Context:
In light of recent West Asia conflicts, India is reassessing its air defence strategy, emphasizing counter-drone systems, swarm drones, and passive defence measures.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Shift:
- Focus on anti-drone systems integrated with existing defence
- Emphasis on swarm drones for offensive capability
- Technological Upgradation:
- Modernizing legacy systems (e.g., L-70 guns)
- Adoption of robotics for mine detection and operations
- Passive Defence Measures:
- Dispersion, concealment, underground infrastructure
- Reducing vulnerability of critical assets
- Operational Strategy:
- Targeting enemy logistics, energy resources, infrastructure
- Preparing for long-duration conflicts
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Swarm Drones:
- Multiple drones operating in coordination to overwhelm defences
- Passive Defence:
- Techniques to minimize exposure rather than intercept threats
- Legacy Systems:
- Older defence equipment upgraded for modern use
- Iron Dome (Israel):
- Missile defence system highlighting limits of active interception
Relevant Mains Points:
- Changing Nature of Warfare:
- Rise of asymmetric warfare and drone technology
- Increasing importance of low-cost, high-impact systems
- Challenges for India:
- Vulnerability of critical infrastructure
- Dependence on imported defence technology
- Need for real-time integrated defence systems
- Strategic Lessons:
- Importance of decentralization and joint commands
- Necessity of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence)
- Balancing offensive and defensive capabilities
- Technological Imperatives:
- Indigenous development of anti-drone systems
- AI-enabled warfare and automation
- Way Forward:
- Invest in R&D and indigenous defence manufacturing
- Develop layered air defence systems
- Enhance cyber and electronic warfare capabilities
- Build resilient infrastructure and redundancy systems
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Internal Security – Defence modernization
• GS 3: Science & Technology – Emerging military tech
• GS 2: IR – Strategic implications of global conflicts