In the wake of recent security incidents, including the Pahalgam terror attack and a bomb blast in the national capital, the Centre has decided to significantly strengthen Delhi’s air defence. The government is developing a multi-layered aerial protection system, named “Capital Dome,” aimed at shielding the national capital from threats such as drones, missiles and other aerial attacks.
Defence sources said the Capital Dome will be developed using fully indigenous technology by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system is designed to provide round-the-clock protection to the National Capital Region (NCR), countering threats from varying ranges and altitudes, both from hostile foreign forces and potential aerial threats in the surrounding region.
The air defence shield will integrate two advanced missile systems — the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and the Vertically Launched Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). The QRSAM is a highly mobile, rapidly deployable system mounted on 8×8 high-mobility vehicles, capable of detecting and engaging enemy targets even while on the move. With a strike range of 25 to 30 kilometres, it can intercept low-flying cruise missiles, helicopters and fighter aircraft.
The VL-SRSAM, originally developed for the Indian Navy and later adapted for ground-based operations, offers a key advantage through its vertical launch capability. This enables the system to engage targets in all directions without repositioning the launcher, providing 360-degree, omni-directional coverage — a critical requirement for a densely populated city like Delhi. The system is based on proven Astra missile technology and uses active radar homing for precision targeting.
A major feature of the Capital Dome is the incorporation of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs), including high-power microwave systems and high-energy laser weapons. These systems are designed to neutralise small drones in a cost-effective and safer manner in urban areas, either by disabling their electronics or physically destroying them.
The Capital Dome will operate through an integrated command-and-control network, linking radars, electro-optical sensors and communication hubs to create a unified air picture. The system will automatically identify incoming threats and deploy the most appropriate countermeasures. Once operational, the Capital Dome is expected to make Delhi one of the most secure capitals in the Asian region, significantly enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.