India is significantly strengthening its defence capabilities by developing a cutting-edge three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) air defence system. This indigenous system is designed to neutralize enemy aircraft and missiles at distances of around 400 km. The project proposal has reached an advanced stage within the Defence Ministry and is expected to receive clearance soon.
The project’s estimated cost is over $2.5 billion, making it a substantial investment in India’s air defence capabilities. Once completed, this LRSAM defence system will position India among an elite group of nations capable of efficiently engaging and eliminating hostile aerial threats at significant ranges, thus bolstering national security.
The surface-to-air missile system’s three-tiered structure will make it a versatile and formidable defensive asset, able to target hostile forces at varying distances.
India is also collaborating with Israel to develop the medium-range surface-to-air missile system (MRSAM), with an impressive range of over 70 km. Nevertheless, India’s LRSAM system is expected to surpass the MRSAM in terms of capabilities, ranking on par with the formidable S-400 air defence system obtained from Russia.
The Indian Navy has renamed its indigenous LRSAM system as MRSAM following the DRDO’s initiation of the LRSAM project. India has already integrated the S-400 air defence systems within its armed forces, capable of targeting threats at a maximum distance of 400 km.
India’s forthcoming LRSAM system is anticipated to match or surpass the capabilities of its Chinese counterpart, reinforcing India’s position in the region. Three squadrons of the S-400 have been successfully deployed and operationalized in India, with the delivery schedule for the remaining two units remaining uncertain.