Syllabus: 

GS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.

Context: Recently, the Indian Armed Forces Targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at several locations in Pakistan. 

About the Air Defence System

• An air defence system is a series of mechanisms working in tandem to protect against enemy air strikes. 
• The most widely recognized component of an air defence system is the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) or Ground-to-Air Missile (GTAM). 
• However, the SAM represents only one element of a comprehensive and multi-layered air defence architecture.

Function of the Air Defence System

• The primary functions of an air defence system include detecting, tracking, and neutralizing incoming enemy missiles. 
• Components such as radars, jammers, and air sirens work together as part of this system. 

Working of an Air Defence System

An air defence system can be sub-categorised into three interlinked operations which are Detection, Tracking, and Interception. 

• Detection: 

• The effectiveness of an air defence system depends largely on its ability to detect threats, primarily through radar and, in some cases like ICBM launches, satellites.
• Radars emit radio waves that bounce off incoming objects; the returning signals help determine the object's distance, speed, and type.

• Tracking: 

• An air defence system must not only detect but also continuously and accurately track aerial threats using radars and sensors like infrared cameras and laser rangefinders. 
• Often, it must handle multiple fast-moving targets in complex airspaces that may include friendly aircraft.

• Interception: 

o After detection and tracking, the threat must be neutralized—how this is done depends on factors like its type, range, and speed. 

o These functions must work in unison through an integrated “C3” system—Command, Control, and Communication—highlighting that effective air defence relies as much on coordination and decision-making as on technology.

Interception

• Fighter Aircraft: Fighter aircraft designed to counter incoming enemy aircraft, especially bombers. 

• They can be rapidly deployed, quickly reach high altitudes, and engage targets before weapons are released. 
• Armed with cannons, rockets, short- and long-range missiles, and electronic warfare systems, they are built for air-to-air combat.

• Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs): They are generally radar, infrared, or laser-guided missiles. In addition to being operated from the ground, SAMs can also be launched from ships. The three, often used but unofficial classes of SAMs are:

• Heavy long-range systems which are fixed or semi-mobile
• Medium-range vehicle-mounted systems that can fire on the move
• Short-range man-portable air-defense systems (or MANPADS).

• Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA): 

• Once central to ground-based air defence, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) has seen its role reduced with the rise of SAMs and advanced fighter jets. 
• However, with automated fire-control systems, AAA remains vital as a last-resort defence and is effective against drones. 

• Electronic Warfare (EW): 

• In air defence, Electronic Warfare (EW) is used to jam enemy radar and targeting systems, disrupting their ability to launch weapons accurately. 
• They are designed to disrupt, deceive, or destroy threats using the power of the electromagnetic spectrum.