India’s Indigenous Air Defence to Guard Delhi from Missiles, Drones

India is set to deploy its indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to secure the Delhi NCR. This multilayered system, using homegrown missiles like QRSAM, replaces a planned purchase of the US-made NASAMS-II system.

In a major development, India is moving towards deploying its own home grown integrated air defence system to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from enemy aerial threats like missiles, drones and fast moving aircraft.

Indigenous System to Replace Planned US Deal

The multilayered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) would be based around the indigenous air defence missiles such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile systems and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems along with other associated equipment to protect the Delhi National Capital Region, senior defence sources told ANI. The project is being processed by the Defence Ministry at a time when Pakistan apparently tried to target the country during the Operation Sindoor in May this year. The plan to deploy the indigenous weapon system would be a big boost for homegrown defence systems as India had earlier planned to deploy the US-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II).

The two sides had even started negotiations for the sale of the American system that protects the city of Washington DC and the White House there. The Indian government did not move forward on the deal with the Americans as they were asking for a very high price, sources said. The IADWS would be responsible for protecting the vital installations in the national capital region and is the responsibility of the Indian Air Force. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be working with production agencies who will work on the networking and command and control "Systems are required for such a complicated air defence system," sources said.

Expanding India's Layered Air Defence

The DRDO has successfully developed multiple air defence systems like the QRSAM, Medium Range SAM and is working on developing a long range SAM under project Kusha. India is also working to get its two remaining squadrons of the S-400 Sudarshan air defence missile systems while also considering a Russian proposal for more S-400s along with the S-500 air defence system. (ANI)

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