In a significant breakthrough, India is constructing its own S-400 class air defence system capable of destroying enemy aircraft or missiles at a strike range of around 400 km. The air defence system will include three distinct types of missiles, each capable of destroying enemy targets at varying distances and ranges, with the maximum being close to 400 km.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) would be in charge of this air defence system. The system would be well supplemented by the current air defence systems, particularly the three services' Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), which is already operational.
According to defence sources, the first three squadrons have already been operationalized in the northern and eastern sectors, respectively, and have participated in aerial exercises. In recent years, the IAF has received three squadrons as well as simulators. The system's missiles of varying ranges can engage adversary ballistic and cruise missiles, fighter aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles flying up to 400 km away.
India has inked a three-year contract with Russia to purchase four squadrons of the S-400 air defence missiles, with all units due to be delivered by the end of the fiscal year. The IAF considers the S-400 class of air defence systems to be game changers, as the IAF has significantly strengthened its air defence capabilities in recent years with the arrival of indigenous MRSAM and Akash missile systems, as well as Israeli SPYDER quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems.
