India’s air defence opportunities are advanced with the purchase and use of the S-400 Triumph, locally known as “Sudarshan Chakra”. This top modern long-distance surface-to-air missile (SAM) system was developed in Russia and has shown its strategic value, especially during Operation Sindoor when it stopped Pakistan’s coordinated drone-missile attack.
1. What is the S-400? Key Capabilities
- Developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey (service since 2007)
- Track 36 threats and 300 goals at a time.
- High altitude envelope: 10-30 km; Detection radar area: up to 600 km; Cutting range: up to 400 km;
- Missile speed: Mach 14 (~ 17,000 km/h), up to four types of missiles:
- 40N6 (400 km)
- 48N6 (250 km)
- 9M96E/E2 (40–120 km)
2. Operational Debut: Operation Sindoor
- The first combat deployment occurred during Pakistan’s drone-missile strikes in May 2025
- Successfully intercepted threats aimed at key installations—Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Bhuj, and more
- Russian ambassador confirmed the top performance of both S-400 and BrahMos systems
3. Strategic Significance for India
- Deterrence: The 400 km range covers Pakistani airspace, providing credible denial
- Multi-layered defence: Integrates with Akashteer, Barak‑8, and indigenous systems, strengthening the joint air defence network
- Geopolitical win: India signed the US$5.4 bn deal in 2018, ignoring US threats, demonstrating strategic autonomy
- Expanded coverage: Three squadrons active, two more expected by 2026 to total five regiments
4. Technical Overview
- Radar Suite: Includes early warning and monitoring radars like 96L6 and 92N2E, handing over all-climate 360° surveillance
- Missile Loadout:
- 40N6 – longest-range interceptor
- 48N6 – mid-range targets
- 9M96E/E2 – for high-speed aerial threats
- Mobility: Towed launchers; system operational within minutes of movement
- Electronic Resilience: Radar systems are hardened against jamming and counter-stealth tactics
5. Comparison & Limitations
Advantages:
- Longer range and multiple engagement layers than US Patriot or Chinese HQ‑9
- Superior missile diversity and tracking fidelity.
Challenges:
- High acquisition and lifecycle costs ($1.25 bn per battery)
- Depending on the Russian ecosystem, limited fast upgrades.
- Interoperability complexity with existing Indian and Western systems.
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6. Air Defence System Comparison Table
| Feature | S-400 | THAAD | Iron Dome |
| Primary Role | Ballistic missiles in the terminal phase | Anti-ballistic missile defence | Short-range rocket & artillery defence |
| Max Range | Up to 400 km | ~200 km | 4–70 km |
| Target Types | Aircraft, cruise & ballistic missiles | Rockets, artillery, mortars, and drones | Rockets, artillery, mortars, drones |
| Max Altitude | ~30 km | ~150 km | ~10 km |
| Flexibility | Very mobile, Truck-Based | Mobile, Trail-mounted | Fixed and Mobile Battery |
| Radar capacity | 600 km detection limit | 1,000+ km | 70–100 km |
| Response Time | Seconds | Seconds | Seconds |
| Missiles Used | 4 types: 40N6, 48N6, 9M96E2 etc. | Hit-to-kill interceptor | Tamir interceptor |
| Combat Proven | Limited | Limited | Highly combat-tested (1000s of intercepts) |
| Cost per Unit | $500 million+ per regiment | $800 million per battery | ~$50–100 million per battery |
| Countries Using | India, Russia, China, Turkey | USA, allies (Japan, UAE, SK) | Israel, USA, some NATO allies |
7. The Road Ahead
- Future procurement: Ongoing talks for additional units; full five-squadron deployment by 2026
- Indigenous complement: DRDO’s Project Kusha (XRSAM) anticipated by 2028–29 to add long-range domestic capability
- Networked integration: Coordinated deployment with Akashteer C4ISR and layered systems ensures robust air defence depth
Conclusion
India’s S-400 system—honoring its mythic moniker, “Sudarshan Chakra”—is now a linchpin of the country’s national air defense. Its overall performance in Operation Sindoor, multi-domain synergy with home structures, and strategic autonomy in acquisition signifies India’s emergence as a resilient air power player.
FAQs for S-400 Air Defence System – India’s Ultimate Shield “Sudarshan Chakra”
Ans. The S-400 is a prolonged floor-to-air Missile (SAM) defence system developed by Russia, which can detect and neutralize air threats at different levels.
Ans. It can trace a hundred objects simultaneously and interact with fighter jets, UAVs, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles of four hundred km away.
Ans. India has signed an agreement with Russia, you have purchased five S-400 regiments for disposal of $ 5.4 billion, signed in 2018.
Ans. It complements India’s air defence capacity in the face of dangers nearby, especially from China and Pakistan, and forms a layered missile guard.
Ans. The gadget can release 4 types of missiles with 40 km, 100 km, 250 km, and 400 km, and masks several threats.
Ans. Yes, efforts are being made to integrate it with India’s current air defence networks, along with indigenous systems such as Akash and Barak-8.