Akash Missile, MRSAM, Shilka: Meet India’s weapon systems that turned Pakistan’s drones and missiles to dust in mid-air
India Pakistan war: New Delhi: India’s air defense systems have successfully thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to carry out drone and missile strikes on military bases across India. Advanced air defense systems such as Akash, MRSAM, Zu-23, L-70, and Shilka played a crucial role in foiling these attacks. These systems are an integral part of India’s air defense strategy and capable of neutralizing enemy aerial threats. On the night of May 7-8, 2025, Pakistan attempted drone and missile strikes on Indian military bases in Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and 15 other cities. Related news indicates that this attack followed Operation Sindoor, initiated by India in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. During Operation Sindoor-1, India had destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK.
India’s integrated counter-UAS (UAS) grid and air defense systems, such as Akash, MRSAM, Zu-23, L-70, and Shilka, have neutralized Pakistan’s attacks. These systems have destroyed Pakistani drones and missiles in the air, inflicting no damage on India.
1. Akash Missile System: Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed indigenously by India, designed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). It is the backbone of the Indian Army and Air Force. It is deployed on a mobile launcher, providing flexibility.
Range: 25-30 kilometers
Targets: Fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles
Altitude: Up to 18 kilometers
Guidance System: Radar-based command guidance
Accuracy: Over 90%
The Akash missile system has played a crucial role in tracking and destroying drones and missiles.
2. MRSAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile): MRSAM is an advanced air defense system developed in joint collaboration between India and Israel. It is part of the Barak-8 missile and is deployed in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. It is deployed on mobile and naval platforms.
Range: 70-100 kilometers
Targets: Fighter jets, drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles
Altitude: Up to 20 kilometers
Guidance system: Active radar homing and multi-function radar
Accuracy: High accuracy with multi-target tracking
MRSAM has played a significant role in destroying Pakistani drones and missiles in northern and western India.
3. Zu-23-2: The Zu-23-2 is a Soviet-made twin-barrel 23 mm automatic anti-aircraft gun, widely used by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Its deployment is both mobile and stationary.
Range: 2.5 kilometers
Target: Low-flying drones, helicopters, and aircraft
Speed: 970 meters/second
Guidance System: Optical sight and radar-based tracking
The Zu-23-2 has destroyed low-flying Pakistani drones with its rapid firing.
4. L-70: The L-70 is a Swedish-made 40 mm anti-aircraft gun, which has been upgraded by India. It is part of the low-altitude defense of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
Range: 4 kilometers
Target: Drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft
Rate of Fire: 300 rounds per minute
Guidance System: Radar-based fire control system
Deployment: Both stationary and mobile
The L-70 has played a significant role in destroying Pakistani drones, particularly in the Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir regions.
5. Shilka (ZSU-23-4): Shilka is a Soviet-made self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, equipped with four 23 mm cannons. It is an important part of the Indian Army’s low-altitude defense. It is self-propelled on an armoured vehicle.
Range: 2.5 kilometers
Targets: Drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft
Rate of Fire: 4000 rounds per minute
Guidance System: Radar and optical tracking
Shilka’s high firing rate has helped destroy Pakistani drones in Udhampur and other areas. Its mobility and radar-based tracking have made it effective on the battlefield.
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