SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In response to the Indian Army’s requirement for 90 Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET) systems, with a minimum of 50% indigenous content, South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has put forth its Hybrid BiHo system as a leading solution. Designed to address India’s evolving air defense needs, the Hybrid BiHo system is positioned as a highly adaptable and capable platform that could significantly bolster the Army’s mechanized columns across various terrains, including high-altitude areas up to 5,000 meters. As India seeks to strengthen its defense infrastructure with modern, locally-produced solutions, Hanwha Aerospace, in collaboration with India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T), aims to meet these demands by establishing a robust domestic production line.
The Hybrid BiHo system distinguished itself in 2018 when it emerged as the Indian Army’s preferred choice following rigorous trials. Known for its dual-layered defense capabilities, the BiHo combines direct-fire guns with longer-range missiles, offering a versatile approach to tackling a wide range of low-altitude threats, from aircraft to drones. This unique multi-layered capability equips the system to swiftly engage and neutralize threats within close range, while the missile system provides an extended engagement envelope, enhancing the defensive reach of deployed forces.
To align with India’s push for self-reliance in defense, Hanwha has partnered with L&T to facilitate the local production of the Hybrid BiHo system. Leveraging L&T’s advanced manufacturing facility in Hazira, Gujarat, this partnership seeks to support both immediate production and future sustainment needs of the CADET program. This setup is expected to meet the Army’s requirements for high indigenous content, while also creating an assembly line that can accommodate potential upgrades, spare parts, and logistical support over the long term. By manufacturing the BiHo in India, the partnership ensures that the CADET program not only enhances India’s air defense capabilities but also contributes to the development of local expertise and supply chains within the defense sector.
The Indian Army’s CADET systems are set to be deployed across a variety of challenging terrains, including plains, deserts, semi-deserts, and high-altitude regions. The Hybrid BiHo’s design and performance capabilities are well-suited for these diverse environments, offering flexibility in deployment. Its ability to perform consistently at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters makes it an asset for defending against aerial threats in mountainous and border regions, where rapid response to enemy UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft is crucial. This adaptability is particularly relevant given India’s varied geographic and tactical requirements, and positions the Hybrid BiHo as an ideal candidate for widespread deployment within the Army’s mechanized columns.
The Indian Army has outlined plans to expand the capabilities of the CADET systems by integrating them with a range of advanced Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) in the future. This includes potential upgrades that could enable CADET to serve as a carrier platform for other air defense weaponry. Systems like the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System, Drone Kill System, and Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarm Drone System are expected to enhance CADET’s ability to counter a growing array of aerial threats, from single drones to coordinated swarm attacks.
The platform’s design allows for easy integration of these new technologies, making it a versatile, future-ready solution for self-propelled air defense units. The implementation of IP mesh networking will ensure seamless communication between manned and unmanned CADET units, further reinforcing the operational flexibility and response speed required in a modern battlefield scenario. Additionally, CADET’s IP mesh network can link with the Army’s existing Advanced Wide Area Network (AWAN), enabling secure data transfer, remote monitoring, and real-time battlefield assessment.
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