Inside India’s four-layered air defence system that foiled Pakistan’s attacks

Referred to as the point defence system, the second layer is tasked with safeguarding key locations and critical assets (Image: Screengrab/X)

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s advanced, multi-layered air defence system effectively thwarted Pakistan’s attempted drone and missile attacks. The air defence system, structured across four layers, comprises long-range surveillance radars, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, among other important components, CNN-News18 reported.

Designed to handle threats at varying distances and altitudes, the multi-layered defence grid contributed in powering a rapid and effective response to the retaliatory strikes by Pakistan following coordinated strikes by India at nine terror camps.

Looking at the four layers of India’s air defence system

First Layer: Focused on countering very short-range aerial threats like low-flying drones, the innermost layer covers target within 10 km using systems such as L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Igla and Strela MANPADS, ZU-23-2B cannons, and tracked platforms like Shilka and Tunguska.

Second Layer: Referred to as the point defence system, the second layer is tasked with safeguarding key locations and critical assets. It includes short-range surface-to-air missile systems such as Akash, Spyder, Samar, Pechora, and Osa-AK, with interception ranges of up to 50 km.

Third Layer: Equipped with medium-range missiles such as Akash and the Indo-Israeli Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), the third tier is designed to engage with threats at extended distances. It also includes Barak and Rakshak missile systems, capable of intercepting aerial targets up to 100 km away.

Fourth Layer: At the outermost tier is the Russian-made S-400 Triumph system, capable of detecting and neutralising threats at distances of up to 400 km. It allows for interceptions long before hostile targets breach Indian airspace.

India’s strike at Pakistan terror hubs

Speaking at a briefing, director general of military operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said the Indian Army had "achieved total surprise" in its operation, eliminating more than 100 terrorists at nine terror hubs.

“Those strikes across those nine terror hubs left more than 100 terrorists killed, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed that were involved in the hijack of IC814 and the Pulwama blast,” he stated.

According to the Indian Army, 35–40 Pakistan Army personnel were also killed at the Line of Control between May 7 and 10.