India is one of the world’s largest countries, not just in population and land size but also in terms of its economy. Defending such a vast nation is no easy task, requiring extensive military equipment, including fighter jets, naval forces, and thousands of tanks. Additionally, India shares borders with potential rivals like Pakistan and China, making defense even more challenging. So, how does India protect its over one billion people from external threats? One crucial answer lies in its missile defense systems.
India’s missile defense systems are a key part of its military strategy, designed to counter various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and even emerging technologies like hypersonic missiles. These systems have been developed over decades and now rank among the most lethal in the world. But how exactly do they work? What are India’s strongest missiles, and what does the future hold for its defense capabilities? Let’s dive in.
India’s missile defense program is spearheaded by the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) initiative, which aims to create a multi-layered system to shield the country from ballistic missile attacks. The BMD program is divided into two phases. Phase I targets missiles with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and includes three main components: the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Ashwin Advanced Air Defence (AAD), and the Swordfish Radar system.
The Prithvi Air Defence system intercepts incoming ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Based on the Prithvi missile platform, it is a two-stage missile with a maximum interception altitude of 80 kilometers, evolving over time into a more lethal weapon.
The Ashwin Advanced Air Defence system, on the other hand, intercepts ballistic missiles within the Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes up to 40 kilometers. It uses advanced guidance systems, similar to the Prithvi system, and features high maneuverability thanks to its siliconized carbon jet vanes.
Phase II of the BMD program tackles missiles with ranges of up to 5,000 kilometers. This phase introduces two new interceptor missiles: the AD-1 and AD-2. The AD-1 intercepts long-range ballistic missiles at various altitudes, while the AD-2 is designed to counter intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) with ranges from 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers. These missiles, traveling at hypersonic speeds, will enhance India’s defense capabilities, particularly against threats from China, which poses a greater challenge with its multi-warhead ballistic missiles.
Now that we’ve discussed how India’s missile defense works, let’s look at how powerful these systems truly are. One of India’s most famous military assets is the BrahMos supersonic missile system. Developed in collaboration with Russia, the BrahMos missile is renowned for its speed—reaching between Mach 2.0 and 2.8—and its stealth capabilities, making it difficult to intercept. It has a range of 300 to 500 kilometers depending on the variant, and its speed and precision make it a formidable weapon.
India and Russia are also working on a hypersonic version, the BrahMos-II, which is expected to reach speeds of Mach 5, using advanced scramjet technology. This missile will further strengthen India’s defense capabilities.
Another key system is the Barak-8, a surface-to-air missile developed in collaboration with Israel. The Barak-8 can intercept targets at ranges of 70 to 80 kilometers, with an extended-range version reaching up to 150 kilometers. It is highly maneuverable and designed to counter agile threats such as aircraft and missiles.
India’s missile defense strategy doesn’t stop there. Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range air defense system, is set to be deployed by 2028-2029. This system aims to protect India from stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with capabilities similar to Russia’s S-400 Triumf system.
So, is India’s missile defense enough to protect the country? India’s strength lies in its ability to develop its own defense systems, reducing dependence on foreign technology. Its multi-layered approach ensures a comprehensive shield against a wide range of threats. Systems like the BrahMos and Barak-8 cover medium to long-range threats, while the AD-1 and AD-2 intercept long-range and intercontinental threats.
However, India faces challenges in keeping pace with advancements made by its rivals. Countries like China are rapidly developing technologies that could bypass traditional missile defense systems, such as hypersonic glide vehicles and multi-warhead ballistic missiles. India must continue to invest in research and development to stay ahead.