🇮🇳 India’s Defenders: From Indigenous Akash to Barak-8’s Strategic Shield
Source: Atharva Examwise Current News | current affairs March 2025
India has once again proven that it is not only self-reliant but also among the top nations in terms of defence capabilities. Amid growing terror threats in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian armed forces successfully neutralized Pakistani attacks using a multi-layered air defence system.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
Akash Missile System: Developed by DRDO, range up to 80 km
Barak-8: Joint India-Israel missile with 70% indigenous technology, nuclear-capable
R-73 & R-27: Advanced Russian short and medium-range air-to-air missiles
IACCS System: Real-time surveillance and rapid response system of the Indian Air Force
Pechora S-125: Highly effective in intercepting short-range, low-altitude threats
Akash Missile System: India’s Indigenous Superhero
Developer: DRDO
Range: 70–80 km
Speed: 2,500 km/hr
Key Features:
Neutralizes fighter jets, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and ballistic missiles
Advanced variant Akash-NG is more precise and powerful
A single unit contains 1 radar and 4 launchers (each launcher with 3 missiles)
Radar can track 64 targets simultaneously and engage 12 at once
🔬 Dr. Prahlad Ramarao, former DRDO scientist and Akash missile’s creator, called it “like watching one’s child destroy enemy aircraft — deeply satisfying.”
Barak-8: The Deadly India-Israel Partnership
Developed By: DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries
Range: 70–100 km
Targets: Fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones, anti-ship and cruise missiles
Key Features:
360-degree air defence coverage
Nuclear warhead capable
Launchable from both land and sea
Length: 4.5 meters | Weight: approx. 3 tons | Speed: 2,400 km/hr
Latest version Barak-MX can launch multiple interceptors simultaneously
R-73 & R-27 Missiles: Predators in the Sky
R-73 Missile (Short Range)
Range: 20–30 km
Speed: 2,500 km/hr
Deployed on Sukhoi fighter jets
Specially designed for close-range aerial combat
R-27 Missile (Medium Range)
Range: 75–100 km
Speed: Over 5,000 km/hr
Uses radio signals to lock on and navigate to the target
Infrared technology helps it track enemy aircraft effectively
Pechora S-125: Reliable Close-Range Defence
Origin: Russia
Range: 20–35 km
Purpose: To intercept fast, low-flying targets at close distances
Radar System Includes:
Target detection radar
Tracking radar
Fire control radar
IACCS: The Backbone of India’s Air Defence
IACCS – Integrated Air Command and Control System
Indigenous command and control system
Provides real-time surveillance and response capabilities
Integrates radar, weapon systems, and fighter jets into one communication network
Capable of instant threat detection and response
Equipped with encryption and cyber protection systems like intrusion prevention
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
Defence technology is a core component of the Science and Technology section in UPSC, CDS, CAPF, SSC, and Banking exams.
This is part of current affairs for March 2025, highly likely to be asked in upcoming exams.
Shows India’s strategic defence readiness and technological self-reliance — important for understanding national security.
