Army developing missile systems to counter threats along China, Pakistan borders

Army developing missile systems to counter threats along China, Pakistan borders

The Indian Army, in a bid to enhance the country’s defence capabilities against threats from enemy drones and fighter jets, is working on two crucial projects to develop indigenous shoulder-fired air defence missile systems.Â

These initiatives are meant to bolster the armed forces’ readiness to counter potential threats along the borders with both China and Pakistan by providing 350 launchers and around 2,000 missiles to the troops from both the Army and Air Force.

According to defence officials, the first project focuses on the development of a highly effective laser beam riding Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This project involves collaboration between a defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) based in Hyderabad and a private sector company from Maharashtra.

Both entities have received project sanctioned orders to develop prototypes domestically, signalling a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence technology. While the project is currently underway, officials have expressed optimism about the progress achieved so far, citing it as highly encouraging.

The second project is being undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with selected partners, including Adani Defence and I-Comm Engineering Limited, a Hyderabad-based firm.

The DRDO system, initially developed as a tripod-based system for targeting airborne threats, is now being adapted to enable soldiers to launch missiles from their shoulders, sources familiar with the development told India Today TV.

India’s pursuit of indigenous shoulder-fired missile systems dates back to 2009, with efforts focused on replacing and augmenting the existing inventory, primarily comprising Russian Igla-1M missiles.

Despite previous attempts to find a suitable replacement through tender processes, including the procurement of the Igla-S system from Russia, the project faced setbacks and was subsequently discontinued. However, there are plans to revive the project under the Make in India initiative, with discussions among relevant officials expected to take place soon.

Indian forces have received over 48 launchers from Russia under emergency procurement measures, with an additional 48 launchers anticipated in the near future. However, the overall requirement of the armed forces exceeds 500 launchers, underscoring the urgency and importance of indigenous development initiatives in bolstering India’s defense capabilities.

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