The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities through a major procurement of missiles for its S-400 air defense system, a move that comes after the system's reported success in recent operations. Valued at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, the acquisition from Russia aims to bolster India's aerial defenses amid evolving regional threats.

India and Russia had signed a deal in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons. So far, three squadrons have been delivered and operationalized. While the delivery of the fourth unit faced delays due to the Russia-Ukraine war, India has requested Moscow to expedite the remaining deliveries and is also considering procuring additional S-400 and even S-500 systems in the future.

What is the S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra'?

The S-400 Triumf, known as "Sudarshan Chakra" in India, is a mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau. It is designed to detect, track, and destroy a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones. The name "Sudarshan Chakra" is inspired by Lord Vishnu's legendary weapon, symbolizing precision, speed, and lethal accuracy, mirroring the S-400's real-world capabilities.

The S-400 integrates advanced radar systems, command posts, and multiple missile launchers. Its radar system, featuring the 91N6E Big Bird and 92N6E Grave Stone, provides 360-degree detection and guidance. The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously, allowing it to protect a large area from potential threats. It can track up to 300 targets at a time and engage up to 36 threats simultaneously. The S-400 can intercept cruise missiles at a range of about 40 km due to their low-altitude flight paths.

The system employs four types of missiles to create a layered defense, enabling it to engage targets ranging from stealth aircraft and drones to ballistic and cruise missiles. These include the 9M96E with a range of 40 km, 9M96E2 with a range of 120 km, 48N6 with a range of 250 km, and the 40N6E with a range of 400 km. The S-400 can engage aerial threats at ranges up to 400 km and detect targets as far as 600 km.

A 'Game-Changer' in Operation Sindoor

The S-400 system has been described by the IAF as a "game-changer". During the four-day Operation Sindoor, the S-400 system was credited with bringing down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane over 300 km inside Pakistan.

Why is India buying more?

• Strengthening Air Defence Capabilities: The IAF aims to buy missiles in significant numbers to further strengthen its air defense capabilities.
• Expanding Advanced Missile Defence Systems: The purchase is part of India's broader strategy to expand its advanced missile defense systems amid evolving regional threats.
• Countering Aerial Threats: The S-400 is capable of protecting against almost all sorts of aerial attacks, including drones, missiles, rockets, and even fighter jets.
• Strategic Importance: Its adoption by major global powers highlights its strategic importance in modern military defense frameworks.
• Technological Advancement: India preferred the Russian S-400 because it recognizes that it is the more technologically advanced system, capable of tracking more than 100 flying objects with a 400 km range.

Implications

• Impact on Regional Strategic Stability: India's acquisition of the S-400 has the potential to impact the strategic stability of the region.
• Challenges for Pakistan: The acquisition of the S-400 by India poses a serious threat to Pakistan as it claims to possess the capability of shooting down Pakistan's F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets and cruise missiles.
• Military Power: The acquisition of S-400 by India is a manifestation of its growing ambitions as a leading military power in the region.
• Diplomatic Rupture: The acquisition has the potential to cause a diplomatic rupture between the US and India when the two countries are on a path to a tighter relationship.

The S-400 system's advanced capabilities and strategic importance make it a vital asset for India's defense arsenal. With the ongoing procurement of additional missiles and the potential acquisition of more S-400 and S-500 systems, India is poised to further solidify its air defense capabilities and address evolving security challenges in the region.