Russia Delivers Fourth Squadron of S-400 Air Defence System to India (Science and Technology)
Russia Delivers Fourth Squadron of S-400 Air Defence System to India (Science and Technology)
Why In News:
Russia has delivered the fourth squadron of the S-400 Triumf air defence system to India, completing another tranche of India's landmark defence acquisition signed in 2018.
What is the S-400 Triumf?:
Origin: Developed by Russia. NATO designation: SA-21 Growler.
Type: Long-range, mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Capable of engaging aircraft, drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
Range: Up to 400 km against airborne targets; effective interception range of 40–400 km depending on the missile variant (40N6, 48N6, 9M96).
Simultaneous Tracking: Can track up to 300 targets and engage 36 simultaneously.
India's Deal: Signed in October 2018 for 5 regiments (squadrons) at approximately ₹35,000 crore (~$5.4 billion). India has been receiving deliveries in phases since 2021.
Strategic Significance for India:
Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD): S-400 gives India a layered air defence capability, especially critical along northern borders (China) and western borders (Pakistan).
Interoperability Concern: The S-400 uses Russian communication systems, raising integration challenges with India's Western-origin equipment (F-16 variants operated by Pakistan, US AWACS shared intelligence).
CAATSA Sword of Damocles: The US has not formally sanctioned India under CAATSA for the S-400 purchase, choosing strategic patience. However, the threat remains active.