Context: After protecting the skies for more than six decades, the MiG-21 Bison fighter jets of the Indian Air Force are set to retire in September 2025. The plans are to replace them with indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about MiG-21 Fighter Jets.
MiG-21 Fighter Jets: India’s First Supersonic Fighter
MiG-21 is a single-engine supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft.
Developed by: Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the former Soviet Union.
Induction: First procured in 1963 into the Indian Air Force (IAF). They formed the backbone of the Air Force till the mid-2000s, when the Su-30MKIs were inducted.
Initially developed as an interceptor, the supersonic jet was eventually upgraded to perform as a multi-role combat aircraft, including ground attacks.
With a maximum speed of 2230 kilometres per hour, the jet carries one 23mm twin-barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.
Key Role: They have played key roles in the wars with Pakistan (1965 and 1971), Kargil War (1999), Balakot air strikes (2019), and the most-recent Operation Sindoor (2025).
Variants of MiG-21 Fighter Jets:
Over the years, India procured more than 700 MiG-21 aircraft of different variants. Many were domestically built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. They include- Type 74 or MiG 21F; Type 76 or MiG 21PF; Type 77 or MiG 21FL; Type 96 or MiG 21M; Type 75 or MiG 21 Bis (upgraded Type 96); and MiG-21 Bison.
MiG-21 Fighter Jets to Retire
The Air Force currently has two MiG-21 squadrons, or 36 aircrafts, that are operated by the squadrons stationed at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. It is significantly below the optimal readiness requirements.
The phase out of two MIG-21 squadrons has been long extended due to the delayed deliveries of LCA-Mk1A (Tejas fighter aircraft). After the phased out, the combat strength of the Air Force will drop to 29 squadrons.
Controversy:
The MiG-21 aircrafts have been involved in several accidents, leading to the deaths of 170 pilots and 40 civilians. They were once termed “Flying Coffin”.
Context: Germany is considering funding the US-made Patriot Air Defence Systems for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Patriot Missile System.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked Western allies for more air defences to protect critical infrastructure and civilians from frequent missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian officials maintain that Patriot systems are vital to defend against long-range attacks by Russia.
What is the Patriot Missile System?
Petriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target) is a mobile surface-to-air defence system.
Developed by: United States
It is used to detect, track, and shoot down incoming missiles, aircraft, and drones.
It is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems in the US arsenal, and has been in service since the 1980s.
How does the Patriot work?
The system has different capabilities depending on the type of interceptor used.
The earlier PAC-2 interceptor uses a blast-fragmentation warhead that detonates in the vicinity of a target.
The PAC-3 family of missiles uses more accurate technology that hits the target directly.
According to NATO, the system’s radar range exceeds 150 km.
Global Usage:
The system is used in 19 countries including: The US, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
In 2025, the US transferred about 90 Patriot interceptors from Israel to Ukraine.
Cost of the System:
A newly produced single Patriot battery costs over $1 billion, including $400 million for the system and $690 million for the missiles in a battery.
Patriot interceptors are estimated to cost $4 million.
Context: Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a successful flight test of the Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) Astra missile from Su-30 Mk-I platform off the coast of Odisha.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Astra Missiles.
About Astra Missile
Astra is a Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM) with a range exceeding 100 kms.
Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is equipped with an art guidance and navigation system and indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker that provides it the ability to strike with high accuracy.
One of the key technological achievements of the recent test was the validation of the Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.
RF seeker detects and tracks the target using radio waves ensuring accurate terminal guidance.
The missile (Astra Mk1) has already been inducted into service with the IAF. It is integrated in Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft; integration is underway in Tejas Mk1A fighter, and will be integrated in future in AMCA, Rafale etc.
Variants of Astra Missile
1. Astra Mk1:
First-ever BVRAAM indigenously developed by India.
Astra Mk-1 is 3.6 m long, and weighs 154 kg.
Uses a single-pulse rocket motor with solid propellant that can propel the missile to a speed of Mach 4.5.
It uses mid-course inertial guidance driven by a fibre-optic gyroscope.
The maximum range is 110 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase.
The missile could be launched from different altitudes.
2. Astra Mk2:
It has a projected range of 140-160 km. Astra Mk-2 uses a dual-pulse rocket motor which dramatically increases its range and kill probability.
It incorporates upgraded guidance algorithms and an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker.
