Indian Army relaunches search for self-propelled air defence systems
The Indian Army has belatedly realised that it requires self-propelled air defence systems. It could have had K30 Hybrid Biho systems several years ago, until the MoD cancelled that competition. (Photo: author)
The war in Ukraine has underlined the need for mobile air defence. Unfortunately, India is making little progress in its own efforts so far.
In typical merry-go-round fashion, the Indian MoD has issued yet another RfI, this time for self-propelled air defence guns for the army. The tender document was released on 7 July.
With obsolete and mostly Russian-origin systems in service, the army desperately needs mobile air defence platforms to protect mechanised formations. The army is calling this project Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun Missile Systems (SPAD-GMS).
The armoured, self-propelled system can be tracked or wheeled (6x6 or 8x8), with a road range of 320km and speed of 40-60km/h. Either in single or dual vehicles, they must carry cannon and surface-to-air missiles (SAM), as
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
