SP’s MAI (SP’s): Army Air Defence (AAD) has been a separate arm for almost two decades. Have there been any conceptual changes in its doctrine with regards to concepts and operations?

Lt Gen Ram Pratap (DGAAD): In our nearly two decades of existence there has been an overall growth of AAD in all aspects of operational concepts, training philosophy, equipment and man-management. A great deal of conceptual and doctrinal work has matured. The op-concept has been driven by the fast evolving air threat and need to keep pace with the same in putting up a viable counter. The salient points include, the concept of layered-and-tiered defence, conceptualisation of an integrated family of ground-based AD weapon system (GBADWS) and associated command, control and support infrastructures required to counter futuristic air threat and a gradual shift from a gun-centric to a missilecentric approach for air defence.

SP’s: What about the effect on the type of weapons and sensors required to counter threats?

DGAAD: A two-pronged strategy is being followed as regards the weapons and sensor in that, firstly the existing inventory of weapons and sensors is being revamped through a series of qualitative upgradation as to make them ‘technologically enabled’ to counter the existing air threat, while at the same time, state-of-the-art equipment is to be inducted as successor systems to remain effective in countering air threat for the foreseeable future.

SP’s: The threat of UAVs is increasing day by day. How do you counter this threat?

DGAAD: We started by developing a conceptual base by carrying out a comprehensive general staff study on UAV capabilities, vulnerabilities and developing anti-UAV capabilities. Based on the recommendations, various soft- and hard-kill options are under consideration at appropriate levels to counter this fast growing threat.

SP’s: What are the plans for soft-kill as a counter to the air threat?

DGAAD: Soft-kill option has the undeniable advantage of lightening response timings, a kill capability which is certainly beyond the hard-kill range with no crossover parameter restrictions and a possibility of multiple-kill through a single device. It also holds a promise of taking on the stand-off threat, as also, the threat from smart/intelligent/precision-guided munitions. Laser-based weapons provide a realisable method of softkill in the foreseeable future. Army AD has developed a concept for enabling the GBADWS with soft-kill capabilities to take on the threat vehicles, as well as precision munitions through this kill option. This concept is under consideration/refinement at appropriate level.

SP’s: Do you think that AAD has a role in asymmetrical warfare?

DGAAD: It has a definite role in asymmetrical warfare. The same is related to providing a viable counter to the air threat vehicles like the UAVs, etc. that are likely to be employed by the potential adversary both in the surveillance, as well as, the strike role. In addition, GBADWS may also be used innovatively in some other scenarios in asymmetric warfare where beyond visual range surveillance and high rate of gunfire/ SAMs may be required.

SP’s: What are the landmark achievements during your tenure?

DGAAD: I have had a very fruitful and satisfying tenure. Developing a sound conceptual and doctrinal base for AAD, getting through with landmark JSSGs on GBADWS (which was stuck for many years) and ASM, conceptualising and putting in place an approved LTIPP which has become a master reference document for all future AAD procurements and evolving a sound general staff policy statement have taken place. An unprecedented number of contracts relating to procurement of modern weapons as well as upgradation of the existing ones, stand signed or will be signed in the near future. We have been able to keep our vintage equipment effective and fully serviceable through proactive interaction with other related branches as well as various public sector undertakings. Some new target system for live AD firing are already in place and effective steps have been taken to remove night-blindness in GBADWS. Efforts have been put into place to revamp and optimise the training activity using ‘enabling technologies’. I could also count the successful move/esablishment of Army AD Centre from Nasik to AADC Gopalpur (Orissa) and its merger into the latter and the academic empowerment of a large numbers of men.

*Lt General Ram Pratap retired on June 30 and Lt General Kuldip Singh has taken over from him.