India’s air defence systems

1 Israeli “SPYDER” Mobile Air Defense System (most advanced low level interceptor)

The SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by RAFAEL (with use of Czech Tatra chasis) and uses surface-to-air versions of the Python 5 and Derby missiles, also made by RAFAEL. It is a quick reaction medium range missile system. SPYDER is capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones and precision-guided munitions. It provides air defence for fixed assets and for point and area defence for mobile forces in combat areas.

Israel Systems Spyder

2. India’s Akash air defence system (medium level)

AKASH AIR DEFENCE WEAPON SYSTEM
Introduction
Akash is an all weather area air defence weapon system for defending vulnerable areas against medium range air targets penetrating from low, medium and high altitudes.  The system is designed to neutralize multiple aerial targets attacking from several directions simultaneously.  The system is autonomous and its operation is fully automated.  The system is configured to be cross country mobile on tracked chasses for the Army or road mobile on Tatra chasses.  This provides flexibility in deployment.

Akash Missile
The supersonic surface to air missile has a range of about  25 km and carries a 55 kg fragmentation warhead that is triggered by proximity fuze.  The missile uses state-of-art integral ram jet rocket propulsion system and the onboard digital autopilot ensures stability and control.   The missile has all the way command guidance for full range of operation.  Electro-pneumatic servo actuation system controls cruciform wings for agile response, and thermal batteries provide onboard power supply.  The Radio Proximity Fuse has advanced signal processing features. Together with the  pre fragmented warhead and safety arming mechanism, a high kill probability of maneuvering targets  is assured.

Missile Flight Tests
Several development flight tests were conducted during 2005, 2006 in which the Akash missile successfully intercepted flying targets consistently at different altitudes and ranges.  The tests included simultaneous launch of two missiles from two launchers against two targets using the same fire control radar and fire control center.  All the flight tests were conducted at the missile flight test range ITR, Chandipur which is extensively instrumented and is one of the world’s  best test ranges.

Akash Surface to air missile

3.Russian S-300 missiles for long Range

The S-300 is a series of Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced by the Almaz Scientific Industrial Corporation all based on the initial S-300P version. The S-300 system was developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles for the Soviet Air Defence Forces. Subsequent

variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.

S300 Missiles

4.OSA-AK system,

All versions of the 9K33 feature all-in-one 9A33 TELAR vehicles which can detect, track and engage aircraft independently or with the aid of regimental surveillance radars.

OSA AK System

5.AWCAS system

Modern AWAC systems can detect aircraft from up to 400 km (250 miles) away, well out of range of most surface-to-air missiles. In air-to-air combat, AWAC systems can communicate with friendly aircraft, extend their sensor range and give them added stealth, since they no longer need their own active radar to detect threats. However, by the nature of radar, AWACS aircraft can be detected by opposing forces beyond its own detection range. This is because the outgoing pulse reduces in strength the further it travels. Therefore, a signal which is intended to go out and be reflected back must be strong enough to cover twice the distance between the sender and the target.

Airborne Early Warning and Control

6.Man portable system
Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). They are typically guided weapons and are a threat to low-flying aircraft, especially helicopters.

Rambo anyone?

7. Tungaska system
The 2K22 Tunguska (Russian: 2?22 “????????”; English: Tunguska) is a Russian tracked self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon armed with a surface-to-air gun and missile system. It is designed to provide day and night protection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles in all weather conditions.

8. HARPY UAV
The IAI Harpy is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) produced by Israel’s Israel Aircraft Industries. The Harpy is designed to attack radar systems. It carries a high explosive warhead. The Harpy has been sold to several foreign nations, including South Korea, Turkey, India, and China.

IAI Harpy