SOURCE: AFI
India faces a complex security environment, and its borders require a layered air defense system to effectively safeguard against potential threats. While discussions often center around the Israeli Iron Dome system, India’s needs might be better served by a more comprehensive missile defense shield. Here’s why:
Pakistan’s possession of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range rockets, some exceeding 300 kilometers in range, poses a significant threat to Indian border towns. While the Iron Dome excels at intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells, its effectiveness against longer-range ballistic missiles might be limited.
India’s strategic landscape demands a defense system capable of handling a wider spectrum of threats. This includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and potentially even future hypersonic weapons. A more comprehensive Indian missile defense system (Ballistic Missile Defense – BMD) would provide a more layered and adaptable defense against these diverse threats.
Relying solely on foreign technology can have limitations. Developing a robust indigenous BMD system fosters self-reliance in critical defense technologies. This not only reduces dependence on external suppliers but also strengthens India’s long-term security posture.
An effective Indian missile defense system would likely be a multi-tiered one. Lower tiers could focus on intercepting short-range threats like rockets and artillery, while upper tiers could engage ballistic missiles at higher altitudes. This layered approach optimizes defense capabilities and resource allocation.
India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is actively developing its BMD program. Systems like the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile are already operational, and the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system is under development. These advancements, along with potential collaborations with foreign partners for technology transfer, can lead to a robust indigenous missile defense shield tailored to India’s specific needs.
While the Iron Dome’s success is undeniable, India’s strategic environment necessitates a more comprehensive missile defense system. By investing in indigenous technologies and developing a multi-layered shield, India can safeguard its border towns, deter potential threats, and bolster its overall security posture.