Surface to Air Missile - Know more about LRSAM and MRSAM for UPSC!

SAMs are essential in modern warfare for defense against airborne threats. Missiles designed to intercept aerial targets. Safeguard critical assets and personnel on the ground. SAMs are advanced weapons systems. They use guidance and propulsion technology. They neutralize incoming aerial threats and maintain air superiority. These missiles can engage targets at different altitudes and ranges. These missiles are versatile and adaptable.

All types of Surface to Air Missile are an important topic of the science and technology section of UPSC examination and fall under the GS Paper 1 of Prelims and GS Paper 3 of Mains syllabus. 

In this article, we will cover in detail about Surface to Air Missiles. Long Range Surface to Air Missile, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile and strategic missiles.

Learn more about the Anti-Radiation Missile!

What are surface to air missiles?

Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are missiles that are launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles. They are a type of anti-aircraft weapon used by armed forces to protect against aerial threats. SAMs intercept and destroy bombers, fighter jets, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

History of surface to air missiles

• The development of surface-to-air missiles began during World War II.
• Efforts to create effective SAM systems were made by both the Axis and Allied powers.
• The first operational guided missile SAM system was the American Nike Ajax, which was introduced in the 1950s.
• The Soviet Union's S-75 Dvina became the most-produced SAM during that time.
• Over the years, SAM technology has evolved, with advancements in mobility, maneuverability, range, and guidance systems.

Learn more about the Surface to Surface Missile!

Long Range Surface to Air Missiles (LRSAM)

• Long Range Surface to Air Missiles (LRSAM) are advanced missiles. They are designed to be launched from the ground to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft and missiles at long distances.
• LRSAMs are used to protect important targets such as cities, military bases, and naval vessels from airborne threats.
• These missiles have a longer range compared to other surface-to-air missiles. This allows them to engage targets at greater distances.
• LRSAMs use radar systems to track and identify incoming threats. Once a target is detected, the missile is launched towards it.
• The missile is equipped with a guidance system. This helps it navigate towards the target and make necessary adjustments to hit it accurately.
• LRSAMs are often equipped with advanced features like:
  • multiple target engagement capability,
  • high maneuverability, and
  • the ability to operate in various weather conditions.
• The warhead of an LRSAM is designed to inflict maximum damage upon impact, ensuring the destruction of the target.

Maitri

• Next-generation quick-reaction surface-to-air missile under development by DRDO.
• Short-range (15 km) surface-to-air point defense missile.
• Fills the gap left by the discontinuation of the Trishul missile system.
• Blend of French Mica and DRDO Trishul technologies.
• Aims for near-hundred per cent kill probability.

Spyder

• Acquired missile system from Israel.
• Short-range, quick reaction missile.
• Neutralizes enemy targets up to 15 km and at heights between 20 and 9,000 meters.
• Shorter range compared to India's indigenously developed Akash missile (25 km).
• All-weather missile with automatic engagement of aggressive aircraft, UAVs, and low-level cruise missiles.

These long-range surface-to-air missiles demonstrate India's advancements in air defense technology, contributing to the nation's defense capabilities and ensuring airspace security.

Learn more about the Air To Air Missile!

Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles

• Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MRSAM) are missiles designed to be launched from the ground. They intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles at medium distances.
• MRSAMs provide air defense for military installations, strategic locations, and vital assets.
• These missiles have a range that is shorter than long-range missiles but greater than short-range missiles. This makes them suitable for engaging targets at intermediate distances.
• MRSAMs employ radar systems to detect and track incoming threats. Once a target is identified, the missile is launched towards it.
• The missile is equipped with a guidance system. This helps it navigate towards the target and make necessary adjustments to ensure a successful hit.
• MRSAMs are designed to be highly maneuverable and capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously.
• The warhead of an MRSAM is designed to destroy the target upon impact, neutralizing the airborne threat effectively.

Akash

• Medium-range surface-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
• Part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
• Strike range of 25 km, speed from Mach 2.8 to 3.5.
• Targets aircraft up to 30 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m.
• Capable of neutralizing fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
• In operational service with the Indian Army and Air Force.

Akash N-G

• Successor of Akash missile program.
• Improvements include Dual-pulse solid rocket motor, canisterized launcher, and AESA Multifunction targeting radar.
• Increased range from 40 km to over 80 km.
• Enhanced effectiveness against targets with Multi-Function Radar and optical proximity fuze.
• First successful test conducted on 25 January 2021.

Trishul

• Short-range (500m to 9 km) surface-to-air missile for low-level attacks.
• Part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
• Can be used against sea-skimming missiles and moving targets.
• Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM):
• Jointly designed by Israel Aerospace Industries and DRDO.
• Also known as the Barak 8 missile.
• Defends against airborne threats like aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, UAVs, cruise missiles, and combat jets.
• Available in maritime and land-based versions.
• Consists of missiles, radar, weapon control system, vertical launcher unit, and two-way data link.
• Successfully achieved desired goals in trials.

Learn more about the Brahmos Missile!

Conclusion

Surface-to-air missiles are important for defense systems. They help nations protect their airspace from aerial threats. India has developed advanced long-range and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. These include Barak 8, Akash, and Spyder. India has made significant progress in this field.

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