As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor and a series of mutual aerial strikes, the spotlight has turned to India’s deployment of the S-400 air defense system, known locally as the Sudarshan Chakra. This advanced missile defense network is regarded as a critical component of India’s aerial defense strategy, showcasing the capability to counter various aerial threats, including drones, stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
The S-400 Triumf, developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau, is recognized as one of the most sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile systems globally. India entered into a significant ₹35,000 crore (around $5.4 billion) agreement with Russia in 2018 for the procurement of five squadrons of this state-of-the-art defense system. Currently, three of these squadrons are operational, with the remaining two expected to be delivered by 2026.
Each S-400 squadron comprises two batteries, with each battery made up of six launchers, along with sophisticated surveillance and engagement radars and a command-and-control center. The system possesses the remarkable ability to simultaneously track up to 160 targets while engaging 72 of them, thereby creating a formidable barrier against complex aerial threats.
The S-400 system encompasses four types of missiles, each uniquely designed to intercept various threats at different ranges: short-range (up to 40 km), medium-range (up to 120 km), long-range (up to 250 km), and very long-range (up to 400 km). It can engage targets at altitudes up to 30 km and is equipped with advanced phased-array radars and electronic countermeasures, enabling it to operate effectively even within contested airspace. Recent Indian Air Force drills have demonstrated the system’s capability to neutralize over 80 percent of simulated enemy aircraft during exercises.
This latest deployment coincides with India’s Operation Sindoor, initiated in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. In the wake of this attack, India has targeted nine locations related to terrorism within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, successfully intercepting multiple Pakistani drones and missiles, including an air defense system reportedly located in Lahore.
In addition to India and Russia, nations such as China, Turkiye, Algeria, and Belarus are also users of the S-400 system. Notably, Russia has deployed this system in Syria at its Khmeimim Air Base. The sale of the S-400 to Turkiye has previously led to tensions within NATO due to concerns regarding interoperability among member nations.
As India confronts increasing threats on its western frontier, the S-400 emerges as a crucial asset in fortifying airspace security and providing a technological advantage in potential aerial conflicts.