The missile is slated to achieve operational readiness by 2026.
3. Astra Mk3 (Gandiva missile):
India and Russia are working together to build the future Astra Mk-3 missile powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) engine.
Projected Range: 350 kms. This would put the Astra Mk3 in the same league as the world’s most advanced air-to-air missiles.
Successful Trials
The test launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. The missiles destroyed the targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Significance of the Test
Validates critical defence technology: Traditionally, India relied on imported RF seekers, which incurred high costs and also exposed supply chains to geopolitical uncertainties. The test validates the indigenous RF seeker which is a critical defence technology.
Reinforces reliance on Astra missiles: Re-establishes the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system. It reinforces India’s growing technological edge in aerial warfare systems.
India’s successful test of the Astra missile with an indigenous RF seeker places it along the list of a few nations, like the US, Russia, France, and China, with advanced BVRAAM programs developed entirely within national borders.
Context: Indian Army has carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime Air Defence System at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector. The test was successful and the missile has met the country’s critical air defence requirements for high-altitude.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Akash Prime Air Defence System; Akash Missile Defence System.
Akash Missile Defence System
Indigenously developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Medium-range Mobile Surface-to-Air missile (SAM) designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
Operates on a command-guidance system with datalink for mid-course corrections and switches to active radar homing in the terminal phase.
Propelled by an integrated ramjet-rocket engine allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds (Mach 1.8 to 2.5) throughout its flight.
Range extends up to 25-45 km, with the ability to intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 km.
The missile carries a 60 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead, detonated by a digital proximity fuse for maximum impact.
Supported by a sophisticated radar network. Real time multi-sensor data processing enables simultaneous engagement of multiple targets from any direction.
Rajendra Phased Array Radar can track up to 64 targets and guide eight missiles simultaneously.
3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR) provides long-range surveillance and target acquisition.
Akash has evolved over the years, with variants like Akash-1 (25 km range), Akash-NG (up to 30 km with improved guidance), and Akash Prime (up to 35 km).
Akash Prime Air Defence System
The system can operate at heights up to 4500 metres and is capable of targeting objects at a range of around 25 to 30 kilometres.
Compared to the existing Akash system, Akash Prime includesanindigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved target accuracy. The RF seeker enables the missiles to detect, track, and home in on targets with greater precision in extreme weather and terrain.
The modification allows its reliable use in cold temperatures and high-altitude conditions.
Akash’s integration with advanced command-and-control systems like Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) enables real-time threat neutralisation. The upgraded variant (Akash Prime) will enhance the Air Defence potential in high-altitude frontiers and improve the operational effectiveness.
Context: INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited to the Indian Navy.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Nistar.
INS Nistar
INS Nistar is a highly specialised Diving Support Vessel that can undertake Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations- a capability with select Navies across the globe.
It measures 118 m with a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tonnes.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment and can undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to a depth of 300 metres.
The ship will also serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to rescue and evacuate personnel, in case of an emergency in a submarine underwater.
The induction of INS Nistar with nearly 75% indigenous content is another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous construction.
Context: Recently, the Indian Navy commissionedINS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Tamal; Project 1135.6.
Krivak-class Frigates
Krivak-class frigatesare a series of multi-role warships originally designed by Russia. India operates its variant called the Talwar-class frigates, customised for the Indian Navy.
The ship is eighth in the series of Project 1135.6(Talwar class) and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. All seven previous ships of the class are part of the Navy’s Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command.
In 2016, under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement to procure four additional Krivak-class frigates.
Two were to be imported from Russia, while two were to be built in India at GSL, Goa under technology transfer.
Built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned 2024), INS Tamal (commissioned in 2025).
Built in India: INS Triput (launched 2024), INS Tavasya (launched 2025).
About INS Tamal:
INS Tamal is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate.
Specification: 125-metre-long, 3900-tonne ship.
Achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (55 km/h).
Operational capabilities: Designed for blue water operations with multi-dimensional attack capabilities in all four dimensions- air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
Armament and Technology: It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including:
Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India-Russia)
Vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges
Medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features
Optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system
Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite
It is also capable of embarking upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
Speed: Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant with state-of-the-art controls, it is capable of achieving speeds in exceeding 30 knots.
Strategic Importance:
Strengthening India’s Naval Power: These stealth frigates enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Push for Self-Reliance: Technology transfer from Russia helps develop India's shipbuilding industry.
