Enhancing India's Defense Capability | UPSC Current Affairs Discussion | Legacy IAS Academy

Summary

This video focuses on India’s defense capabilities, particularly its missile defense systems in light of recent geopolitical tensions, such as Iran's attack on Israel. It details the stages of India's missile defense, including early warning, tracking, and interceptor systems, highlighting key technologies like Akash and Barak 8. The video compares India’s defense systems with Israel's Iron Dome and other advanced systems. Additionally, it emphasizes India’s move towards diversification in defense suppliers, supported by the *Make in India* initiative. This content is valuable for understanding national security and preparing for the UPSC 2024 Prelims.

Takeaways

• 😀 India’s defense capabilities are a critical aspect in the context of modern warfare, particularly missile defense systems.
• 😀 India’s missile defense strategy involves a multi-step process, including Air Force alerts, tracking radars, and interceptor missile launches.
• 😀 The long-range tracking radar, taken from Israel (Green Pine), plays a vital role in tracing enemy missile direction and velocity.
• 😀 India uses a French-made multifunction fire control radar to lock onto missiles as they approach.
• 😀 Interceptor missiles, guided by onboard thermal radars (Russian-made), are launched to destroy incoming hostile missiles.
• 😀 India operates a two-tiered ballistic missile defense system, consisting of the Advanced Air Defense and PVA Air Defense systems.
• 😀 The PVA Air Defense system intercepts missiles at an altitude of 50 to 80 km with a range of 300 to 500 km.
• 😀 The Advanced Air Defense system has an operational range of up to 300 km and can intercept missiles at altitudes of up to 40 km.
• 😀 India’s indigenous Akash missile system, with a range of 25 km, can neutralize aerial threats such as fighter jets and cruise missiles.
• 😀 The Barak-8 defense system, developed jointly with Israel, provides long-range anti-air and anti-missile capabilities to protect Indian maritime ships.
• 😀 India’s defense partnerships with countries like Israel have diversified its defense procurement, reducing dependence on Russia.
• 😀 The Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems are part of Israel’s defense capabilities, which are similar to India’s missile defense systems.
• 😀 India has procured the S400 air defense system, which is an important addition to its air defense capabilities.
• 😀 The ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East, including recent attacks by Iran on Israel, underscores the importance of strong defense systems for countries like India.

Q & A

What is the significance of India's missile defense system?

India’s missile defense system is crucial for protecting the nation against missile threats, particularly in a crisis or war situation. It involves multiple layers of defense that use sophisticated technologies from different countries to intercept and neutralize incoming missiles.

How does India's missile defense system detect and intercept enemy missiles?

The system works in stages. First, the Air War Warning and Control System detects the enemy missile. Then, long-range tracking radars, like Israel’s Green Pine, track the missile’s velocity and direction. As the missile approaches, a French-made multifunction fire control radar locks onto it, and an interceptor missile is launched to destroy the threat.

What are the two main tiers of India’s ballistic missile defense system?

India’s ballistic missile defense system is divided into two main tiers: the PV Air Defense, which intercepts missiles at altitudes of 50 to 80 km, and the Advanced Air Defense (AAD) system, which intercepts missiles at altitudes up to 40 km.

What role does the Akash missile system play in India's defense?

The Akash missile is an indigenous surface-to-air missile system that neutralizes aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. It has a range of 25 km and is a critical component of India’s air defense.

What is the significance of the Barak-8 missile system for India?

The Barak-8 is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile defense system developed jointly by India and Israel. It is used to protect India’s maritime ships and has a range of up to 70 km. It plays a key role in strengthening India’s naval defense capabilities.

How does India's defense strategy differ from Israel's defense systems?

While both countries have advanced missile defense systems, Israel relies heavily on systems like the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow, which are focused on short-range, long-range, and ballistic missile threats. India, on the other hand, has a broader range of systems, including indigenous solutions like Akash and Barak-8, along with international partnerships for advanced radar and interceptor technology.

What is the operational range of the S-400 missile defense system purchased by India?

The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile defense system with a range of up to 400 km. It is one of the most advanced air defense systems, purchased by India to enhance its protection against aerial threats.

What role does Israel play in India's defense system development?

Israel is one of India’s key defense partners, contributing critical technology such as the Green Pine radar and collaborating in the development of systems like the Barak-8. Israel's advanced defense technology plays a major role in strengthening India's missile defense capabilities.

How does the geopolitical situation in the Middle East impact India’s defense strategy?

The ongoing crises in the Middle East, especially recent attacks like Iran’s assault on Israel, highlight the need for India to strengthen its defense capabilities. As a result, India focuses on bolstering its defense systems, including both indigenous and international solutions, to ensure readiness against regional threats.

Why is India’s defense system diversification important?

India’s diversification of defense suppliers, particularly after 2014, ensures that the country is not overly reliant on any single nation, such as Russia. By sourcing defense systems from countries like Israel and Russia, India strengthens its security infrastructure and ensures greater resilience in case of external threats.