NEW DELHI, January 9: Resource constraints have compelled the Army's hi-tech arm the Air Defence Artillery (ADA) to stretch the life of weapon systems through upgrades, according to Lt A Mukherjee, ADA Director General.General Mukherjee said, ``without air defence no ground force or strategic targets can be adequately protected,'' while addressing a press conference here today prior to the fourth anniversary of the ADA raising day.He said the modernisation thrust would revolve around automation of control and reporting systems to enable real time communication of target data for instantaneous engagement.To keep pace with the highly sophisticated and intricate air-land battle ground of future wars air defence technology is undergoing a continuous upgradation of weapon systems, increased target handling capability, force multipliers. The development of the `Akash' and `Trishul' surface to air missile systems are steps in this direction.The ADA uses light and heavy anti-aircraft guns, besides state-of-the-art radar controlled gun/missile systems to provide low/ medium level air defence protection for vulnerable assets in the tactical battle area and strategic targets.Today the ADA maintains a presence in the Siachen glacier with the Zu 23 twin barrel gun for light air defence with a 2000 m range. The 1991 Gulf War emphasised the role of air defence in hostilities.The weapon systems include the Bofors L-70 gun system controlled either by the Super Fleder Maus radar or the Flycatcher weapon control system which has undergone periodic modification is likely to be the mainstay of the AD Artillery over the next few years. The Flycatcher has a unique dual band tracking facility and other features which makes it an ideal fire control radar.Another gun system is the Schilka self-propelled which is a radar controlled four barrel system with a 3,400 rounds per minute rate of fire deployed for air defence of mechanised forces in a combat zone.