India-Russia Defence Ties: Despite geopolitical shifts (Russia-Ukraine war, US sanctions on Russia), India continues its strong defence cooperation with Russia.
Strategic Importance: The frigates are crucial for India’s maritime security, countering China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning of Tamal marked a key milestone in India’s maritime defence capability and bilateral ties with Russia.
Context: Recently, INS Udaygiri, the second ship of Project 17A’s stealth frigates, was delivered to the Indian Navy.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Udaygiri; Project 17A.
About INS Udaygiri
INS Udaygiri is the second of seven frigates in Project 17A. INS Nilgiri is thelead ship of the Project 17A stealth-guided frigate class.
Built indigenously by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
The Nilgiri-class frigate or Project 17A class is the successor of the currently-operational Project 17 or the Shivalik-class stealth frigates.
Key Features of INS Udaygiri:
Length: 142 metres.
The multi-mission frigate is capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats.
The ship is fitted with:
Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missile system
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) system
76 millimetre upgraded gun
Combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
Enhanced stealth features
Significance: With its versatile weapons and capabilities, the ships can play a crucial role in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
Note: Other five ships of this class- Himgiri, Taragiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiriand Mahendragiri are at various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.
Significance:
Project 17A class frigates represent a ‘quantum leap’ in the Indian Navy’s in-house design and military manufacturing capabilities.
Enhance India’s naval power by its capability to operate in the open ocean dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats.
What are Stealth Frigates?
A frigate is a medium-sized warship used by the Navy for escorting larger vessels, patrolling, and combat operations.
Stealth frigate is designed with advanced stealth technology to minimise its radar cross-section and overall visibility to enemy detection systems, making it harder to detect by radar, visual, sonar, and infrared methods.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global military drone market was valued at $14.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $47.16 billion by 2032, reflecting the rapid militarisation of drone technology.
Evolution of Drone Warfare
While unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) date back to World War II, their strategic utility surged post-1991 Gulf War.
In a watershed moment in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan’s drones overwhelmed Armenian defences. Since then, drones have redefined warfare: from Houthi strikes on Saudi oil sites and Hamas’s use in Gaza.
Recently, in Ukraine's bold Operation Spider’s Web in 2025, over 100 First-person view (FPV) drones hit deep into Russia, damaging 40+ aircraft and causing $7 billion in losses. In retaliation, Russia launched the world’s biggest drone attack till date, with almost 500 drones hitting Ukraine overnight.
This evolution has led to the rise of swarm drones, which work together in large numbers to overwhelm enemy defences.
Swarm Drones
Swarm drones are autonomous or semi-autonomous UAVs that operate in coordinated groups, much like swarms of birds or fish. They communicate via wireless networks and adjust in real time to achieve shared objectives.
Swarms are more resilient than traditional drones due to in-built redundancy, i.e., even if one drone is intercepted, others can continue on the mission.
Drone swarms are thus used to saturate air defences, gather intelligence, and attack high-value targets.
Countries are developing advanced AI-driven swarm drones that can make real-time decisions, adapt tactics mid-mission, and coordinate complex manoeuvres- set to play a key role in future combined arms warfare alongside infantry, armour, and cyber units.
What Makes Drone Swarms a Strategic Threat?
Low Cost, High Impact: A $500-$1,000 drone can damage a $200 million aircraft.
Difficult to intercept due to their small size, and ability to overwhelm defences- cluttering radars, exhausting ammunition, and slipping through even robust air defence systems.
High Agility and Mobility: Swarm drone attacks can be launched anytime, anywhere even from a truck near an airbase, as seen in Op Spider’s Web. In a country like India, with porous borders and diverse populations, this threat is both real and pressing.
Traditional military bases, aircrafts, and infrastructure, previously considered secure, are now vulnerable to drone attacks and demand new defence strategies.
Countering Drone Threats
Detection of Drones: Defence against drones begins with detection. Modern systems employ a combination of: AESA radars; Electro-optical and infrared sensors; Acoustic detectors; AI-powered fusion systems
Neutralisation of Drones: Once detected, drones can be neutralised by kinetic means such as:
Missiles and anti-aircraft guns, though these are expensive and less effective against swarms.
Automated gun systems like C-RAM and Phalanx, which autonomously track and fire at targets, offer a more practical solution.
