Aero India 2025: Army Air Defence Pushes Indigenous Counter-Drone and Missile Programs

As Aero India 2025 unfolds in Bengaluru, the Indian Army's Air Defence (AAD) is making a decisive push towards indigenous solutions, reflecting the urgency of modernising its counter-drone and missile defence capabilities.

The increasing reliance on drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided aerial threats in contemporary conflicts has highlighted the need for rapid, mobile, and high-speed air defence systems. Against this backdrop, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), engaged with key industry players at the airshow, reinforcing the Army's commitment to reducing dependence on foreign systems while equipping its forces with next-generation technology.

Countering Drone Warfare: Army Unveils 'Counter-Storm' Drone System

One of the key highlights of Aero India 2025 was the Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Storm Drone System, designed to neutralise swarming drones and low-flying aerial threats. Currently under development, the system integrates multi-layered detection mechanisms, electronic warfare (EW) jamming, and kinetic interception capabilities.

Given the increasing drone incursions along India's northern and western borders-particularly in the wake of the Galwan clash and persistent tensions with China and Pakistan-such a system is poised to become a game-changer. Designed for high-mobility deployment, it will enhance battlefield survivability, secure forward bases, and neutralise adversary drone activity.

Equipped with advanced radar and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, the system ensures all-weather tracking. The EW-based jamming technology disrupts drone communication links, while its hard-kill capabilities employ precision-guided munitions to physically eliminate hostile UAVs.

"With the evolving nature of drone warfare, our forces need indigenous systems that provide real-time countermeasures. The Counter-Storm Drone System represents India's growing capabilities in the counter-drone domain," a senior Army officer said on condition of anonymity.

Next-Gen MANPADS: Strengthening Tactical Air Defence

Also making waves at the airshow was the Next-Generation Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS), a crucial addition to the Army's arsenal against low-flying enemy aircraft, attack helicopters, and UAVs. Having long relied on Russian Igla MANPADS, the Indian Army is now actively pursuing an indigenous alternative, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private defence firms.

The new MANPADS system features infrared homing, laser guidance, and a lightweight design, making it ideal for rapid deployment by infantry units. A defence industry official involved in the project, speaking at Aero India, highlighted its significance: "The need for effective MANPADS has never been greater. The Ukraine war has demonstrated how loitering munitions and attack helicopters pose a serious risk to mechanised formations. India's indigenous MANPADS aims to bridge this critical capability gap."

Indigenous MANPADS will not only enhance self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers but will also be optimised for India's diverse terrains and climatic conditions. With improved targeting capabilities and export potential, it represents a step forward in strengthening India's arms industry.

Mobile Air Defence: A Battlefield Imperative

The Russia-Ukraine war has taught a vital lesson-highly mobile air defence systems are now indispensable for modern battlefields. The devastating impact of drones and precision-guided munitions on mechanised forces has reinforced the need for rapid-response air defence assets.

Recognising this, the Indian Army initiated the procurement process for a new Air Defence Gun Missile System (Self-Propelled) - ADGM (SP) in July 2022. This platform will integrate gun-based air defence with missile interception, providing seamless protection to advancing troops.

Currently, the Army operates legacy systems such as the Tunguska M1, Schilka, OSA-AK, and Strela-10M, many of which require urgent upgrades to counter emerging threats like kamikaze drones and low-flying cruise missiles. The new mobile air defence systems will need to be highly manoeuvrable across India's varied terrains-mountains, deserts, and plains-while delivering rapid engagement against enemy drones, helicopters, and aircraft.

Balancing Indigenous Development with Global Procurement

Even as India pushes for indigenous solutions, bridging the technology gap remains a challenge. To meet immediate operational requirements, the Army is evaluating global systems alongside its domestic R&D efforts.

As per sources one viable option is the Russian Pantsir Air Defence System, developed by Rosoboronexport. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) recently signed an MoU to explore its adaptation for Indian conditions. The Pantsir system, featuring twin 30mm cannons and missile integration, could serve as a short-term solution while indigenous projects mature.

Other potential global alternatives sources indicate include South Korea's K-30 Biho, a self-propelled anti-aircraft system with dual-barrel guns and missiles, and the Tunguska-M2, an upgraded version of the Army's existing Tunguska M1 with extended range and improved accuracy.

A Dual-Track Strategy for India's Air Defence

To maintain operational readiness, India is likely to follow a dual-track strategy-a blend of immediate procurement of battle-tested systems alongside long-term indigenous development.

1. Short-Term Acquisition: Procuring proven global air defence platforms to meet urgent operational needs.

2. Long-Term Indigenous Development: Fast-tracking domestic R&D efforts to field self-reliant air defence solutions within the next five to seven years.

A Leap Forward in Air Defence Modernisation

Aero India 2025 has showcased India's strong push towards self-reliance in Army Air Defence, with a clear emphasis on indigenous counter-drone systems, MANPADS, and mobile air defence platforms. The active engagement of Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and top defence officials shows the Army's determination to modernise rapidly and embrace homegrown solutions.

As aerial threats evolve, enhancing India's mobile air defence capabilities is no longer just about modernisation-it is a strategic necessity. With a calibrated mix of indigenous innovation and short-term global acquisitions, the Indian Army is steadily fortifying its ability to secure the battlespace of the future, inching closer to self-sufficiency in defence technology.

Ashish Singh is an award-winning senior journalist with over 18 years of experience in defence & foreign affairs.