Air defence assets expands with smart ammunition for real-time detection
New Delhi: The Indian Army Air Defence (AAD) is strengthening its anti-drone warfare capabilities amid the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern conflicts, by acquiring new radars, directed energy weapons, air defence guns, and smart ammunition for real-time detection and destruction of even nano drones.
Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, explained that the AAD is procuring Low-Level Light Weight (LLLR) radars capable of detecting drones with a radar cross-section as small as 0.01 square metres, at a range of up to 6–7 km, thus giving defence forces ample time to neutralise threats.
The Army is also developing the ability to differentiate between friendly and hostile drones using artificial intelligence through the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System. To counter more advanced drones such as loitering drones using radio frequency channels, the Army plans to enhance its jamming and cyber takeover capabilities.
Beyond these measures, the AAD is expanding its inventory of directed energy weapons: it has seven laser-based systems already and intends to buy nine more with a range of one kilometre, alongside issuing a request for information for high-power microwave weapon systems. The Army is set to introduce a successor to its existing L-70 and ZU-23 mm guns by July 2026, initially acquiring 220 units capable of firing fragmentation ammunition against drones.
In terms of missile systems, two additional regiments for the Akash air defence missile system have been contracted, and the Army expects an enhanced First-Off Production Model for high-altitude trials within 45 days. The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), which offer a range of 30 km, are set for a contract with DRDO in the next 4–5 months, with the first system to be delivered within 12 months; this addition is intended to bolster the Army’s broader air defence capability.
Meanwhile, the medium-range surface-to-air Missiles (MRSAM) have already been inducted, and their firing trials will begin in about 45 days.