Some cost-effective alternatives include:
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Lasers and microwave pulses that disable drones by damaging sensors or frying electronics.
Electronic Warfare (EW): Jamming GPS signals or communication links.
Spoofing: Misleading drones about their location or issuing false commands.
Cyber Attacks: Taking control of drones and crashing them by exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Interceptor drones & nets: For close-range neutralisation, protecting critical assets.
The ideal defence is a layered system, integrating multiple modes of interception for redundancy and cost-efficiency purposes. Examples include Israel’s Iron Dome and the US’s Directed Energy M-SHORAD.
India’s Counter-Drone Infrastructure:
Since 2020, India has ramped up its counter-drone infrastructure, deploying a layered defence that blends indigenous technology, EW, and air defence systems. Key systems include:
Akashteer Air Defence Control System : Developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd, it integrates with the Indian Air Force’s integrated command network for real-time tracking.
Bhargavastra : Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd’s weapon system fires 64 micro-rockets in salvos to eliminate drone swarms.
DRDO’s Anti-Drone System: It offers 360-degree radar coverage, with both jamming (soft kill) and laser (hard kill) capabilities. Drones can be detected up to 4 km away, and neutralised within a 1 km radius.
Indrajaal: An AI-powered grid from a Hyderabad startup that combines jammers, spoofers, and intelligence to protect areas up to 4,000 sq km. Already deployed at naval sites in Gujarat and Karnataka.
During the May 2025 swarm attacks, the IAF activated its Integrated Counter-UAS Grid, alongside conventional radars, guns, and missiles, neutralising attempted strikes on 15 military bases and several urban targets.
Drone warfare has ushered in a new age of asymmetric, AI-driven conflict and transformed the dynamics of the battlefield. As CDS General Chauhan aptly stated- We are at a cusp where war may be between humans and machines- and tomorrow, between machines themselves.
Context: Indian Navy is set to commission up to 10 domestically built warships by December 2025. This move marks one of the largest single-phase inductions in recent years, and highlights India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing and strategic autonomy in naval strength.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about recent naval inductions, ship classes, and defence manufacturing initiatives, Indigenisation efforts.
Key details of the Induction:
The commissioning phase will begin with the induction of INS Arnala, the first of sixteen Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow-Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
Alongside Arnala, the Navy is expected to induct INS Tamal, the second Talwar-class stealth frigate.
A second Nilgiri-class frigate may also be commissioned before the year-end.
INS Arnala
Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders.
It is designed to perform critical roles such as subsurface surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters.
Arnala is the largest Indian naval warship propelled by a diesel-engine and waterjet combination.
INS Tamal: Krivak-class Frigates
Krivak-class frigatesare a series of multi-role warships originally designed by Russia. India operates its variant called the Talwar-class frigates, customised for the Indian Navy.
In 2016, under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement to procure four additional Krivak-class frigates.
Two were to be imported from Russia, while two were to be built in India at GSL, Goa under technology transfer.
Built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned 2024), INS Tamal (to be commissioned in 2025)
Built in India: INS Triput (launched 2024), INS Tavasya (launched 2025).
With the aim to become a 175-ship by 2035 the Indian Navy has taken many strategic steps like:
Advancements in technology, stronger indigenisation efforts, and close Navy involvement in the design and manufacturing process have shortened the time from ship design to delivery.
Recently, the Navy also commissioned INS Vagsheer, a diesel-electric Kalvari-class submarine under Project 75, which operates quietly for coastal patrols.
Furthermore, the Navy is progressing with Project 75I, which aims to build six advanced conventional attack submarines, with evaluations and cost negotiations underway.
On the aviation side, the Navy is also receiving MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the U.S., with 13 of 24 orders already delivered.
Context: While India continues to import a large share of its defence equipment and weapons, government data shows that domestic manufacturing has picked up.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key trends in India’s defence sector production.
Rising Indigenous Defence Production
India’s defence production touched a record high in FY24 at ₹1.3 lakh crore, growing at 17% compared to FY23, and exceeding the ₹1 lakh crore mark for the second year in a row. In fact, defence production has been seeing double-digit growth since FY22.
While the complete figures for FY25 are not yet in, government data as of December 2024 shows that production is touching ₹90,000 crore against a target of ₹1.6 lakh crore for FY25.
