The United States has recently given the nod of approval for a sale concerning an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to India, a significant decision reported to be valued at an estimated $1.9 billion. The core intention of this venture is geared towards advancing the technical capacity and modernizing the function of India’s military force. Additionally, this move aims at enlarging the scope of India’s air defence infrastructure to effectively deter and mitigate factors associated with airborne attacks.
Key Takeaways
An integral part of the defence plan, the IADWS, will operate in conjunction with indigenous, Russian and Israeli systems. Together, they aim to establish a multi-dimensional missile shield over the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, primarily to offset prospective aerial threats. This decision follows the escalating military modernization efforts by China, which has been visibly flexing its military prowess, particularly in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.
Insight into the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System
Termed as the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS-II), the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System is a sophisticatedly upgraded edition of the NASAMS. Developed by the renowned U.S firm Raytheon, it was created in collaboration with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway.
The IADWS offers competent integrated air missile defence and is currently safeguarding Washington, DC. Its operation involves the combined use of launchers, advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) and Stinger missiles, 3D Sentinel radars, fire-distribution centres, and several command-and-control units.
Multi-Layered Air Defence Shield: Delhi’s Protective Umbrella
The capital city’s robust defence mechanism is structured around multiple layers. The innermost layer or the first line of defence is fortified by the NASAM-II, followed by the indigenous Akash defence missile systems extended up to a range of 25 km. A degree deeper, the security is tightened with the deployment of the highly automated and mobile S-400 systems. The Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems form the subsequent protective layer. Finally, the outermost layer is solidified by the deployment of the indigenous two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System.
About Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
The Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), as its name suggests, is an all-weather and day-night operable, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It is manufactured by Raytheon and is presently in active use by more than 30 countries worldwide.
Understanding Stinger Missiles
Stinger is an American developed Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) known for its shoulder-launching capacity. Its features include being a fire-and-forget weapon, lightweight at about 15kg, and having a reusable launcher component. The Stinger missile system has a notable reputation for its effectiveness in shooting down aircraft.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024