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Strengthening India's Aerial Defense: The Role of Advanced Radar Systems Post-Operation Sindoor

In response to escalating threats from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along its northern and western borders, the Indian Army is enhancing its defense capabilities by deploying advanced radar systems. This strategic initiative follows the challenges faced during Operation Sindoor, where adversarial drone incursions highlighted vulnerabilities in India's aerial defense infrastructure.


Developed by the IAF with Indian defence industries, the Samar is designed to counter low-flying threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. Representative Image/AFP | Firstpost
Developed by the IAF with Indian defence industries, the Samar is designed to counter low-flying threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. Representative Image/AFP | Firstpost

The Emergence of Drone Threats

Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, was a significant military engagement where both India and Pakistan utilized drones for surveillance and targeted strikes. Pakistan's use of drone swarms to breach Indian airspace underscored the growing importance of counter-drone technologies. These UAVs, often with low radar cross-sections, posed detection and interception challenges, necessitating an upgrade in India's radar capabilities.


Deployment of Advanced Radar Systems

To address these emerging threats, the Indian Army is set to procure state-of-the-art radar systems designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones. The planned acquisition includes:

  • Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced): These radars are capable of detecting low-flying UAVs and are lightweight, making them suitable for deployment in diverse terrains.

  • Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors: Specialized in identifying and tracking drone targets, these systems enhance the precision of air defense operations.

  • Upgraded Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved): Featuring advanced 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, these radars can track multiple targets simultaneously over extended ranges.


These radar systems will be integrated into the Army’s Akashteer air defense network, providing battlefield commanders with enhanced situational awareness and enabling swift responses to aerial threats.


Technological Advancements in Radar Systems

The new radar systems incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to differentiate between benign and potentially hostile aerial objects. This capability is crucial in preventing false alarms and ensuring that resources are directed toward genuine threats. Additionally, the integration with the Akashteer network allows for decentralized command and control, enabling rapid decision-making and response in dynamic combat scenarios.


Strategic Importance

The enhancement of radar capabilities is a critical component of India's broader defense strategy, which emphasizes technological innovation and preparedness in the face of emerging security challenges. By strengthening its aerial defense infrastructure, India aims to maintain a strategic advantage in the region and deter adversarial actions.


The MGMM Outlook

India’s aerial defense is taking a decisive leap forward with the deployment of advanced radar systems, a move prompted by the challenges highlighted during Operation Sindoor. The engagement in May 2025 demonstrated how drones, especially swarms with low radar visibility, could breach airspace and pose serious threats. Recognizing the limitations of existing defenses, the Indian Army is now integrating cutting-edge radar technologies, including low-level lightweight radars and AESA-based fire control systems, into the Akashteer network. These upgrades are designed to improve detection, tracking, and neutralization of UAVs, ensuring battlefield commanders have real-time situational awareness and precise control over aerial threats.


The adoption of these advanced radar systems also reflects a strategic shift toward leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for smarter threat identification. By distinguishing between benign and hostile objects and enabling rapid decision-making, India strengthens its ability to preemptively address aerial incursions. This move not only enhances operational readiness along the northern and western borders but also underscores India’s commitment to technological innovation in defense, positioning the country to maintain a strategic edge in the region.



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