Spyder
- Short-range surface-to-air missile system from Israel.
- Quick-reaction capability; effective against aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
Pakistan’s Air Defence Systems
Pakistan primarily relies on Chinese defence technology:
- HQ-9: Long-range surface-to-air missile system
- Range: Basic ~120 km; Updated versions up to 300 km.
- HQ-16: Medium-range system; Range: ~40 km.
- Spada 2000: French-made short-range anti-aircraft system
- Range: 20–25 km.
- Used to protect airbases and strategic sites.
However, recent events have raised doubts about the reliability of Pakistan’s air defence systems.
🔹 Importance for UPSC Mains
✍️ Points for Answer Writing:
- Crucial for national security.
- Example of self-reliant defence manufacturing.
- Provides nuclear deterrence capability.
- Helps maintain regional strategic balance.
🔹 Potential Questions (Prelims + Mains)
📝 Prelims (MCQ):
Q. What type of system is the AD-1 missile?
(A) Surface-to-Surface Missile
(B) Air-to-Air Missile
(C) Interceptor Missile
(D) Cruise Missile
👉 Answer: (C)
📝 Mains:
Q. “India's missile interceptor system symbolizes not only its security but also its strategic autonomy.” Discuss. (250 words)
S-400 Triumf Missile System
- An advanced long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia.
- Imported by India.
🔹 Developer:
- Country: Russia
- Agency: Almaz Central Design Bureau
- NATO Codename: SA-21 Growler
🔹 Features
|
Feature
|
Description
|
|
Category
|
Surface-to-Air Missile
|
|
Range
|
40 km to 400 km
|
|
Altitude
|
Up to 30 km
|
|
Target Types
|
Aircraft, drones, ballistic & cruise missiles
|
|
Simultaneous Tracking
|
Tracks up to 100 targets
|
|
Simultaneous Engagement
|
Attacks up to 36 targets
|
🔹 Missile Types in S-400
|
Missile
|
Range
|
|
40N6
|
400 km
|
|
48N6
|
250 km
|
|
9M96E2
|
120 km
|
|
9M96E
|
40 km
|
🔹 India & S-400:
- 2018: India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia for 5 S-400 units.
- This deal was signed despite potential US sanctions under CAATSA.
Strategic Importance:
- Useful in two-front threat scenarios (China and Pakistan).
- Helps establish air superiority.
- Strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence shield.
- Capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
CAATSA Issue:
- CAATSA is a US law that allows sanctions against countries buying arms from Russia, Iran, or North Korea.
- India has so far received a waiver, but it remains a geopolitically sensitive issue.
🔹 Possible UPSC Questions
📝 Prelims:
Q. The S-400 system is related to which defence technology?
(A) Ship-to-Ship Missile System
(B) Air-to-Air Missile System
(C) Surface-to-Air Missile System
(D) Space Surveillance System
👉 Answer: (C)
📝 Mains (GS Paper-3):
Q. “The S-400 air defence system has become a vital pillar of India’s strategic autonomy and defence capability.” Comment. (250 words)
'Barak-8' Defence System
Barak-8 is a long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system co-developed by India and Israel. It defends against aerial threats like aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and drones.
Developers:
- India: DRDO
- Israel: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
- Collaborators: BEL (India), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel)
Users:
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- Israel Defence Forces (IDF)
- Also exported to Azerbaijan, Morocco, and others
🔹 Features
|
Feature
|
Description
|
|
Category
|
Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
|
|
Range
|
70–100 km (up to 150 km in newer versions)
|
|
Interception Altitude
|
Up to 16 km
|
|
Targets
|
Aircraft, missiles, UAVs, helicopters
|
|
Guidance
|
Active radar homing + inertial navigation
|
|
Speed
|
Supersonic (2–3 Mach)
|
|
Launch Platform
|
Naval ships, ground-based mobile launchers
|
🔹 Variants:
- LR-SAM (Long Range) – Naval version deployed on warships.
- MR-SAM (Medium Range) – For Army and Air Force.
- ER Version (Extended Range) – Tested in 2023; ~150 km range.
Strategic Importance:
- Boosts India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
- Provides multi-layered protection against aerial threats.
- Offers 360° coverage and quick reaction.
- Highly valuable for naval operations.
🔹 Testing & Deployment:
- Also deployed by Air Force and Army.
- First successful test: 2015
- Deployed on Indian warships like INS Kolkata, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Chennai.
📝 Prelims MCQ:
Q. 'Barak-8', recently deployed by the Indian Navy, is what type of system?
(A) Anti-tank missile system
(B) Surface-to-surface strike system
(C) Anti-submarine system
(D) Surface-to-air missile system
👉 Answer: (D)
📝 Mains (GS Paper-3):
Q. "The Barak-8 system is a symbol of India-Israel defence cooperation and strengthens India's air defence strategy." Discuss. (250 words)
📌 Conclusion:
The Barak-8 system is a strategic gamechanger for India, providing effective defense against advanced enemy aerial attacks. It also holds special significance in the technological collaboration between India and Israel.