MoD is adding a dedicated counter-drone security layer to protect select sensitive military installations within the broader ‘Delhi Dome’ air defence grid.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is adding a dedicated counter-drone security layer to protect select sensitive military installations within the broader “Delhi Dome” air defence grid — an integrated networked shield whose importance was underscored after Pakistan’s failed attempt to target the national capital during the 88-hour long Operation Sindoor. Sources familiar with the development said the Indian Air Force (IAF), which leads tri-services operational oversight of air defence systems, has already installed a counter-drone system at Vayu Sena Bhavan and is in the process of deploying another at the Nausena Bhavan to counter unmanned aerial threats. The move is part of a nationwide mapping exercise by the armed forces to establish protective shields, which will offer kinectic and non-kinectic weapon systems, against hostile surveillance and kamikaze drones. The Vajra Sentinel anti-drone system installed at Vayu Sena Bhavan is equipped with advanced technology designed to detect and neutralise commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) drones. The system, manufactured by Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions, integrates advanced detection and counter measures for airspace security. The system can simultaneously detect up to 15 drones, enhancing situational awareness and effective against swarms. This capability is crucial for securing large areas and critical infrastructure effectively. This is besides DRDO’s own D-4 counter-drone system that has been used to protect the kartavya path, said sources. Incidence of aerial attacks While the concept of a multi-layered air defence architecture predates Operation Sindoor and has long been under consideration in South Block to prevent a 9/11-style aerial attack on critical buildings in the heart of the capital, the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles for sabotage has added fresh urgency, said sources. The use of drones — mastered by Ukraine to sustain low-intensity attacks deep inside Russia — has emerged as a key trigger for incorporating this additional layer into the capital’s evolving security framework, which safeguards the seat of national power. With DRDO playing crucial role in consultations with armed forces and the industry to have fortified aerial architecture, the Delhi Dome’s outmost layer would be to protect against ballistic missile of varying ranges -- from less that 1000 km to more than 5000 km. On the other hand, the innermost layer will have bookey of weapon systems such as surface to air missiles, advances medium range air to air missiles, guns systems. They will be connected to networked systems that will be backed by radars, fire distribution centres and command and control units. This would be in sync with the Sudarshan Chakra AD Systems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced for the entire country during his August 15, 2025 address to the nation. Sources said that the Ministry of Defence is expecting an allocation for Mission Sudarshan Chakra in the upcoming. Published on January 7, 2026

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