SOURCE: AFI
Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies made waves at Aero India 2025, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, by showcasing its indigenously developed Ajita-SR (Short Range) and Ajita-LR (Long Range) Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. These advanced air defense solutions, displayed prominently at the biennial aerospace exhibition, underscore VEM’s growing prowess in delivering cutting-edge military technology tailored to India’s strategic needs. With detailed specifications revealed, the Ajita series promises to bolster the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats, from low-altitude drones to high-speed aircraft.
The unveiling aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. VEM Technologies, a key private-sector player with over three decades of experience in aerospace and defense, leveraged Aero India 2025 to demonstrate its capability to design, develop, and produce world-class missile systems. The Ajita-SR and Ajita-LR, with their distinct yet complementary roles, position VEM as a vital contributor to India’s evolving air defense architecture.
The Ajita-SR is engineered as a quick-reaction SAM system designed to neutralize threats within a maximum range of 25 kilometers. Compact and agile, it is tailored for tactical scenarios requiring rapid response, such as protecting forward bases, critical infrastructure, or mobile military units. The system features a canister-launched design powered by a solid rocket motor, enabling swift deployment and reliable propulsion.
Equipped with an Infrared (IR) Seeker for navigation, the Ajita-SR offers precision targeting, making it ideal for engaging low-flying targets like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and cruise missiles. Its warhead, while not detailed in type, is optimized for close-range engagements, ensuring effective neutralization of threats. Launched from an integrated launcher, the Ajita-SR’s portability and ease of operation enhance its utility in dynamic battlefield conditions, providing a robust shield against immediate aerial incursions.
In contrast, the Ajita-LR extends the defensive envelope to a maximum range of 75 kilometers, positioning it as a formidable area-defense system. Designed to tackle more complex and distant threats, including stealth aircraft and precision-guided munitions, the Ajita-LR boasts a fragmentation warhead paired with a hit-to-kill mechanism. This dual approach ensures high lethality, shredding targets with shrapnel or delivering direct kinetic impact.
The Ajita-LR’s navigation relies on a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, offering superior tracking accuracy against low Radar Cross Section (RCS) targets. Its standout feature is the integrated search and track radar, capable of detecting low-altitude and low-RCS threats at ranges up to 150 kilometers. With 360° angular coverage, the radar provides comprehensive situational awareness, while a stabilized Electro-Optical (EO) sensor enables passive target tracking, reducing reliance on active emissions and enhancing survivability against countermeasures.
The system’s on-the-move search, track, and launch capability allows it to operate dynamically, engaging threats without pausing—a critical advantage in modern warfare. It can handle simultaneous engagement of up to eight targets, with a quick reaction time of less than 10 seconds from detection to launch. The Ajita-LR’s single-shot kill probability of 90% reflects its reliability, making it a cornerstone for protecting high-value assets like airbases, naval installations, and population centers.
Together, the Ajita-SR and Ajita-LR form a layered SAM solution, bridging the gap between short-range tactical defense and long-range strategic protection. The SR variant excels in rapid, localized engagements, while the LR version extends coverage with advanced detection and multi-target capabilities. Both systems leverage solid rocket propulsion and integrated launch platforms, ensuring compatibility with mobile and fixed defense networks.
VEM Technologies’ display at Aero India 2025 emphasized the Ajita series’ alignment with global standards, drawing parallels to systems like the US-Norwegian NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System). However, the Ajita systems are fully indigenous, reflecting VEM’s expertise in missile design—from seekers and propulsion to integration and testing. This self-reliance not only reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers but also positions VEM as a potential exporter in the global defense market.
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