Source: TH
Subject: Security
Context: The Ministry of Defence signed ₹5,083-crore defence contracts to strengthen India’s maritime security, including procurement of Shtil surface-to-air missile systems for frontline Indian Navy warships.
About Shtil Missiles:
What it is?
- Shtil is a ship-based surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and other aerial threats targeting naval vessels.
- It is primarily deployed on frontline warships to provide medium-range air defence in maritime combat environments.
Developed by:
- The system was developed by Russian defence industries, with export handled by JSC Rosoboronexport.
- It is based on the Buk missile family, widely used in Russian air defence systems.
Aim:
- To strengthen the layered air-defence architecture of naval fleets.
- To provide rapid-reaction protection to warships against multiple aerial threats, especially in contested maritime zones.
Key features:
- Medium-range naval SAM system capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, and anti-ship missiles.
- Vertical Launch System (VLS) allows missiles to be fired quickly in multiple directions without rotating launchers.
- All-weather operational capability, enabling engagements day and night in complex maritime environments.
- Rapid reaction time for quick interception of incoming aerial threats.
- Integration with naval radar and fire-control systems for improved target tracking and engagement.
Significance for India:
- Enhances survivability of frontline warships of the Indian Navy.
- Strengthens India’s maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports layered air defence strategy, complementing other naval missile systems like Barak-8.
