Following the unsuccessful Operation Sindoor and the loss of six aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is focusing on enhancing its long-range missile capabilities. This initiative aims to create a surface-to-surface and air-to-air missile system with a range exceeding 200 km, thereby bolstering the air defense framework with precision strike abilities.
The Pakistan Army’s deployment of advanced stand-off weapons—munitions launched from a distance to bypass enemy defenses—was pivotal in Operation Marka-e-Haq. India’s pride, the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, along with the Rafale aircraft, also did not succeed in this operation. PL-15 missiles launched from Pakistan’s J-10 aircraft achieved a record by downing a Rafale from 200 km away in a stand-off position.
Additionally, Pakistan’s Fatah missiles targeted Indian airbases, radars, and command and control centers, highlighting the critical role of long-range munitions in contemporary warfare. The Indian military’s losses emphasized the necessity for a more extensive arsenal of long-range missiles to address emerging threats from Pakistan and China.
The failure of Operation Sindoor, coupled with insights gained from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlights the significance of standoff capabilities, layered air defense, and the integration of electronic warfare (EW). Consequently, the Indian Air Force is expediting its missile modernization efforts.
Strategic Imperatives Driving the Expansion
The IAF’s missile expansion is driven by several key factors:
1. Regional Threat Dynamics:
– Pakistan: The operation revealed Pakistan’s reliance on advanced air defense systems like the HQ-9 and the deployment of PL-15E air-to-air missiles with a range exceeding 200 km (previously underestimated at 150 km). This necessitates missiles that can outrange and outmaneuver Pakistani defenses.
– China: The growing China-Pakistan-Turkey defense axis, coupled with China’s deployment of advanced PL-15 missiles and HQ-9B/C systems, poses a significant threat along India’s northern borders. The IAF seeks parity or superiority in long-range engagements.
– Two-Front Scenario: India’s defense strategy must account for simultaneous threats from Pakistan (western front) and China (northern front), requiring versatile, multi-platform missile systems.
2. Lessons from Modern Warfare: – The Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted the efficacy of stand-off weapons, mobile air defenses, and EW in countering sophisticated adversaries. Operation Sindoor reinforced these lessons, particularly the need for precision strikes from beyond enemy air defense ranges.
– Gaps in India’s EW capabilities, such as dedicated EW aircraft and secure data links, were evident during the operation, prompting a broader push for multi-domain integration.
3. Self-Reliance and Global Standing:
– The Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative emphasizes indigenous defense production. The IAF’s expansion plan balances local R&D with selective foreign acquisitions to reduce dependency while meeting immediate operational needs.
– India’s defense production reached a record Rs 1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting a robust industrial base to support missile development.
Key Missile Systems in the Expansion Plan
The IAF’s missile arsenal expansion focuses on air-to-ground, air-to-air, and surface-to-air systems, with an emphasis on ranges exceeding 200 km. Below is a detailed breakdown of the systems involved:
1. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Overview:
A joint Indo-Russian venture, the BrahMos missile is a cornerstone of India’s stand-off capabilities. With a speed of Mach 2.8 and a range of 290–400 km.
– Expansion Plans: – The IAF and Indian Navy have placed large-scale orders for air-launched and ship-based variants. A new production facility in Lucknow, inaugurated in May 2025, aims to produce 80–100 missiles annually, with plans to scale up to 150 BrahMos-NG units.
– BrahMos-NG: This next-generation variant, weighing 1,290 kg (compared to 2,900 kg for the current model), is designed for multi-platform deployment, including lighter aircraft like the LCA Tejas. It will allow Su-30 MKI jets to carry multiple missiles, enhancing firepower.
– Strategic Role: The missile’s versatility and precision make it ideal for targeting enemy air bases, command centers, and naval assets. Its integration with Veer-class warships strengthens India’s maritime strike capabilities.
2. Astra Air-to-Air Missile
– Overview: The indigenous Astra Mk-1, with a range of 80–110 km, has been integrated with the LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI, but the IAF seeks variants with ranges exceeding 200 km to counter adversaries like China’s PL-15.
Expansion Plans
– The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3, aiming for ranges of 150–200 km and beyond. These variants will feature advanced guidance systems and improved propulsion for long-range engagements.
– The IAF is prioritizing Astra’s integration across its fleet, including Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft, to ensure a robust air-to-air combat capability.
Strategic Role
Extended-range Astra missiles will provide the IAF with a competitive edge in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, critical for air superiority in contested airspace.
3. Russian R-37 Missile
Overview:
The R-37, a Russian air-to-air missile with a 200+ km range, is under consideration for acquisition. Known for its hypersonic speed (Mach 6) and ability to engage high-value targets like AWACS and ELINT platforms, it complements India’s existing arsenal.
Expansion Plans
– The IAF is evaluating the R-37 for integration with Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 aircraft, leveraging Russia’s long-standing defense partnership with India.
– The missile’s acquisition is seen as a stopgap measure while DRDO develops indigenous long-range solutions like the Astra Mk-3.
Strategic Role
The R-37 will enhance India’s ability to neutralize high-value airborne threats, such as Pakistan’s Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C or China’s KJ-500, at extended ranges.
4. Air LORA Missile
Overview:
The Israeli-developed Air LORA, a 400-km range air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), was inspired by the Rampage missile (250 km range). Capable of carrying a 570 kg warhead, it is designed to destroy hardened targets like command centers, airfields, and air defense units.
