Synopsis
- The IAF is strengthening its air defence grid to such a level that it will be credible enough to counter stealth-centric air forces well into the 2030s by pursuing a combination of indigenous research, field-trialled subsystems, and network-centric architecture.
Source : IgMp Bulletin
India is rapidly strengthening its air defence network against emerging threats, with the Indian Air Force confirming that it is in continuous consultation with DRDO to take urgent steps towards completing the Project Sudarshan Chakra. IAF reveals that under Project Sudarshan Chakra, a nationwide anti-stealth air defence grid aimed at detecting, tracking, and countering fifth-generation stealth aircraft is being developed. A top official at the IAF has revealed that the program has already progressed to the concept-to-field validation phase, and that several key subsystems are being tested across various operational fields.
The Project Sudarshan Chakra is set to cope with the paradigm shift in aerial warfare, where low-observability aircraft itself is becoming a cornerstone of offensive air warfare. Massive use of stealth aircraft like the J-20 of China and the more advanced carrier-compatible J-35 is facilitating specifically the Indian threat perception, especially in the northern, eastern, and western theatres. The Indian Air Force has adopted an approach where defeating stealths cannot be achieved by the use of a single sensor or interceptor, but rather by a networked layered system that will be able to gather information from multiple domains.
As per the officials involved with the program, the anti-stealth grid presents a combination of sophisticated radar systems, passive systems, and an intelligent command and control architecture. These have sensors which work at varied frequency bands, making it possible to detect aircraft that are optimised to avoid fire-control radars, which are conventional. Passive systems making use of electronic emissions and environmental disturbances are also felt to be a major constituent, enabling the grid to work even under severe conditions of electronic warfare.
The initial field trials have already been conducted in the state of Rajasthan and in the regions of northeast India, which were selected to capture the change of terrain, climate, and threat profiles that are sharply different. Experiments in desert areas are assisting in exploring long-range detection and sensor reliability, whereas in the northeast, experiments in the region are on really rugged terrain, dense flora, and difficult line-of-sight. These tests are imperative to the smooth running of the system in the diverse theatres of India.
The Indian Air Force has set its goal of achieving initial operational capability of Project Sudarshan Chakra by 2029 to match the timeline of larger regional fifth-generation fleet expansions. Upon coming online, the grid will considerably improve the capability of India to defend airspace, preempt surface-to-air threats more proficiently as well as to offer early alert to fighter squadrons and joint command structures. Indigenous development focus is also an indicator of a strategic drive to cut down on using foreign air defence solutions and keep a hundred percent control over upgrades and integrations.
In addition to its imminent value, Project Sudarshan Chakra represents a change in IAF doctrine where the establishment of anticipatory capabilities is the new focal point of attention. The service is not responding to current threats deployed against itself, but it is making early investments in technologies that respond to how air combat is likely to be managed in the next two decades. The IAF is strengthening its air defence grid to such a level that it will be credible enough to counter stealth-centric air forces well into the 2030s by pursuing a combination of indigenous research, field-trialled subsystems, and network-centric architecture.
