Air Defence Radars, S-400 & BMD Systems
Air defence capabilities and radar detection networks provide vital protective umbrellas against incoming aerial threats, including combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and hostile ballistic missiles. India's air defence architecture is organised into a multi-tiered system combining point defence (Quick Reaction SAMs and MRSAM/Barak-8), area defence (Akash missile batteries), and long-range interception via the Russian-built S-400 Triumf air defence system, designated 'Sudarshan' in IAF service. Indigenous radar networks, including the Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR), Arudhra medium-power radar, and Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, feed into the automated Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Complementing these is the two-tier indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme comprising Prithvi Air Defence (PAD/Pradyumna) for exo-atmospheric and Advanced Air Defence (AAD/Ashwin) for endo-atmospheric interceptions.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The S-400 Triumf air defence missile system, acquired from Russia, can engage aerial targets at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes up to 30 km.
- The indigenous Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield uses PAD for exo-atmospheric and AAD (Ashwin) for endo-atmospheric interception.
- Akash is an indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile using a ramjet rocket propulsion system.
- The DRDO Netra is an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system mounted on an Embraer aircraft platform.