ANALYSIS: Israel Neutralises Iranian Missiles: India’s Similar Capability to Counter Enemy Ballistic Missiles
Recently, Israel faced a large-scale missile assault from Iran, with around 200 ballistic missiles fired in the ongoing conflict. This was the largest attack of its kind so far. Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, played a crucial role in intercepting a majority of these missiles, showcasing their efficiency in neutralizing such threats.
On the other hand, India has developed its own advanced missile defense system, called the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program. This system is designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles both inside (endo-atmospheric) and outside (exo-atmospheric) the Earth's atmosphere.
India’s BMD System: Two-Tiered Defence
India's BMD system operates on a two-layer structure: the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for high-altitude interception and the Advanced Area Defence (AAD) for lower altitudes. This layered defense allows India to engage missiles at various phases of their flight—boost, midcourse, and terminal.
The BMD program incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as long-range sensors and a command and control network. These advancements, developed domestically, strengthen India’s self-reliance in defense. Tests suggest that the system has an impressive 99.8% success rate in destroying incoming threats.
Phase-I: Intercepting Missiles up to 3,000 km Range
Phase-I of India’s BMD can intercept ballistic missiles with ranges of 2,000 - 3,000 kilometers. It has already been deployed to safeguard key cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.
- Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)/Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV): Handles exo-atmospheric interception at heights of 50-180 km.
- Ashwin Advanced Air Defence (AAD): Manages endo-atmospheric interception at altitudes of 20-40 km.
Phase-II: Targeting Missiles over 5,000 km Range
Phase-II aims to intercept missiles with ranges beyond 5,000 km. New interceptors like AD-2 are being developed for intermediate-range missile threats. These missiles are equipped for both endo-atmospheric and low exo-atmospheric interception, using two-stage solid propulsion systems for increased effectiveness. The AD-1 and AD-2 interceptor developments will further enhance India’s interception capabilities.
Sea-Based BMD: Strengthening Maritime Defence
India has made significant strides in sea-based BMD capabilities, with a successful test of a sea-based interceptor missile. This places India among an elite group of nations with naval missile defense capabilities, boosting its maritime defense strategies.
The BMD system integrates long-range sensors, real-time data, and advanced command centers, forming a network-centric defense structure. This combination allows for quick detection, tracking, and response to missile threats, improving defense accuracy.
Despite these advancements, experts highlight that India faces challenges in fully deploying its BMD system. A complete operational framework would require a comprehensive network of early-warning sensors and a robust command structure, similar to those of more established BMD systems like those in the US and Russia.
Strengthening Capabilities in 2023
In April 2023, India conducted a successful flight test of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile, enhancing its naval missile defense capabilities. This further cemented India’s place among countries with advanced sea-based missile defense systems.
Strategic Importance of India’s BMD Program
India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program is a vital initiative designed to protect the country from missile threats, especially from neighbors like Pakistan and China. The program, initiated after the Kargil War in 2000, has grown significantly, reflecting India’s commitment to boosting its defense capabilities through indigenous technology and strategic partnerships.
India's 'No First Use' nuclear policy makes a strong BMD system critical for retaliatory defense in case of a nuclear attack. With China’s growing missile capabilities, India’s BMD program is crucial for maintaining strategic stability in the region. The focus on indigenous technology not only reduces reliance on foreign systems but also strengthens national security.
Israel’s Real-World Success, India’s Untested Strength
While Israel’s missile defense systems have proven successful in real-world combat, countering Iranian missile attacks effectively, India’s BMD program represents a major technological milestone. However, it has yet to be tested in actual combat. Both Israel and India are continuously advancing their ballistic missile defense technologies to address their specific security needs in unstable regional environments.
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