Army Air Defence Sets New Flight Path with Indigenous Tech Advancement

The Army Air Defence is enhancing its capabilities by replacing outdated platforms, inducting new ammunition for existing guns, and planning to deploy Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile systems soon. The modernisation push aligns with 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and aims to counter the evolving threat of drones.

The dynamics of modern warfare are evolving rapidly with the influence of drones and disruptive technologies. The Army Air Defence (AAD) is undertaking a strategic overhaul, replacing two aging platforms and introducing new fragmentation ammunition for its current air defence guns. This initiative aims to fortify India's aerial protection capabilities.

According to a senior official, a contract for an indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system is expected within months. The Corps of Army Air Defence currently holds a diverse inventory of missile systems and guns, such as the L70 and Schilka.

Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of AAD, emphasizes the need for modernization under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and warns of potential delays in delivery timelines from the Indian industry. The procurement of successor platforms to replace Swedish-made L70 guns has already begun with a request for proposals issued for 220 units.