Protecting Delhi-NCR: India To Deploy Indigenous Air Defence Weapon System To Thwart Aerial Threat

In a major decision, an indigenous air defence system will be deployed solely for the security of Delhi-NCR against aerial threats like missiles and drones.

Managed by the Indian Air Force, the integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS) is being developed with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using homegrown components such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems.

This plan marks a shift away from an earlier proposal to purchase the US-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), primarily due to the high cost cited by the Americans. India is also acquiring remaining squadrons of the Russian S-400 system while also considering proposals for additional

S-400s and the S-500 air defence system.

This multilayered air defence system is designed to protect the national capital from various enemy aerial threats, including fast-moving aircraft, missiles, and drones. According to senior defence sources, the IADWS will be built around indigenous air defence missiles, such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) systems and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORAD), along with other associated equipment.

The sources said IADWS project is being processed by the defence ministry, coming shortly after ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May. The DRDO is well-positioned for this task, having already successfully developed multiple air defence systems like the QRSAM and Medium Range SAM, they said. It is also currently working on developing a long-range SAM under Project Kusha, they added.

(With agency inputs)