The S-400 Triumf formerly known as the S-300 PMU-3 is a mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering in the 1990s as an upgrade to the S-300 family. The S-400 started giving its service on April 28, 2007. Its manufacturer is Fakel Machine-Building Design Bureau, whereas the designer credit goes to Almaz-Antey group.
In 2017, The Economist described the S-400 as “potent” and “one of the best air-defence systems currently made” and Siemon Wezeman of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) remarked that it “is among the most advanced air defence systems available.”
Development of S-400 missile system
The making of the S-400 system began in the late 1980s, and the Russian Air Force announced the system in January 1993. The S-400 missile system was initially used to protect Moscow by the First Air Defence Corps in 2007.
The S-400 contains four distinct types of missiles with ranges ranging from 40 km to 100 km, 200 km, and 400 km. The S-400 missile system can take down a variety of aerial targets, including stealth fighter planes, bombers, cruise and ballistic missiles, and even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The S-400 missile defence system is a game-changer for Indian armed forces because it has diversified capabilities, to defend the nation from any outer aggression.
India is currently facing a two-front situation from its land boundaries, which adjoin China and Pakistan. Considering the boundary tensions and undiplomatic and often interference of china and Pakistan on Indian borders make the demand for S-400 stronger.
The S-400 is very versatile and fits the needs of Indian defence. Here we will see the specification of the S-400 missile defence system to know more about this amazing and strong missile defence system that will be a major attraction of Indian defence systems soon.
Structure of S-400 missile system
S-400 missile systems are organized around the 30K6E administration system, which can coordinate eight divisions (battalions). It is lashed with a command and control centre with a radar detection system with a 600-kilometre (370 mi) range. It promises to provide protection against jamming.
The S-400 missile system can also share and receive data from other defence systems such as SA-12, SA-23, and S-300. Within 600 kilometres, the radar can identify and track aircraft, rotorcraft, cruise missiles, guided missiles, drones, and ballistic rockets. It can track up to 300 targets at the same time.
The S-400 is two times more effective than earlier Russian air defence systems and can be deployed in five minutes. It may also be incorporated with the air force’s, army’s, and navy’s present and future air defence forces.
S-400 Radar system
The 91N6E panoramic radar has a declared anti-stealth targeting range of 150 km (93 mi). Maximum targeting ranges (detection ranges are wider) are:
- For a ballistic target (speed of 4800 m/s and an RCS of 0.4 square metres): 200 km
- For a target with an RCS of 4 square metres: 390 km
- For targeting of strategic-bomber sized types: 400 km
S-400 Triumph missiles
S-400 missile system consists of anti-air missiles launchers and command and control missiles. It uses four new missile types in addition to the missiles of the S-300 PMU system. It is capable of firing the following missiles for a layered defence:-
- 48N6DM: Capable of destroying airborne targets up to 250 km
- 40N6: Claimed to reach a distance of 400 km, it uses active radar homing to intercept air targets at great distances.
- 9M96E: This missile can strike moving targets such as fighter aircraft with great accuracy to 40 Km.
- 9M96E2: A medium-range air-to-air missile variant of the 9M96E, it is descended for direct impact. Both the variants of the 9m96 missile is 102 km.
S-400 Command and control
The Ural-532301 mobile command post vehicle serves as the basis for the S-400 Triumph’s 55K6E command and control system. The command post is outfitted with LCD consoles that analyse the separate batteries’ airspace surveillance data. It manages and monitors long-range surveillance radar, detects airborne threats, prioritizes threats, and collaborates with other batteries.
As told earlier in the paragraphs, it exchanges the data with another defence system such as SA-12, SA-23, and S-300.
The launch vehicle of the S-400 missile system
The SP85TE2 launchers are based on the BAZ- 64022 6×6 tractor truck or MAZ-79100 series Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle. The TEL vehicle can carry up to four launch tubes holding a mix of missiles.
Since India is facing two-front situations and constant interference by the neighbours such as China and Pakistan, the S-400 defence system will help India in combating the worst-case scenarios in upcoming times. The induction of the S-400 defence system will empower India to retaliate and protect its sovereignty.
The S-400 missile system is the most advanced missile system till now. And it is the result of good reactions of India with Russia, that the Russian counterpart has provided the S-400 missile defence system so fast. The mind-blowing radar system of the S-400 missile defence system will help India to shoot down any missile or fighter plane targeting India.
So, S-400 is just not important to India to protect it from alien fighter planes, but also to protect it from many aerial threats. And that is why the S 400 missile defence system is a game-changer for the Indian defence system.
Conclusion
The S-400 missile defence system is the most advanced in the world, made by Russia. India has already purchased the S-400 missile system because of its versatile nature. It has multifunctional radar, four different missiles with different ranges for layered protection.
It has deep penetrating radar to detect aerial threats and fighter lanes coming towards India. Since India is indulged n a two-front war situation, the deployment of the S-400 missile defence system will help India in performing the best in even the worst-case scenarios. It empowers the Indian defence system because it is the most advanced, versatile and highly functional missile defence system. Follow SSBCrackExams for more such articles. Jai Hind!
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