Reference Message Network reported on May 12 that according to a report by The Times of India website on May 9, during the current conflict between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces claimed that on May 8, its air defense system shot down more than 50 cluster drones from Pakistan. The Indian Army posted on the social platform X that the Pakistani Armed Forces launched multiple attacks with drones and other weapons along the western border during the night of May 8.

The Indian Army's air defense force deployed advanced weapon systems such as L-70 anti-aircraft guns, ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns, "Shilka" self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, and drone countermeasure systems in many places including Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagroda, and Batagram.

The air defense system is an advanced military facility used to defend against aerial threats such as aircraft, missiles, drones, and helicopters. These systems operate collaboratively through multi-layered integrated capabilities to detect, track, and neutralize airborne threats.

The core of modern air defense networks is radar systems, which serve as primary detection tools, continuously scanning the sky for potential threats.

Early warning systems support them by enhancing situational awareness through collecting, analyzing, and transmitting critical data about incoming targets, enabling timely and effective defensive actions.

The command and control center is the "brain" of the air defense system. These centers receive information from various sensors, process data, and coordinate defensive responses. They are equipped with advanced computers and communication devices for rapid decision-making and deployment.

Surface-to-air missiles are the main weapon systems of the air defense system. These missiles have varying ranges and capabilities, from short-range missiles protecting specific facilities to long-range missiles protecting larger areas. Modern surface-to-air missiles have precise guidance systems capable of attacking multiple targets simultaneously.

Flexible mobile air defense units can be rapidly deployed to protect moving forces or respond to emerging threats. These units typically include vehicle-mounted radars, missiles, and command systems that can be quickly adjusted according to tactical situations.

India's multi-layered air defense system includes Russian and Israeli-made surface-to-air missile systems and domestically produced "Skynaut" surface-to-air missiles, once considered superior to Pakistan's configuration.

·S-400 "Triumph" Missile System

Range 380 kilometers. According to an agreement signed with Russia in October 2018 worth 40 billion rupees (approximately $4.7 billion), three battalions have been deployed. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the remaining two battalions are delayed until 2026-2027.

·Barak-8 Anti-Missile System

Range over 70 kilometers. Jointly developed with Israel, the initial project was valued at 30 billion rupees. The Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army are gradually equipping large quantities.

·"Sky" Surface-to-Air Missile

Range 25 kilometers. The Indian Air Force owns 15 sets of Sky Type 1 and Type 2 systems, most of which have been equipped; the Indian Army owns four "Sky" surface-to-air missile regiments. More systems are being deployed.

·"Spider" Air Defense System

Range 15 kilometers. An Israeli-made low-altitude rapid response air defense missile system. The Indian Air Force and Army have deployed multiple systems.

·Short-Range Systems

Include new Russian portable "Super Needle" surface-to-air missile systems (range 6 kilometers), old Russian "Needle" M-type surface-to-air missiles (range 5 kilometers), OSA-AK-M air defense missile systems (range 10 kilometers), "Boryatia" air defense systems, and upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns (range 3.5 kilometers).

In contrast, Pakistan's air defense configuration mainly consists of Hongqi-9 air defense missiles (base model range 120 kilometers, latest model range up to 300 kilometers) and radars, as well as French-made "Spada" air defense systems (range 20 to 25 kilometers) used to protect key facilities such as air bases. (Compiled/translated by Xiong Wenyuan)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503393948451242546/

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