SOURCE: AFI
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), on Friday, provided key insights into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts, particularly in the area of air-to-surface weapons and air defense systems. Speaking at a press conference, the IAF Chief emphasized the ongoing process of inducting various advanced weapon systems and bolstering India’s defensive capabilities against modern aerial threats.
“We are in the process of inducting many types of air-to-surface weapons. Some have already been inducted, and some are being developed. The IAF is committed to inducting them,” Singh said, underscoring the air force’s focus on strengthening its ability to conduct precision strikes against ground targets.
When asked about the possibility of India acquiring Israel’s Iron Dome system, which is renowned for intercepting short-range rocket and missile threats, Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed confidence in India’s existing air defense systems. He indicated that the IAF possesses far more capable systems than Iron Dome, though the current inventory is not sufficient to counter more advanced and saturated attacks.
“There is no need for an Iron Dome-type system from Israel. We have much more capable systems in our force, but the current inventory is not enough,” Singh remarked, adding that the IAF would require larger numbers of air defense interceptor missile systems to effectively counter complex, saturated attack scenarios.
The IAF is now looking forward to the induction of the next-generation variant, Akash NG, which features extended range, improved accuracy, and enhanced capabilities to tackle emerging threats. “A large number of Akash missiles have been inducted; now we are looking at Akash NG,” said Singh. The Akash NG is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s ability to defend against modern aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
While Singh did not specify which indigenous systems are being prioritized, India’s ongoing efforts to develop its own advanced missile defense systems are well-known. Systems such as the Akash, Akash NG, and the advanced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) shield are designed to address the spectrum of threats the country may face, including saturation attacks from multiple vectors.