The Indian Air Force is planning to develop low-cost missiles to tackle cheap aerial threats like drones and loitering weapons. Using expensive missiles against such low-cost attacks is not practical, so the Indian Air Force is looking for affordable and flexible options that can be launched from trucks, helicopters, or jets.

IAF Plans to Develop Low-Cost Missiles to Tackle Cheap Air Threats

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to develop and buy affordable air-to-air missiles to deal with the increasing use of low-cost aerial threats like drones, loitering munitions, subsonic cruise missiles, and rockets.

The IAF understands that modern warfare is changing. Using expensive surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) against such cheap threats is not practical. 

It not only wastes money but also uses up important defence weapons too quickly. 

Enemies today often attack with large numbers of drones or low-cost weapons to weaken our air defences before launching more powerful attacks.

Currently, India is working on the VL-SRSAM (Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile) for fast response against such threats. 

The VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) also gives mobile protection. However, both systems are costly and take time to produce in large numbers. 

To improve this, DRDO is planning to create an air-to-air version of SHORADS for helicopters like the LCH and Apache.

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The IAF wants a cheaper missile system that can be launched from different platforms- like trucks, helicopters, and fighter jets. 

This would give more flexibility and allow better defence against various types of aerial threats.To make this happen, the IAF is turning to Indian private companies for help. 

They are looking for a new generation of interceptor missiles that are cost-effective, air-launched, and have a range of more than 20-25 kilometres. 

These missiles would be a better and cheaper option against low-cost enemy weapons.

One company, Solar Industries India Limited (SOLARINDS), has already introduced the Bhargavastra Weapon System to fight drones and loitering munitions. 

The IAF is interested but has not yet decided if it will go ahead with this system or look for one with longer range and air-launch capability.

Before starting full development, the IAF will hold discussions with all interested companies and partners. This will help them define the technical needs and choose the best companies to work on the project.

The goal is to build a flexible, affordable, and effective defence system to match the changing nature of modern air warfare.