India Panel to Consider Buying Air Defence Upgrade, Spy Planes, Midair Refuelers for Armed Forces
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
India‘s highest defence procurement body is all set to approve key purchases for bolstering capabilities, including air defence systems, surveillance aircraft, and mid-air refuellers, in June 2025.
According to Indian media reports, quoting unnamed government officials, the Indian Army has sent a proposal for new Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs) purchases for INR.30,000 crore. After approval and induction, these air defence systems would be deployed along the borders with both Pakistan and China.
The other proposal for consideration of the Defence Acquisition Council is to buy three cutting-edge Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft for INR.10,000 crore. These advanced platforms are set to significantly elevate the Indian Air Force‘s (IAF) precision strike and surveillance capabilities.
Indian armed forces are also looking to acquire Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&CS) for situational awareness of the battlefield, apart from the capability to refuel aircraft mid-air to enhance their endurance during operational missions.
A missile is being launched from a mobile launcher vehicle, producing smoke and fire, against a backdrop of trees and a clear sky.
What can QRSAM do?: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the QRSAM system is designed for high mobility and operational flexibility. It can detect, track, and engage targets while on the move or during short halts, making it ideal for battlefield conditions.
With an operational range of approximately 30 km, the QRSAM will fill a critical gap in the Army’s air defence network, complementing existing systems such as the Akash and MRSAM in the short- to medium-range category. The system has undergone rigorous trials in day and night conditions, proving its reliability in live scenarios.
How will the I-STAR plane enhance real-time surveillance, targeting?
The I-STAR project, led by the DRDO, is a major leap in India’s quest for real-time, battlefield intelligence and dynamic targeting capability.
The acquisition process will follow an open tender route, with global aerospace giants such as Boeing Co. and Bombardier among the contenders to provide the base aircraft. However, all onboard surveillance and targeting systems will be fully indigenous, developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
Officials confirmed that CABS has already developed and validated the core sensor and mission systems. The next step involves integrating them onto the selected aircraft, which will then be modified to meet ISTAR operational requirements.
Once inducted, the I-STAR platforms will offer India unmatched situational awareness, capable of detecting and tracking enemy radar sites, air defence systems, and mobile assets — even in complex or hostile environments. The system’s ability to conduct multi-spectral surveillance and facilitate real-time target acquisition will be crucial in operations requiring fast, informed decision-making.
Operating from high altitudes and long ranges, these aircraft will provide 24/7 intelligence and reconnaissance support. The integrated airborne and ground systems will create a unified operational picture, enhancing coordination across India’s armed forces.
An I-STAR aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance flying over a landscape.
How will the AEW&C aircraft boost battlefield awareness?: To address critical air surveillance and refuelling capability gaps, the defence ministry is likely to approve the acquisition of six additional Embraer aircraft from Brazil for conversion into AEW&CS platforms. These aircraft will be fitted with DRDO-developed Netra Mark 1A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars.
The enhanced AEW&C capability is a strategic necessity for India, particularly following the lessons learned during Operation Sindoor — a high-intensity military retaliation by India against Pakistan between May 7 and 10, 2025, in response to a major terror strike in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Pakistan currently operates eight SAAB-2000 AEW&CS aircraft equipped with the Erieye radar system, four Chinese ZDK-03 electronic warfare planes, and three Dassault Falcon DA-20s. However, during Operation Sindoor, one SAAB-2000 aircraft was shot down by India’s S-400 air defence system from a distance of 314 kilometres, leaving Pakistan with seven such aircraft.
India’s current AEW&C inventory remains limited, prompting urgent action. AEW&C platforms play a vital role in detecting enemy aircraft and missile launches up to 350 km away, significantly improving situational awareness and target tracking across borders.
Why are mid-air refuellers key to enhanced endurance?: The defence ministry is also advancing efforts to boost India’s aerial refuelling capabilities. While the government has cleared the wet lease of one KC-135 Stratotanker from US defence contractor Metrea, a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for the acquisition of six more mid-air refuellers. India currently relies on six Russian-origin IL-78 refuellers, the same type used by Pakistan, which also operates four of them.
The need to ramp up air capabilities has become urgent following a comprehensive review of Operation Sindoor by India’s military leadership and national security planners. The review concluded that India must enhance its conventional deterrence as Pakistan, with strong Chinese backing, is expected to rearm rapidly.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)
