New Delhi/Pune, Feb 28 (UNI) The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has underscored the evolving nature of modern warfare, where drones, precision missiles, and electronic warfare have become decisive factors in battle.
Recognising these emerging challenges, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), organised a seminar in Pune on “Air Defence in Modern Conflicts: Lessons and Future Capabilities.”
The event brought together military leaders, defence experts, and policymakers to explore lessons from global conflicts and strategies to strengthen India’s air defence capabilities.
The seminar examined the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defence systems—including S-300, Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T, and SAMP-T—which have played a crucial role in countering aerial threats. Experts also analysed Russia’s advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, which have successfully disrupted enemy drones and communications.
A key discussion point was the emergence of fibre-controlled first-person-view (FPV) drones, which are making traditional electronic jamming techniques less effective.
Discussions at the seminar focused on the increasing use of drones and advanced aerial weapons in modern battlefields. Drones are now extensively deployed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes, significantly altering combat strategies.
The proliferation of long-range missiles and hypersonic weapons has further complicated airspace security, necessitating robust defence mechanisms. The seminar highlighted the need for India to enhance its Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Systems to tackle these threats effectively.
Participants deliberated on strategies to counter drone attacks, including the deployment of multi-layered defence systems to detect and neutralise aerial threats at different ranges.
The role of electronic warfare was emphasised, particularly the need for advanced jamming and signal interference technologies to counter enemy drones. Strengthening command and control mechanisms for faster and more effective airspace monitoring was also discussed as a critical priority.
India’s key takeaways from the seminar included the urgent need to integrate Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities into military operations.
Experts stressed the importance of developing indigenous electronic warfare and jamming technologies to bolster air defence. The role of drone swarms in coordination with infantry, artillery, and aviation units was also highlighted as a crucial factor in future warfare. Additionally, promoting indigenous defence innovation was seen as essential for ensuring long-term self-reliance in air defence solutions.
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India is accelerating efforts to develop advanced air defence and counter-drone systems. The Army Design Bureau is actively collaborating with startups and defence firms to engineer next-generation anti-drone technologies, hybrid C-UAS solutions, and electromagnetic warfare capabilities.
The seminar served as a vital forum for strategic discussions on air defence, incorporating lessons from global conflicts and advancements in military technology. By investing in indigenous defence solutions and adapting to evolving warfare trends, India is positioning itself to meet future security challenges with a robust and technologically advanced air defence network.
