NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is actively seeking to modernise its mobile air defence systems (MADS) to counter evolving aerial threats, particularly drones and loitering munitions. Insights from conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war have reinforced the necessity of real-time air defence for mechanised formations along Indiaโs borders.
Major General Anil Senger, former Director General Mechanised Forces, military author and analyst, says, โAir defence is a complex subject; it comprises area air defence, point air defence, and mobile air defence, for which different types of air defence systems are needed. The modern battlefield with drone threats has brought a different dimension to the table. Even an individual soldier in a trench is threatened by a drone.โ
Senger emphasized that โBattle is a dynamic environment, which needs flexible, adaptable air defence assets that can be grouped, regrouped, and deployed based on the developing situation. These comprise various kinds of light manoeuvrable platforms.โ
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He stressed that โThe army needs to find a solution to drone threats that can engage every kind of target. It would be a combination of area, point, and individual asset protection for assets like tanks, radars, and guns.โ
The Indian Army recognises the urgency of equipping mechanised formations with mobile air defence solutions, particularly for deployment along the northern and western borders.
What Is a Mobile Air Defence System?
Unlike static air defence units that protect fixed installations, MADS are designed to move alongside advancing troops and mechanised columns, offering real-time protection. A senior defence official highlighted that these systems integrate guns, missiles, and radar capabilities into a mobile platform, ensuring continuous protection against drones, attack helicopters, fighter jets, and loitering munitions.
Key Features of MADS:
- Gun-Missile Combination โ Integrates rapid-firing guns and short-range missiles.
- Advanced Radars โ Detects and tracks aerial threats over short-to-medium ranges.
- All-Terrain Mobility โ Operates across plains, deserts, mountains, and forests.
- High-Speed Response โ Capable of neutralising threats within seconds.
Drones have emerged as one of the most significant threats in modern combat, with swarm drones and loitering munitions becoming battlefield realities. Intelligence assessments suggest an increasing risk of drone-based attacks targeting mechanised formations, supply lines, and logistics hubs along Indiaโs borders.
Protecting Mechanised Forces in Forward Areas
Indiaโs Strike Corps, comprising T-90 tanks, Arjun MBTs, and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), requires constant air defence coverage. A senior officer from the Mechanised Forces stressed that these units are designed for high-speed manoeuvre warfare, but without adequate air defence, they remain vulnerable to aerial strikes.
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Countering Aerial Threats from China and Pakistan
China and Pakistan have significantly advanced their aerial capabilities. China has deployed stealth drones, hypersonic glide weapons, and advanced UCAVs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pakistan has acquired armed drones like the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and the Chinese Wing Loong UAVs. A defence official noted that in a two-front war scenario, a system capable of operating in high-altitude and desert warfare conditions is essential.
Indian Armyโs Search for Mobile Air Defence Systems
In July 2022, the Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System (ADGM-SP). This system is expected to:
- Engage aerial targets at a minimum range of 6 km.
- Be highly mobile and adaptable to varied terrains.
- Integrate guns and missiles for multi-threat engagement.
- Feature modern radar and fire control systems for rapid responses.
While indigenous development remains a priority, the Army is also exploring proven global solutions to bridge operational gaps.
Global Systems Under Consideration
Several international air defence systems are being evaluated as interim solutions:
- Russian Pantsir-S1 โ A gun-missile hybrid system with a 30 km range, currently under consideration for the Indian Navy.
- South Korean K-30 Biho โ A twin-barrel, self-propelled anti-aircraft system with guided missiles.
- Russian Tunguska-M2 โ An enhanced variant of the Tunguska M1, already in use by the Indian Army.
Each system has specific advantages, and defence procurement officials are assessing which best meets operational requirements.
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Indigenous Development & Atmanirbhar Bharat
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is actively collaborating with global defence firms to develop and integrate advanced air defence solutions. The company has signed an MoU with Rosoboronexport to explore local production of the Pantsir system. Additionally, BDL is working on next-generation air defence missiles and electronic warfare systems that could form the backbone of Indiaโs future mobile air defence capabilities.
Indigenous Development vs. Interim Global Procurement
Indiaโs Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative prioritises self-reliance in defence manufacturing. However, senior DRDO officials acknowledge that developing a fully indigenous MADS will take time. Thus, a dual-track approachโacquiring interim global solutions while continuing domestic R&Dโis the most viable strategy.
As aerial threats continue to evolve, ensuring robust mobile air defence for mechanised formations is critical. Strengthening mobile air defence is not just about modernisationโit is about survival in contemporary warfare. India must act swiftly to keep pace with emerging battlefield realities and ensure its mechanised forces remain protected against evolving aerial threats.
