Why in news?
Bengaluru‑based defence firm Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL) recently completed a major upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Pechora surface‑to‑air missile system. The digitised version cleared firing trials at Pokhran and will contribute to India’s layered air‑defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Background
The Pechora, officially the S‑125 Neva/Pechora, is a Soviet‑designed medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile system introduced in the 1960s. India imported the system in the 1970s and it has served as a key component of the country’s air defence. Over time, technological advances and evolving threats have made upgrades necessary. ADTL signed a contract in 2020 to modernise the Pechora, reflecting the government’s push to extend the life of legacy platforms through indigenous expertise.
System overview
- Components: The original system comprises a radar‑guided missile launcher and fire‑control unit using V‑600 missiles. The upgrade includes a fully digitised tracking radar, new transmitter and modern receiver chain.
- Radar capability: The 4R90 Yatagan radar with parabolic antennas detects and tracks targets up to 100 km away. Digitisation improves reliability, reduces crew requirements and enables integration with modern networks.
- Engagement envelope: Pechora can engage low‑ to medium‑altitude threats such as drones and cruise missiles. Its firing range extends up to about 30–35 km, and it can engage targets flying from 20 metres to around 20–25 km altitude.
- Kill probability: The system has a high kill probability (around 90%) and can engage two targets simultaneously at speeds up to 900 m/s.
Significance of the upgrade
- The digital makeover prolongs the life of a reliable but ageing system at a fraction of the cost of procuring new missiles.
- Upgraded Pechora systems will bolster India’s air defence while the country develops indigenous systems like Akash and integrates imported platforms like the S‑400.
- The project demonstrates the capacity of Indian private industry to modernise legacy defence equipment and paves the way for export opportunities.
Source: The Times of India
