Modernizing Air Defence Against Drone Threats:
The Army’s Air Defence is set to induct new fragmentation ammunition for 1,300 air defence guns.
Focus on counter-drone technologies, loitering munitions, and smart drones to combat evolving aerial threats.
Indigenous QRSAM System Development:
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), developed by DRDO, to be finalized within 4-5 months.
First Prototype Model (FoPM) in 12 months, with mass production in 18 months for wheeled and tracked versions.
Upgrades to Existing Air Defence Systems:
Trials for an enhanced Akash missile for high-altitude defence in next 45 days.
Equipping L-70 and Zu-23 guns with air burst ammunition to counter drones.
Request for Proposal (RFP) for 220 successor guns expected by July, contract by May-June 2026.
Evolving Drone Threats & Response:
Inspired by Ukraine war, where drones, loitering munitions, and smart warfare technologies have changed modern air threats.
Laser, microwave, and smart ammunition technologies in procurement stages to counter evolving aerial attacks.
Way Forward
Accelerating indigenous missile & drone defence technology to reduce import dependency.
Strengthening surveillance & real-time threat detection to improve air defence readiness.
Integration of AI-driven automated response to mitigate drone swarm threats.
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