Expansion Plans
– The IAF plans to integrate Air LORA with Su-30 MKI jets, which can carry up to four missiles, significantly boosting strike capacity.
– A partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will facilitate local manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, reducing costs and enhancing self-reliance.
Challenges
Integration with Rafale jets faces hurdles due to France’s reluctance to share source codes, limiting compatibility to Russian and indigenous platforms.
Strategic Role
Air LORA’s long range and precision make it ideal for deep-strike missions, enabling the IAF to target enemy infrastructure while remaining outside the reach of air defenses.
5. Air Defense Systems
– S-400 Triumf: – Overview: India claims S-400, with a 400 km kill range, was a game-changer in Operation Sindoor. It forced Pakistani jets to operate at low altitudes or deep within their territory.
– Expansion Plans: India has received three of five contracted S-400 squadrons, with the remaining two expected by 2026. The IAF is pushing for two additional squadrons to bolster its air defense network.
– Strategic Role: The S-400 provides a robust shield against aircraft, missiles, and UAVs, enhancing India’s deterrence against both Pakistan and China.
Project Kusha
Overview: An indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system with a 400 km range, Project Kusha aims to complement the S-400. However, delays in development have raised concerns about India’s reliance on foreign systems.
– Expansion Plans: The IAF has urged DRDO to expedite the project, with a target operational date in the late 2020s.
– Strategic Role: Once operational, Project Kusha will form a critical component of India’s layered air defense, reducing dependency on imported systems.
Akash Missile
– Overview: The indigenous Akash system (25–30 km range) was used to intercept UAVs and airborne threats during Operation Sindoor.
Expansion Plans: The IAF is scaling up Akash deployments to create a dense air defense network, particularly along the western and northern borders.
– Strategic Role: Akash serves as a cost-effective, locally produced solution for countering low-altitude threats, including drones and cruise missiles.
Procurement and Modernization Roadmap
The IAF has presented a comprehensive roadmap to the Ministry of Defence, outlining its modernization priorities:
1. Missile Acquisitions
– A $7.64 billion deal approved in 2025 includes 110 air-launched BrahMos missiles, 87 heavy-duty drones, and other precision-guided munitions.
– Additional orders for Air LORA, R-37, and extended-range Astra missiles are under negotiation, with a focus on balancing cost and capability.
2. Platform Enhancements
– The IAF is pushing for additional Rafale jets and fifth-generation fighters, such as the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), to serve as platforms for advanced missiles.
– Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 aircraft will remain the backbone of missile integration due to their compatibility with Russian and indigenous systems.
3. Electronic Warfare and Data Links
– Operation Sindoor exposed the need for dedicated EW aircraft and secure data links to coordinate multi-domain operations. The IAF is exploring options like the Embraer EMB-145I for enhanced EW capabilities.
4. Indigenous R&D
– Increased funding for DRDO projects like Astra, BrahMos-NG, and Project Kusha aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. However, delays in indigenous programs have prompted interim reliance on foreign systems.
Challenges and Public Discourse
Despite the ambitious scope of the expansion, several challenges remain:
1. Integration Issues
– Integrating advanced missiles like Air LORA and Rampage with Rafale jets is hindered by France’s reluctance to share source codes, forcing reliance on Russian platforms like Su-30 MKI.
– Compatibility issues with foreign systems underscore the need for indigenous solutions with open architectures.
2. Cost and Sustainability
– The high cost of advanced systems like the S-400 and Air LORA, coupled with maintenance expenses, has sparked debate on defense spending. Public discourse on platforms like X emphasizes the need for transparency in procurement processes.
3. R&D Delays
– Delays in Project Kusha and other DRDO programs have raised concerns about over-reliance on foreign suppliers, prompting calls for accelerated indigenous development.
4. Operational Gaps
– The lack of dedicated EW aircraft and robust data links limits the IAF’s ability to conduct seamless multi-domain operations. Addressing these gaps is critical for future conflicts.
Strategic Implications
The IAF’s missile arsenal expansion is a strategic response to a volatile regional security environment. By prioritizing long-range precision strike and air defense capabilities, India aims to achieve the following:
Deterrence Against Pakistan and China
Extended-range missiles like BrahMos, Air LORA, and Astra ensure India can strike deep into enemy territory while remaining outside the reach of air defenses. The S-400 and Project Kusha provide a robust shield against retaliatory strikes.
Two-Front Readiness
The expansion prepares the IAF for a potential two-front conflict, with versatile systems deployable across western and northern borders.
Global Power Projection
By combining indigenous advancements with selective foreign acquisitions, India is positioning itself as a formidable defense power, capable of influencing regional stability.
Self-Reliance
The emphasis on BrahMos-NG, Astra, and Project Kusha aligns with India’s goal of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, bolstering its defense-industrial base.
Conclusion
The enhancement of the Indian Air Force’s missile capabilities following Operation Sindoor marks a crucial advancement in India’s defense modernization efforts. In the wake of Operation Sindoor’s shortcomings, the Indian Air Force aims to establish a robust collection of long-range air-to-ground, air-to-air, and surface-to-air missiles. Systems such as BrahMos, Astra, Air LORA, R-37, S-400, and Project Kusha demonstrate a well-rounded strategy to address both immediate operational requirements and long-term self-sufficiency. Despite facing challenges related to integration, costs, and research and development, the Indian Air Force’s strategic plan positions India to effectively address regional threats while underscoring its commitment to global strategic autonomy.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
