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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has once again demonstrated the effectiveness of its upgraded S-125 Neva/Pechora air defence missile system.
The Soviet-era system, armed with the 5V24 missile, successfully engaged and neutralized Turkish-made drones reportedly operated by the Pakistani Army during recent border hostilities.
This success highlights the value of India's extensive modernization efforts, which have kept the decades-old system operationally viable.
Originally inducted in the 1970s, the S-125 Pechora has undergone significant enhancements, including complete digitization and crucial integration with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
These upgrades are designed to ensure the system remains a capable part of India's air defence network until at least 2030.
The recent performance against modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) serves as a strong validation of India's strategy to extend the operational life of legacy military hardware through indigenous modernization, a key aspect of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
A Legacy System with Modern Capabilities
The S-125 Neva/Pechora, a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, was initially designed to counter threats from aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles at low to medium altitudes.Its 5V24 missile, part of the V-600 series, can engage targets up to approximately 25 kilometres away and at altitudes up to 18 kilometres.
Despite its age, the IAF recognized the system's inherent affordability, reliability, and adaptability, choosing to invest in a comprehensive upgrade program rather than immediate replacement.
Many countries around the world have operated or continue to operate variants of the S-125, a testament to its original robust design.
In 2016, a significant refurbishment project valued at ₹2,000 crore was initiated by the IAF in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to modernize 60 S-125 firing units.
This modernization program included several critical enhancements:
- Full Digitization: Analogue components were replaced with modern digital systems. This improved processing speed, enhanced target tracking capabilities, and increased resilience against electronic jamming, a common feature in modern warfare.
- Advanced Radar Systems: The integration of contemporary 3D phased-array radars significantly improved the system's ability to detect targets with a low radar cross-section (RCS), such as stealth aircraft and small drones. Phased-array radars offer superior tracking and the ability to handle multiple targets simultaneously.
- IACCS Integration: Seamless connectivity with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System allows for real-time data sharing and networked operations. The IACCS provides a unified air situation picture by integrating inputs from various sensors, including radars, other SAM systems, and fighter aircraft, enabling coordinated and swift responses.
- Mobility Enhancements: Launchers and command posts were upgraded and mounted on Tatra high-mobility vehicles, substantially increasing the system's mobility and reducing the time needed for deployment and redeployment.
- Electro-Optical Tracking: The addition of day-and-night capable electro-optical systems provides a passive means of target acquisition. This is particularly valuable in environments where active radar use might be compromised or attract anti-radar threats.
The system's reported success in engaging Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones, which have gained prominence in recent global conflicts due to their sophisticated sensors and precision strike capabilities, underscores the effectiveness of these Indian modernization efforts.
During recent operations along the Line of Control (LoC), the modernized S-125 Neva/Pechora system demonstrated its operational readiness and effectiveness by successfully intercepting multiple Pakistani-operated Turkish-made drones.
These drones, known for their advanced surveillance and attack capabilities, pose a considerable threat to ground troops and critical infrastructure.
The S-125’s enhanced radar and tracking systems played a crucial role in detecting and engaging these challenging low-RCS targets, with the 5V24 missile achieving precise intercepts even at low altitudes.
This real-world performance validates the strategic investment in upgrading proven legacy systems to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.
