India to build its own Iron Dome to safeguard cities just like Israel

India is in the process of developing its own long-range air defense system, slated for operational deployment by 2028-29. This indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system, designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats like stealth fighters, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions up to 350km, is being developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as part of ‘Project Kusha’.

This indigenous air defense system will be on par with the formidable Russian S-400 Triumf system, which was recently inducted into the Indian Air Force. The LR-SAM system aims to offer comprehensive air defense cover to both strategic and tactically vulnerable areas.

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the LR-SAM system’s development as a “mission-mode” project in May 2022. Subsequently, the Defense Ministry granted the acceptance of necessity (AON) for the procurement of five squadrons for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of Rs 21,700 crore.

The mobile LR-SAM system is equipped for long-range surveillance and includes different types of interceptor missiles designed to target hostile entities at ranges of 150km, 250km, and 350km.

“It will be capable of reliable ‘area air defense’ with single-shot kill probability of not less than 80% for single missile launch and not less than 90% for salvo launch,” a source stated.

The LR-SAM system will effectively engage high-speed targets with low radar cross-section, as per the DRDO.

“It will be geared to take out fighter-sized targets at a 250-km range, with larger aircraft like AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and mid-air refuelers being intercepted at 350km,” a DRDO official added.

The LR-SAM’s firing units will be able to communicate with the IAF’s integrated air command and control system, which constitutes a fully-automated air defense network incorporating data links to integrate various military radars and bridge surveillance gaps in Indian airspace.

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