The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it ‘shot down’ 80 per cent
S-400 Air Defence System ‘Shot Down’ Almost Entire ‘Enemy’ Package
The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it ‘shot down’ 80 per cent of the ‘enemy’ fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat, aborting their missions. The exercise was carried out by the IAF in a theatre where the force has deployed one of its squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system.
The Sudarshan, ‘locking on and targeting’ in simulated action, could ‘shoot down’ 80 per cent of the ‘enemy’ offensive package. India and Russia signed an over ₹35,000 crore deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.
Currently, India has inducted three squadrons of the S-400, with plans to receive the remaining two within the next few years. Russia has committed to delivering these two additional S-400 air defence missile squadrons by the third quarter of 2026. Initially, Russia was expected to supply all five squadrons by early 2024, but the delivery schedule was delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite this, the IAF has fully operationalised the three squadrons received so far.
“Current deployments indicate that we have nearly 1.5 squadrons each stationed on the fronts with China and Pakistan,” sources revealed. The first three squadrons of the S-400 have been deployed in the northern and eastern sectors and have participated in aerial exercises, according to defence sources.
