SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has formally requested additional S-400 air defence systems from Russia following the system’s successful deployment during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation aimed at neutralizing aerial threats from Pakistan. The S-400, known in India as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, played a pivotal role in intercepting and destroying incoming missiles and drones, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios .
The S-400 system, developed by Russia, is one of the most advanced long-range air defence systems globally. It can track targets up to 600 kilometers away and engage them at distances of up to 400 kilometers. The system is capable of firing four different types of missiles, allowing it to engage a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles .
India’s initial deal with Russia in 2018 was valued at USD 5.43 billion for five S-400 systems, with the first unit deployed in Punjab in 2021 to counter threats from Pakistan and China . The recent request for additional units underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its air defence capabilities in light of evolving regional security dynamics.
Operation Sindoor highlighted the strategic value of the S-400 system. During the operation, the Indian Air Force successfully utilized the S-400 to thwart a series of aerial attacks, including drones and missiles targeting multiple locations across northern and western India . The system’s performance not only protected critical infrastructure but also served as a deterrent against further aggression.
In response to Pakistan’s claims of damaging the S-400 systems, Indian authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have refuted such assertions. PM Modi’s unannounced visit to the Adampur airbase, where he was photographed with an operational S-400 system, served as a visual rebuttal to these claims, reinforcing the system’s intact and functional status .
The request for additional S-400 units is expected to enhance India’s multi-layered air defence network, which includes indigenous systems like Akash and Barak-8. By integrating these systems, India aims to establish a robust shield against a spectrum of aerial threats, ensuring national security and maintaining regional stability.
As tensions persist in the region, India’s move to acquire more S-400 systems reflects a strategic approach to modernize its defence infrastructure, deter potential adversaries, and safeguard its sovereignty.
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