Why we should build an automated air defence system — now
In a region where minutes can make the difference between safety and devastation, Pakistan must prioritise the development of an automated air defence system
NEWS ANALYSIS
May 17, 2025
IT was a Sunday — 13th April 2024. In response to the shameful and deadly Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on 1st April, Iran’s armed forces unleashed over 300 projectiles — including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones — which flew hundreds of kilometres towards targets across Israel. How many actually made it into Israeli territory? Only a handful, as an astonishing 99 per cent were intercepted mid-air.
While many of the Iranian missiles were brought down by US and allied forces, a substantial number were neutralised by Israel’s integrated defence shield, comprising the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems. Had the US and its allies not been involved, it is reasonable to assume that a majority of the projectiles would still not have reached their targets.
Fast forward to this month and consider this: wouldn’t we be in a far stronger position today had we installed an integrated air defence system before the onset of hostilities last week? Mind you, the recent Indian attacks had been widely anticipated.
Following the militant assault in Occupied Kashmir on 22nd April — which left 26 tourists dead — the Narendra Modi-led government vowed revenge, blaming Islamabad without providing any evidence to substantiate the charge. Given that similar air strikes followed militant attacks in Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019), India’s assault on 7th May was hardly unexpected.
And yet, although there was prior warning, Indian forces managed to inflict considerable damage, particularly at the Bholari Airbase in Sindh. It is reasonable to argue that, had we already deployed an automated air defence system, most of the incoming Indian missiles and drones would have been destroyed before they could hit anything of value.
The practice of scrambling jets in response to enemy intrusions is fast becoming obsolete. Delays of even two to three minutes in getting airborne allow the adversary a critical window in which to strike — a serious vulnerability in a geographically narrow country such as ours. This is another compelling reason for acquiring an integrated, automated air defence system.
As one expert put it succinctly: “Air defence systems are vital pillars of a nation’s overall security framework. They serve as the first line of defence against hostile incursions by enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles, protecting both military infrastructure and civilian populations. In modern warfare, where threats can emerge within minutes and across vast distances, such systems offer rapid detection, interception, and neutralisation of incoming threats.”
Admittedly, the lack of funds in a developing country like Pakistan poses a major challenge in acquiring state-of-the-art defence systems. But can our scientists and engineers — who have successfully worked on complex projects like the JF-17 Thunder aircraft — not rise to the occasion? One believes they certainly can, if properly motivated and supported.
Another approach is to build our capacity incrementally: acquiring smaller systems first to protect airbases and other sensitive installations, and then moving towards a comprehensive Iron Dome-style shield. This phased strategy seems both feasible and realistic in today’s technological environment.
No world power would object to such a strategy: after all it involves a defensive posture not an offensive one.
A blow to India’s deterrence
Let’s discuss now an extraordinary development, which underscores the importance of diplomatic and other peaceful means to enhance security in regions across the world.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots have reportedly succeeded in targeting and disrupting India’s formidable S-400 Triumf air defence system — an event with potential consequences for the regional balance of power. Footage released by Pakistani authorities suggests the strike was carried out using Chinese-made CM-400AKG hypersonic missiles, launched from a JF-17 fighter jet. The missiles were manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.
The S-400 system, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced air defence platforms. It is capable of tracking and intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 400 kilometres. Each unit costs approximately US$1.5 billion. The destruction of even part of such a system represents a significant military and symbolic loss.
India was quick to contest Pakistan’s claim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a scheduled visit to the Adampur Airbase, stood beside an S-400 launcher in what was widely seen as a public relations effort to refute the success of the strike. However, some analysts argue that his appearance may have inadvertently confirmed that at least partial damage was sustained.
Pakistan maintains it struck a radar and command post — not a launcher itself. Each S-400 regiment can field up to 12 launchers. Nonetheless, the reported hit not only weakens India’s tactical advantage but also raises troubling questions about the resilience and deployment strategy of even the most sophisticated defence systems.
As modern warfare becomes increasingly reliant on speed and precision, defensive strategies must evolve accordingly. With tensions in South Asia already dangerously high, this episode underscores the fragile nature of deterrence — and the urgent need for robust, credible defence postures, bolstered by diplomatic efforts to avoid miscalculation or escalation.