New Delhi : Russia is ready to deliver the third batch of S-400 missile defence systems amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and components are expected to arrive in November.
In view of the constant threat from the China and Pakistan border, India was in great need of this powerful air defence system S-400 made in Russia. Consistently bringing the Russian Missile Defence System S-400 to India is important given the Indian Air Force’s low number of fighter squadrons, as the Air Force currently has 31 squadrons instead of the approved 42 squadrons.
India has so far received two batteries of S-400 from Russia after the conflict with Ukraine began in February. The S-400, the first missile defence system received from Russia in December, has been deployed in the Punjab sector. The second S-400 consignment, which was received in April, has since been deployed east along the Chicken Neck Corridor, which connects the north-eastern states with the rest of India.
India signed a contract with Russia in 2018 to buy five S-400 Triumph systems worth ₹35,000 crore by October 2023. There are eight launchers in each flight and two missiles in each launcher. It is one of the most advanced air defence missile systems, which can bring down enemy fighter jets, UAVs and incoming missiles at a range of up to 400 km. The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 surface-to-air missile system. The system can detect targets up to 600 km away. It is equipped with four different types of missiles with a range of 400 km, 250 km, 120 km and 40 km. The Indian Air Force will be able to detect and destroy enemy fighter aircraft, missiles and drones at long ranges.
Defence establishment sources said the third S-400 would be deployed in vulnerable areas. The third tranche is likely to be deployed to the north and one of these sites could be in Rajasthan.