Kirti Singh
The military conflict in May and the subsequent developments in the Indian subcontinent highlight the growing relevance of air power and air defence mechanisms in the South Asian strategic rivalry. On the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day, its Prime Minister announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force Command to bolster the country’s ability to conduct conventional missile strikes deep into Indian territory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed suit in his Independence Day speech by announcing the launch of the Sudarshan Chakra project—the indigenous version of the Iron Dome air defence system—intended to protect important strategic and civilian areas by 2035. Almost a week later, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, India’s leading missile development agency, successfully tested its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The IADWS combines the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) to provide multi-layered protection against a range of incoming aerial threats.
New Delhi’s focus on indigenous air defence systems stems from the recognition of the changing nature of war and its own recent experience of military skirmishes. During Operation Sindoor, its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) performed relatively well in intercepting the Pakistani missile and drone attacks. However, coupled with China’s frenetic military modernisation, Pakistan’s collusive arms build-up is likely to keep Indian planners on their toes.
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