities, India is simultaneously progressing with its long-range air defence projects. Notably, the DRDO is developing an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system under Project Kusha, anticipated to have a 350 km range.
India's existing air defence network includes a mix of indigenous and foreign systems. Among them are the S-400, MRSAM, and SpyDer missile systems, as well as Soviet-era Pechora, OSA-AK, Tunguska, Strela, and Shilka systems. In addition to these, India possesses Zu-23-2B anti-aircraft guns, upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns, and Igla MANPADS.
