While dangers from the sea were exposed after the 26/11 Mumbai attack, India is also highly vulnerable from the air with a patchy radar coverage, ageing air protection systems and a modernization plan that had floundered over the years. With the ministry now reviewing the national air defence plan and procuring the Russian S 400 ‘Triumf’, some of the concerns would be addressed. Besides the S 400, which would at the earliest be delivered by 2019-20, India is in the process of inducting a range of systems to defend the skies. This includes a desi missile shield for protection against nuclear attack, an Israeli `Spyder’ system for the air force, the indigenous Akash area defence system, besides an upgrade of the old trusted air defence guns. A look...Designed to counter a variety of threats from hypersonic cruise missiles, to UAVs, airborne early warning aircraft, stealth fighters and even precision guided munitions. The S 400 is the latest of a long range of highly successful air defence systems that have been the biggest threat to western aircraft across the world.The S 400 is a unique system that incorporates four types of missiles. Carried on mobile launchers, these missiles engage targets at the following ranges – 120 km, 200 km, 250 km and 380 km. Can engage multiple targets up to a range of 380 km. Tracks targets using a mobile phased array radarProcurement of the Russian system is under progress. The first five units to be bought expected to cost $ 6.1 billion, the most expensive air defence system ever bought by India. Deliveries of the S 400 are not expected before 2019-20 as Russian lines currently are churning out systems for their own requirements. Besides, the production line is booked at least till the end of 2018 due to a Chinese order for 6 systems.Designed to protect India against a nuclear attack. The Indian missile shield is a two layered system. Planned fi rst for New Delhi, the govt will give the second one to Mumbai. The shield is being designed to take down incoming missiles fi red from as far as 5000 km away.The shield will fi rst attempt to stop incoming missiles outside the atmosphere – a range of 80 km and up – and a second fail safe interception within the atmosphere at a range of less than 50 km. Swordfi sh radars, developed with Israeli assistance, will track incoming ballistic missiles from a distance of over 800 km & to direct multiple interceptions to the target.While DRDO started the project with a test in 2006, the missile shield really took off between 2009-12 with a series of tests – both endoatmospheric (interception within earth’s atmosphere) and exoatmospheric (outside the atmosphere). Target date for induction was 2014 but project has slowed down with just one unsuccessful test in 2014 after the interceptor missile did not explode. India has placed two long range radars to track incoming nuclear missiles near the national capital region. Project being accelerated.A major project cleared by the Modi government in its fi rst months in power was to set up a $ 1 billion facility by DRDO to manufacture the vital seekers that direct missiles to their targets. The facility, which is expected to come up near Hyderabad, is critical for the missile shield that requires the production of several dozen missiles an year.Low level quick reaction missiles for the air force to protect its vital bases and installations. To replace ageing Russian systems, four units have been ordered. Likely to be inducted from 2017.15 KM: Rs 10,000 crore MR SAM project signed in 2006 in collaboration with DRDO & IAI was to be ready for the air force by the end of 2014. However, several delays including a failed missile test pushed the project back by at least three years. The air force is likely to get the system at the earliest by 2017, leaving gaping holes in its air defence cover.70 KMAkash Weapon System is an indigenously developed supersonic short range surfaceto-air missile system designed to counter a variety of aerial threats including fast moving aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles up to a maximum range of 25 km and an altitude of 20 Km. The mobile area defence system can engage multiple targets simultaneously. 15 squadrons on order by air force, besides two regiments by the Army.15 KM