India Set To Develop S-400 Like Made-In-India Air Defence System, Capable Of Destroying Enemy Targets 400 Kilometre Away

In a significant stride towards bolstering self-reliance in the defence sector, India is currently undertaking the development of a three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) defence system.

The indigenous system holds the capability to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges of approximately 400 km, marking a major advancement for the country's air defence capabilities.

Defence sources have revealed that the proposal for the three-layered LRSAM system is in an advanced stage within the Defence Ministry and is expected to be taken up for clearance in the near future.

Valued at over $2.5 billion, this ambitious project aims to place India among an elite group of nations with indigenous capabilities to neutralize hostile assets in the air at such considerable distances.

The LRSAM system will encompass three tiers of surface-to-air missiles, enabling it to engage targets at varying ranges effectively.

India's partnership with Israel in developing the medium-range surface-to-air missile system (MRSAM), capable of targeting aerial threats at distances of 70 plus km, has laid a solid foundation for this cutting-edge endeavour.

According to sources, the Indian LRSAM system is anticipated to match the prowess of the S-400 air defence system, which the country has already procured from Russia and deployed along its borders with China and Pakistan.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been at the forefront of successful air defence weapon development, catering to both ground-based and warship-based systems.

The LRSAM project, earlier known as MRSAM, has garnered attention from both the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF), with both branches already having systems named MRSAM. The IAF is set to lead the LRSAM project, emphasizing its commitment to promoting indigenisation in defence hardware.

Notably, India already possesses the highly capable S-400 air defence systems, boasting a maximum range of 400 Km and the versatility to engage targets at shorter distances.

The S-400 is also deployed by the Chinese military along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, albeit their indigenous air defence systems being considered less potent than the S-400.

Presently, three squadrons of the S-400 have been delivered and operationalized in India, while the delivery schedule for the remaining two units remains uncertain.

With the indigenous development of the LRSAM, India seeks to elevate its defence capabilities, fostering self-reliance and fortifying national security against potential aerial threats.