SOURCE: AFI
The 2019 Balakot air strike, conducted by the Indian Air Force in response to a terror attack in Pulwama, marked a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. The subsequent air skirmish highlighted vulnerabilities in both nations’ air defense systems, prompting a rapid push to acquire advanced Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems to bolster their aerial defense capabilities.
Since then, both countries have taken delivery of several major SAM systems to enhance their strategic deterrence and protect their airspace. This article explores the key SAM acquisitions by India and Pakistan post-2019, their capabilities, and the implications for regional security.
India’s SAM Acquisitions Post-2019
Following the 2019 skirmish, India accelerated its efforts to modernize its air defense network, focusing on acquiring systems with varying ranges to create a multi-layered defense shield.
- Akash 1S/Prime (30 km)
The Akash 1S, an upgraded version of India’s indigenous Akash missile system, was integrated into the Indian Air Force post-2019. With a range of 30 km, the Akash 1S is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Its “Prime” variant further enhances its capability to engage low-flying targets in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, making it a critical asset for defending forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). - Barak-8 MRSAM (70 km)
The Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), developed in collaboration with Israel, was another significant addition to India’s arsenal. With a range of 70 km, the Barak-8 is capable of countering a wide array of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Its advanced radar and command-and-control systems make it a versatile system for protecting key military and civilian installations. - S-400 (400 km)
The most high-profile acquisition for India has been the Russian-made S-400 Triumph system, with deliveries beginning in 2021. With an impressive range of 400 km, the S-400 can engage targets at long distances, including stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The system’s deployment along India’s northern and western borders provides a significant deterrent against both Pakistan and China, fundamentally altering the regional air power balance. India’s acquisition of the S-400 also includes advanced radar systems capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, enhancing its situational awareness.
Pakistan’s SAM Acquisitions Post-2019
Pakistan, in response to India’s air strike and the subsequent skirmish, prioritized the procurement of SAM systems to counter India’s growing aerial capabilities, particularly focusing on systems from its long-standing ally, China.
- LY-80/LY-80EV (40 km/70 km)
The LY-80, a Chinese-made SAM system, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s air defense upgrades. With a range of 40 km, the LY-80 can engage aircraft and missiles at medium altitudes. An enhanced version, the LY-80EV, extends the range to 70 km, providing greater coverage. Deliveries of these systems were taken earlier than the Balakot strike, but additional units and upgrades were prioritized post-2019 to strengthen Pakistan’s air defense network along its eastern border. - HQ-9P (125 km)
The HQ-9P, another Chinese system, was delivered to Pakistan with a range of 125 km. This system is designed to counter high-altitude threats, including fighter jets and ballistic missiles. The HQ-9P enhances Pakistan’s ability to protect strategic assets and urban centers, offering a robust defense against India’s growing fleet of advanced aircraft and missile systems. - HQ-9BE (260 km, potentially 400 km)
The HQ-9BE, an advanced variant of the HQ-9 series, was announced during the 2024 Pakistan Day Parade. With a confirmed range of 260 km, the HQ-9BE significantly boosts Pakistan’s long-range air defense capabilities. Reports suggest that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) version of this system can achieve a range of up to 400 km with Counter-Electronic Countermeasures (CECM), though it remains unclear if Pakistan’s variant includes this capability. The HQ-9BE provides Pakistan with a credible counter to India’s S-400, potentially allowing it to target high-value Indian assets from a safe distance.
The rapid acquisition of advanced SAM systems by both India and Pakistan has significantly altered the aerial dynamics in South Asia. India’s S-400, with its 400 km range, gives it a clear edge in long-range air defense, allowing it to dominate large swathes of airspace and neutralize threats well before they reach Indian territory. The system’s ability to counter stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles also poses a challenge to Pakistan’s air force and missile arsenal.
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