DRDO Developing Dual Colour Missile Warning System for Indian Combat Aircraft

In a major step toward enhancing survivability and situational awareness for frontline fighter jets, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has showcased its Dual Colour Missile Warning System (DC-MWS), developed by its Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) lab. This indigenous sensor suite is a critical self-protection system designed to detect and warn against incoming missile threats—both infrared-guided and optically-tracked—in real-time.

The system was displayed prominently at Aero India and is now undergoing platform-specific integration trials, with the Su-30MKI expected to be the first beneficiary of this capability.

What is the Dual Colour Missile Warning System (DC-MWS)?

The DC-MWS is an advanced electro-optical threat warning system that uses dual-colour infrared (IR) sensors to detect the thermal signatures of incoming missile plumes. Unlike conventional single-band IR sensors, the dual-colour design improves discrimination between real threats and false alarms—such as flares, hot engine exhausts, or ground reflections.

Key Components & Architecture (As seen in the image):

• Multiple Dual-Colour IR Sensors: These are mounted around the aircraft to ensure 360-degree coverage.

• Central Processor Unit: Receives and analyzes sensor input, classifies threats, and determines response.

• 1553B Data Bus Interface: Ensures smooth communication with the aircraft's onboard avionics.

• Airborne Recorder: Logs threat data for post-mission analysis and system refinement.

• Integration with CMDS & DIRCM: The system can automatically cue Countermeasure Dispensing Systems (CMDS) or Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) to defeat detected missiles.

Advantages of DRDO’s DC-MWS

1. Enhanced Survivability: Provides pilots with early warning of missile launches, allowing timely deployment of flares or decoys.

2. Reduced False Alarms: The dual-colour seeker technology improves detection accuracy, reducing unnecessary countermeasure usage.

3. Night and All-Weather Capability: IR-based sensing allows reliable performance during day and night operations.

4. Networked Defense: Can be integrated with other electronic warfare systems onboard to form a multi-layered defense suite.

5. Fully Programmable: Can be upgraded via software to counter evolving threats, without replacing hardware.

Current Status and Future Deployment

As of mid-2025, the Dual Colour Missile Warning System has completed extensive lab and simulated flight testing, and airborne trials are ongoing aboard DRDO-modified test aircraft. The Su-30MKI, which forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force, is expected to be the first combat platform to receive this indigenous warning suite.

Other aircraft under consideration for integration include the LCA Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, TEDBF, and even future platforms like the AMCA. Additionally, the DC-MWS could find use in rotary-wing platforms and strategic airlifters in future variants.

Strategic Relevance

With the proliferation of shoulder-fired missiles and air-to-air IR-guided weapons in modern warfare, the ability to detect and neutralize incoming threats is no longer optional—it is critical. This DRDO-developed system ensures that India no longer needs to rely entirely on imported missile warning systems and can customize performance based on its specific operational needs.

Furthermore, by reducing dependence on foreign OEMs, India strengthens its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, especially in the sensitive domain of aircraft survivability technologies.

The DRDO’s Dual Colour Missile Warning System represents a leap forward in electronic warfare and aircraft self-protection. By marrying indigenous hardware with modern threat-detection algorithms, India is positioning itself as not just a consumer but a developer of next-generation survivability systems for aerial platforms. As trials proceed and operational deployment begins, this system is poised to become a standard feature on future Indian military aircraft.