In a statement that underscores India's growing confidence in its indigenous defense capabilities, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) possesses air defence systems superior to Israel's renowned 'Iron Dome'.
However, he emphasized the need to increase the number of these systems to effectively counter large-scale missile attacks.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Air Chief Marshal Singh outlined the IAF's ongoing modernization efforts, highlighting the induction of advanced air-to-surface weapons and the bolstering of air defence systems. He reassured the public that the IAF is committed to acquiring and developing cutting-edge weaponry to address evolving aerial threats.
Addressing concerns about India's preparedness for saturation attacks, similar to those recently experienced by Israel, Singh dismissed the necessity of acquiring the Iron Dome system.
“There is no need for an Iron Dome-type system from Israel. We have much more capable systems in our force, but the current inventory is not enough,” he stated, indicating that the IAF requires a larger quantity of interceptor missiles to effectively neutralize complex, multi-pronged assaults.
While the Air Chief Marshal did not explicitly name the specific indigenous systems being prioritized, he did highlight the forthcoming induction of the Akash NG missile system.
This next-generation variant of the Akash missile boasts extended range, improved accuracy, and enhanced capabilities to tackle modern aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. "A large number of Akash missiles have been inducted; now we are looking at Akash NG,” Singh confirmed.
This statement aligns with India's well-known pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. The country has been actively developing its own advanced missile defence systems, including the Akash, Akash NG, and the sophisticated Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) shield, designed to counter a wide spectrum of threats, including saturation attacks.
The Akash missile system, developed by the DRDO, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It is known for its capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, making it a crucial component of India's multi-layered air defence architecture. The Akash NG is expected to further enhance these capabilities with its improved range and precision.
India's BMD shield is a two-tiered system designed to intercept ballistic missiles both inside (endo-atmospheric) and outside (exo-atmospheric) the Earth's atmosphere. This system is crucial for defending against potential ballistic missile threats from neighboring countries.
