×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 21 March, 2026

  • 4 Min Read

Pechora Missile System

A Bengaluru-based defence company, Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL), has successfully upgraded the Pechora missile system of the Indian Air Force. This development reflects India’s emphasis on modernising legacy defence systems through indigenous technology.

About Pechora Missile System

The Pechora missile system, officially known as the S-125 Neva/Pechora, is a Soviet-origin medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It is designed to intercept low- and medium-altitude aerial targets such as aircraft and missiles.

The system has been a core component of India’s air defence network since the 1970s, providing reliable protection against aerial threats.

Components of the System

The Pechora system consists of multiple integrated components that work together for effective air defence:

  • A radar-guided missile launcher

  • A fire control unit

  • The V-600 missile, which is commonly used in the system

These components enable the system to detect, track, and destroy incoming targets.

Radar and Detection System

The Pechora missile system uses the 4R90 Yatagan radar, which is equipped with five parabolic antennas.

This radar system is capable of:

  • Detecting targets at distances of up to 100 km

  • Tracking and locking onto aerial threats

  • Providing early warning and engagement capability

Range and Altitude Capability

The Pechora system has a firing range of 30 to 35.4 km, depending on the variant.

It can engage targets at a wide range of altitudes:

  • As low as 20 meters

  • Up to 20–25 km

This makes it effective against both low-flying and medium-altitude targets.

Operational Features

The Pechora missile system has several important operational capabilities:

  • It can engage two targets simultaneously

  • It can intercept targets moving at speeds up to 900 m/s

  • It has a high kill probability of around 92%

  • It is particularly effective against low-flying aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles

  • It can operate independently or as part of an integrated air defence network

  • It is capable of functioning even in environments with heavy electronic jamming

Significance of the Upgrade

The recent upgrade of the Pechora system is significant for several reasons:

  • It extends the service life of an ageing but reliable air defence system

  • It enhances the system’s ability to counter modern aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles

  • It promotes indigenisation and self-reliance in defence production

  • It strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence system



Source: INDIAN EXPRESS


Anti-Defection Law in India

The Supreme Court of India recently gave a final three-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment (1985), which added the Tenth Schedule to the

Rat-Hole Mining

A major disaster unfolded in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, when at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine. This incident highlights the continued prevalence of rat-hole mining despite bans imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India. Rat-hole mining is driven

India’s Aviation Sector

India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly, becoming a major economic success story. However, regulatory oversight has not evolved at the same pace. Data-driven monitoring of fares and market behavior is essential to ensure fair competition, prevent market abuse, and shift from reactive crisis management to proactive regulation. Challen

Federalism in India

Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report examines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States, highlighting ongoing debates regarding the balance between central authority and state autonomy. This discussion is clos

India–UAE Economic Partnership

The relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has evolved from a traditional energy-based partnership into a comprehensive economic and strategic relationship. Over the years, strong political trust, growing trade, and expanding investments have transformed bilateral ties into a diversified economic corridor. The economic partnership

DNA

22 Mar,2026

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW