In the current global climate, advancements in satellite and missile technology are vital subject matter, especially considering the recent activity in Russia. There has been a successful launch of a military satellite into space, speculated to be a Tundra satellite. This satellite is a component of the Kupol or Dome system which serves as Russia’s early warning anti-missile alert mechanism.
Russia’s Tundra Satellite System
The Tundra satellite system was introduced by Russia between 2015 and 2020. It operates within a constellation of Missile Early Warning Satellites. Its design incorporates a secure emergency communications payload meant for utilization during any potential nuclear warfare. This series of satellites represents the next generation in Russian early warning technology. It is intended to supersede the Oko-1 system, the final satellite of which ceased functioning in mid-2014. Since then, Russia has been largely reliant on terrestrial missile detection systems.
Unified Space System (USS)
The Tundra satellites are components of a larger organization – the EKS or Unified Space System (also referred to as Kupol or Dome). This system additionally encompasses numerous satellites situated in geostationary orbit. Unveiled in 2019, Kupol’s primary objective is to identify and track ballistic missiles from launch to landing site, even though its exact configuration remains undisclosed.
Ties with India’s Anti-Missile Defense Systems
In the context of significant defense systems abroad, India possesses the S-400 TRIUMF. This mobile surface-to-air missile system is also of Russian origin. It can counter three types of threats – rockets, missiles, and cruise missiles – with a notably extended range and a larger defense bubble to neutralize potential dangers. The system can engage any aerial target within a range of 400km and up to an altitude of 30km. It can simultaneously track 100 airborne targets and engage six.
Prithvi Air Defence and Advance Air Defence
Apart from the S-400, India has developed the Prithvi Air Defence and Advance Air Defence. This double-tier system includes two types of interceptor missiles: the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. They are capable of intercepting any missile launched from 5,000 kilometers away. Additionally, this system entails an overlapping network of early warning and tracking radars, along with command and control posts.
Ashwin Advanced Air Defence Interceptor Missile
A further component of India’s anti-missile defenses is the Ashwin Advanced Air Defence Interceptor Missile. This indigenously produced AAD interceptor missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). As the advanced version of the low altitude supersonic ballistic interceptor missile, it also comes with an independent mobile launcher, a secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities, and advanced radars. Its range extends between 90 and 125 miles, with a maximum altitude capability of 60,000 to 100,000 feet.
Global Anti-Missile Defense Systems
Worldwide, various other countries have also developed their unique defense systems: Israel with its Iron Dome, and the USA with Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). These developments alongside Russia’s recent satellite launch signify new strides in global security and defense technology.