IAF’s Soviet-origin Pechora Surface-to-Air Missile System Modernised Under Indigenous Push

Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL) completes an upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The upgrade aligns with the Centre’s push to modernise ageing military hardware through indigenous capability.

S-125 Neva/Pechora (Pechora) Surface-to-Air Missile System

Dimension	Key Details
Official name	Officially known as the S-125 Neva/Pechora.
Origin and type	Soviet-origin, medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
Target profile	Designed to intercept low- to medium-altitude targets.
System components	Radar-guided missile launcher and a fire control unit; typically employs the V-600 missile.
Radar used	Uses the 4R90 Yatagan radar, equipped with five parabolic antennas, to detect, track, and lock onto targets.
Engagement capability	Capable of launching missiles to intercept and destroy targets mid-air after threat identification.
Effective target types	Particularly effective against slow-moving or low-flying targets; well-suited for countering drones and cruise missiles.
Deployment mode	Operating independently or as part of a larger, integrated air defence network.
Electronic warfare environment	Functioning in environments with heavy electronic jamming.
Operational firing range	Provides for an operational firing range of up to 30–35.4 km; some upgraded versions reach 35.4 km.
Engagement altitude	Capable of engaging targets from as low as 20 meters up to 20–25 km.
Detection range	Radar can detect targets up to 100 km away.
Accuracy and simultaneous engagement	Provides for a kill probability of around 92%; capable of engaging up to two targets simultaneously at speeds up to 900 m/s.