Amid an increasing threat from drones, the Army will enhance its air defense.

• The Army’s Air Defence is preparing to introduce new fragmentation ammunition for its air defence guns, which currently serve around 1,300.

• The Army is also aiming to finalize a contract for the indigenously developed Quick Response Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system within the next four to five months.

• The QRSAM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has a range of 30 km and is expected to be ready for production in 18 months.

• An enhanced version of the Akash missile is set for high-altitude trials in the next 45 days.

• The use of drones, particularly in the war in Ukraine, has increased the challenge of quantifying air threat.

• Procurement stages include air burst ammunition, laser and microwave weapons, and smart ammunition.

• A tender has been floated for 30mm fragmentation ammunition for existing vintage guns.

• A Request For Proposal for a successor gun to replace the L70 and Zu-23 is out for 220 guns along with smart ammunition