India's Air Defences Prove Their Mettle Against Precision-Guided Munitions

India's Air Defences Prove Their Mettle Against Precision-Guided Munitions

India's air-defence systems have undergone rigorous testing against precision-guided munitions (PGMs) in a recent exercise, showcasing their capabilities in detecting, tracking, and engaging these advanced threats. The exercise, conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), involved the use of surface-to-air missile systems to intercept SPICE and HAMMER weapons released from Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets.

A Comprehensive Test of Air-Defence Capabilities

The exercise, which took place at the Pokhran Range from 1 to 12 September 2025, with an additional session held on 11 November 2025, was designed to test the detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities of India's air-defence systems under realistic operational conditions. The use of different aircraft platforms and weapon-delivery profiles, including the Su-30MKI and Rafale, added complexity to the exercise, simulating real-world scenarios.

Precision-Guided Munitions: A Growing Threat

Precision-guided munitions, such as SPICE and HAMMER, pose a significant threat to air-defence systems due to their advanced guidance systems and low radar cross-section. These munitions can be fitted with various types of warheads and guidance systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. The Akash surface-to-air missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to counter these threats, and the exercise provided an opportunity to test its capabilities.

The Spyder System: A Key Player in Air Defence

The Israeli Spyder system, which uses Python and Derby missile types for short- and medium-range air defence, played a crucial role in the exercise. Its combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and quick reaction ability made it an effective countermeasure against precision-guided munitions. The Spyder system's ability to deal with a variety of aerial threats, including low-flying aerial vehicles, made it an essential component of India's air-defence arsenal.

Conclusion

The exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of India's air-defence systems in detecting, tracking, and engaging precision-guided munitions. The use of different aircraft platforms and weapon-delivery profiles added complexity to the exercise, simulating real-world scenarios. The Akash and Spyder systems proved their mettle against SPICE and HAMMER weapons, showcasing their capabilities in air defence. This exercise highlights the importance of continued testing and evaluation of air-defence systems to ensure their effectiveness against emerging threats.

Key Takeaways

• India's air-defence systems have successfully intercepted SPICE and HAMMER weapons in an exercise.
• The exercise tested the detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities of air-defence systems under realistic conditions.
• Precision-guided munitions pose a significant threat to air-defence systems due to their advanced guidance systems and low radar cross-section.
• The Akash and Spyder systems proved effective in detecting and engaging precision-guided munitions.
• Continued testing and evaluation of air-defence systems are essential to ensure their effectiveness against emerging threats.