“Legacy systems with cheaper ammunition, if upgraded and integrated with new anti-drone systems, can create an effective air defence cover against such drones,” the officer said. Story continues below this adLegacy air defence systems, such as the L/70 guns, were used to shoot them down, even then. The current West Asia conflict shows a pressing requirement to further integrate these weapon systems with the new anti-drone systems being procured. Additionally, with swarm drones emerging as a potent offensive system, there is a need to acquire them in large numbers to overwhelm enemy air defence systems and strike targets. Prioritising the vulnerability of deep targets, operationalising the Sudarshan Chakra air defence cover at the earliest, and achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies are among the topics under discussion.

Source: Indian Express March 30, 2026 08:19 UTC