The Indian Air Force's (IAF) preparedness to counter stealth aircraft and advanced missile systems from its rivals is a mix of acquired state-of-the-art technology, indigenous development efforts, and some persistent vulnerabilities.

While India has made significant strides, particularly with the acquisition of the S-400 system, challenges remain in fully neutralizing these advanced threats.

Countering Stealth Aircraft

To counter stealth aircraft like China's J-20, the IAF is relying on a multi-layered approach that combines conventional and anti-stealth technologies.

• S-400 Triumf System: The most significant acquisition in this regard is the S-400 Triumf air defense system from Russia. This system is designed to detect and engage a wide range of aerial targets, including aircraft and stealth jets, at long ranges of up to 400 km. It uses a combination of radar types, including a long-range surveillance radar that can detect stealth aircraft at greater distances. The S-400 also employs an array of missiles with different ranges, providing a layered defense.

• VHF Radars: Stealth aircraft are designed to evade higher-frequency radars (like those in the S-400), but they are more vulnerable to lower-frequency radars. India is developing and fielding indigenous Very High Frequency (VHF) radars, such as the Surya radar, which use longer wavelengths to detect stealth aircraft.

• Integrated Air Defense Network: The IAF is building an Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) that links all its radars, missile systems, and airborne assets. This network-centric approach provides a unified air picture, allowing for better coordination and a more effective response against stealth threats.

Countering Advanced Missile Systems

India's defense against advanced missile systems, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, is based on a multi-tiered ballistic missile defense (BMD) program.

• S-400 System: The S-400 is capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles. Its ability to track multiple targets simultaneously and its long-range interceptors are crucial for providing an early warning and a first line of defense against missile attacks.

• Indigenous BMD Program: India has a multi-layered indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence Programme (BMD) that consists of two main interceptor missiles: the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for high-altitude interception and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for lower-altitude interception. This two-tiered shield is designed to protect key cities and military assets.

• Hypersonic Threats: While India has successfully tested its own hypersonic missile systems, the defense against them remains a challenge. The speed and maneuverability of hypersonic missiles make them extremely difficult to intercept. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively working on anti-hypersonic systems, which include advanced radars and interceptors capable of neutralizing these threats during their different flight phases. The upcoming Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range air defense system designed to counter hypersonic missiles and stealth jets.