Air Shield

Air Cmde T. Chand (retd)

Air and missile defence has emerged as a more widely used term for the erstwhile air defence as it encompasses almost all aerial threats to the important areas in a country.

While the US continues to deal with the air and missile threats separately and Israel follows the same philosophy, Russia and China have adopted a more jointed approach. Consequently, the weapon system development has also taken a different shape. India also adopted the western model of a separate air and missile defence system and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has already developed an indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS) which is likely to be deployed soon. The acquisition of Russian Missile Defence System S-400 has, however, brought in an integrated air and missile defence system. This system has been talked about in great detail in recent times due to the prevailing situation along the northern borders. The likely deployment has also been contemplated.

S-400 is in service in Russia, China, Turkey and Belarus and many other countries (Armenia, Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam) have shown interest to purchase it. The system has gained popularity due to its compact, multipurpose design, flexibility and ease of deployment and reasonable cost.

India and Russia had inked a USD5.43 billion contract for the S-400 Triumf ‘SA-21 Growler’ which is long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, for the Indian Air Force (IAF). As per the contract, the IAF will get five Triumf regimental equipment from Russia. One S-400 regiment is divided into two battalions. Each battalion consists of eight launchers and 32 missiles in addition to acquisition and engagement radar systems and a command post.

In media reports, it is speculated that three S-400 regiments would be deployed on the western and two on the northern border. But, in view of the long borders and possible seaward approaches, with a limited resource of five regiments of S-400, it will not be possible to cover the entire area. Hence, for best results, S-400 is likely to be deployed to safeguard the security of VAs/ VPs of national importance along with other air defence weapons