PSUs continue to dominate total defence production. Private companies are gradually expanding, from around 20% share in defence production between FY17 and FY24, their contribution has risen to 24% in FY25.
MSMEs contributed significantly to defence production with FY25 procurement exceeding ₹13,000 crore, over twice the mandated target, due to government support through compulsory procurement norms.
India’s defence exports have exceeded ₹20,000 crore in the past two financial years (FY23 & FY24). These figures are twice as in FY20. Private firms also lead in defence exports, primarily due to a higher number of export authorisations granted to them.
Despite the surge in production and exports, the share of defence in overall government expenditure is on a decline. Yet, India still spends more on the military (as % of GDP) than many other emerging markets.
Context: The Ministry of Defence has formally approved the execution model for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. It opens the door for private sector participation alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
AMCA Development- Major Highlights
The Cabinet Committee on Security gave in-principle approval to the AMCA programme in 2024, with an estimated development cost of around ₹15,000 crore.
The Ministry of Defence has formally approved the execution model for the AMCA programme. The AMCA programme is now open to competitive bidding. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) can now bid either independently or in partnership with private firms.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the AMCA prototype by 2035.
AboutAdvanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
AMCA is a 5th-generation fighter aircraft. It is currently the only 5th generation fighter under development in India.
Indigenous development:
Designed by: Aeronautical Development Agency under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project.
Manufactured by: state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private companies.
Max speed: Nearly 2600 kilometres per hour (Mach 2.15)
Combat range: 1620 kms
Can carry armament weighing 6500 kg (1.5 tonnesinternal payload capacity).
Key Features:
Designed formulti-role missions- including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW).
Stealth aircraft (capable of avoiding enemy radars and air defence mechanisms). The stealth fighter uses:
specialised paint coating and radar-absorbing material to reduce radar bounce-off
exhaust nozzles that reduce infrared radiation emitted by the engine
exhaust plume and fuselage technology that reduces the heat signature of the engine.
First look first kill: AMCA will be based on the ‘first look, first kill’ concept, where an AMCA pilot would see an enemy plane first, fire a missile and destroy it before the latter can react.
Fuel and Weapons: AMCA will have a concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons.
Engine:
AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE-F414 engine of the 98 kilonewton (kN) class.
AMCA Mk2 will have a more powerful 110kN engine to be developed indigenously by DRDO’sGas Turbine Research Establishment in collaboration with foreign collaboration.
Anti-tank missiles, laser-guided bombs and precision munitions.
Strategic significance of AMCA:
Fulfil operational gap in IAF: Indian Air Force has 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, significantly below the optimal readiness requirements. Of the current 31 squadrons, the phase out of two MIG-21 squadrons has been extended due to the delayed deliveries of Tejas LCA-Mk1A. Tejas LCA-Mk2 and AMCA are critical for IAF’s modernisation plans.
Counter regional threats: Pakistan is expected to procure over 40 J-35A fifth-generation fighters from China. China is developing sixth-generation prototypes like the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50.
India’s entry into the fifth-generation fighter club, currently limited to the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Su-57), and China (J-20), reflects its growing defence ambitions amid evolving regional security challenges.
Context: The US President has announced Golden Dome, a proposed $175-billion space-based missile defence shield. Golden Dome aims to create a network of satellites to detect, track and potentially intercept incoming missiles.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Golden Dome.
What is the proposed ‘Golden Dome’?
Golden Dome is a US space-based missile defence system. It is designed to protect the US from long-range threats, especially Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) from countries like Russia and China.
It is inspired by Israel’s much lauded Iron Dome system- a short-range, ground-to-air, air defence system. But it is far more ambitious in scale and scope, and seeks to integrate next-generation technologies across land, sea, and even space.
How is the Golden Dome different from the Iron Dome?
The Iron Dome is a short-range, ground-based aerial defence system that primarily relies on radars, not satellites, to identify and track enemy targets.
Golden Dome will comprise space-based sensors and interceptors, which would make it the very first truly space-based weapon system.
It will also include ground-based radar systems for detection and targeting, but space-based tech will be the core.
The system will comprise thousands of small satellites orbiting Earth, which will intercept an enemy missile mere moments after it is launched.
The defence shield is estimated to cost ~$175 billion, and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
Orbital weaponry, i.e., weapon systems placed in an orbit around Earth, have been conceptualised and even designed by the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War, and even Nazi Germany during World War II.
