The Indian Army has begun the process of procuring a specialised infrared target rocket system to strengthen the preparedness of its air defence units against rapidly evolving aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles, according to a report by Bharat Shakti. The move is aimed at addressing a long-standing shortfall in training infrastructure, where soldiers have had limited exposure to realistic, manoeuvrable aerial targets during live-fire drills.

A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to both Indian and international defence firms, inviting details on an Intermediate Target System Rocket. This ground-launched system is intended to simulate aerial threats for live training of personnel using infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems. Designed to replicate a range of targets such as aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, the system reflects the changing nature of warfare and the growing use of drones along India’s northern and western frontiers.

The Army has set strict performance requirements for the system. It must reach speeds of at least 180 metres per second, stay airborne for a minimum of 30 seconds, and cover a slant range of more than six kilometres. These specifications are meant to mirror the engagement profile of fast-moving aerial threats typically targeted by shoulder-fired and vehicle-based infrared missile systems. The rocket is also required to emit a strong infrared signature to ensure realistic missile locking during training exercises.

Given operational challenges in mountainous regions, the system must function effectively at altitudes of 4,200 metres and above, making it suitable for deployment in areas such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The launcher is expected to have adjustable traverse and elevation capabilities to allow diverse engagement scenarios and more realistic training conditions.

Mobility and quick deployment are also key requirements. The entire system, including rockets, launchers, and supporting equipment, should be compatible with standard 2.5-tonne military vehicles or similar platforms. Setup time must not exceed 15 minutes, ensuring rapid readiness in dynamic field conditions. The equipment is also required to operate reliably in harsh weather, including fog, light rain, and varying temperature and humidity levels.

In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the RFI mandates at least 50% indigenous content, encouraging participation from Indian defence manufacturers either independently or through foreign collaboration. This initiative is expected to boost domestic innovation in rocket and missile technologies while strengthening India’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

The requirement comes as part of broader efforts to upgrade India’s air defence systems following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control with China. Since then, the Army has been rapidly inducting Very Short Range Air Defence systems and man-portable missiles to build a layered defence network. The new infrared target rocket system will complement these capabilities by providing more realistic and effective training environments aligned with operational missile systems used by ground forces.

Unlike the Indian Air Force, which already uses target drones for training purposes, the Army’s ground-based air defence units have lacked a dedicated and cost-efficient target solution. The introduction of this system is expected to close that gap, improving combat readiness against the wide range of aerial threats likely to emerge in future conflicts.