New Delhi: Russia has shipped the fourth batch of S-400 Triumf defence systems, which will reach India by mid-May, shortly after the May 7 anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a defence source told TOI. The fifth S-400 system is expected to arrive in India in November.
Proven Effectiveness in Conflict
The Russian S-400 system proved its mettle in protecting India’s military and civilian assets from Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict. India is estimated to have fired 11 long-range S-400 missiles at Pakistan, hitting fighter jets, early warning systems, and transport aircraft.
Delivery and Deployment Details
The pre-dispatch inspection by Indian Air Force (IAF) officials of the incoming S-400 system was completed by April 18, Russian state-owned news agency TASS quoted a source as saying. The fourth Russian S-400 air defence system is on its way to India and is expected to be received at an Indian port by mid-May. The new system is planned to be deployed in Rajasthan to strengthen missile defence on the Pakistan border. The fifth system will be deployed on the border with China, TASS said.
While the earlier two batches of S-400 systems were deployed along the Pakistan border, the third one is positioned in the eastern sector.
India's Expanding Air Defence Capabilities
In 2018, India signed an agreement for the purchase of five S-400 squadrons worth $5.43 billion to bolster its missile defence shield. Impressed with its highly effective role against Pakistan last year, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on March 27 this year approved the acquisition of additional five Russian S-400 systems, which are likely to expand the missile shield in the country.
India has also decided to purchase 280 short- and long-range S-400 missiles to replenish the stockpiles used during Operation Sindoor, as well as to create a reserve of long-range weapons.
Future Integrated Air Defence System: Sudarshan Chakra
Post-Operation Sindoor, India is in the process of developing a multi-layered integrated air and missile defence system called 'Sudarshan Chakra' (India's own Iron Dome), involving S-400 (long-range), Barak-8 (medium-range), and indigenous Project Kusha (extended range air defence system) to create an advanced, homegrown comprehensive security shield against diverse threats like ballistic missiles, drones, and hypersonic weapons. India is also planning to procure Russian Pantsir-S1M short-range air defence systems to protect its S-400 Triumf batteries from small threats like drones.
