Sat Mar 08 17:28:06 UTC 2025: ## India Rushes to Bolster Air Defences Amidst Regional Tensions

**New Delhi, March 8, 2025** – India is employing emergency procurement measures to rapidly acquire Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems, highlighting urgent concerns about its air defence capabilities in the face of escalating regional tensions. Repeated failures to secure these critical systems through standard procurement channels have forced the Indian Army to rely on the emergency route for the fifth time since 2016.

The emergency procurement (EP) process allows for the expedited acquisition of weapons systems worth up to ₹300 crore without extensive bureaucratic hurdles. While effective in speeding up deliveries, it has also faced challenges, with companies struggling to meet the demanding six-month to one-year delivery deadlines.

The current push for VSHORADs follows unsuccessful attempts to procure 88 launchers and 372 missiles since 2020. Recent acquisitions include:

* **Igla-S systems:** A significant order of Igla-S VSHORADs from Russia and Adani Defence Systems And Technologies Limited (ADSTL), involving technology transfer.
* **Starstreak missiles:** A deal with Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Starstreak high-velocity missiles and launchers, although facing delivery delays.
* **Indigenous development:** The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing its own VSHORAD system, but it’s still some time from deployment. A request for information (RFI) to Indian industry will be released soon.

A larger, long-delayed deal for over 5,000 VSHORAD missiles and launchers, stalled since 2010, is expected to be re-tendered to Indian manufacturers.

The urgency stems from both China’s and Pakistan’s military advancements. China has significantly bolstered its air defences along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), while Pakistan has recently acquired a significant number of FN-16 MANPADS from China. A recent US Department of Defence report highlights China’s improving air defence capabilities against low-flying threats.

Army officials acknowledge a shortfall in VSHORADs and emphasize the need for a rapid increase in quantity to address the current security concerns. The ongoing focus on emergency procurement underscores the pressing need for a robust and swiftly deployable air defence network.

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