During the recent Pakistani drone and missile attack, india deployed the Russian-made S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defense system, drawing attention to one of the indian air Force's most potent weapons once more. On May 7-8, 2025, the S-400, which was stationed at strategic northern and western sites, was instrumental in thwarting attacks against Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj, and other targets.
 
What is the S-400 missile system?
Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau created the long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system known as the S-400 Triumf (NATO: SA-21 Growler).  The S-400 was developed to tackle contemporary aerial threats, like as stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic projectiles, and was intended to replace earlier-generation systems like the S-300.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Range & Interception Power

Able to engage targets between 40 and 400 kilometers away.
 
Concurrently engages up to 36 threats and tracks 300 targets.
 
Intercepts targets, including high-flying ballistic missiles, at up to 30 km in altitude.
 
Tracking and Radar technology

Equipped with 360-degree surveillance-capable multi-band phased array radars.
 
Detects low-flying cruise missiles and stealth planes.
 
Its durability in electronic warfare allows it to function well even in the face of jamming and EW strikes.
 
Mobility and Implementation
 
Launchers, radars, and command posts affixed to vehicles make up this fully mobile system.
 
Quick deployment that supports shoot-and-scoot operations in 5–10 minutes.
 
Able to offer mobile air cover or protect immovable, valuable assets.  

Integrated and multi-layered defense
 
Smoothly combines with other platforms such as the S-300, Tor, and Pantsir, as well as India's own indigenous akash missile systems.
 
Offers a variety of missile types for different threats, as well as area denial and point defense capabilities.
 
India-Russia Agreement
 
In october 2018, during President Putin's visit, india and russia inked a $5.43 billion agreement for five S-400 aircraft.  Since deliveries started in 2021, the systems have been strategically placed to counter China's and Pakistan's threats.

Why it matters now?
The S-400's first known live deployment against a state-level threat was during the May 2025 Pakistani attack. Defense sources claim that the S-400 has proven to be the backbone of India's air defense by intercepting hostile projectiles that were headed for strategic indian military installations. The S-400 strengthens India's defense and deterrence capabilities in the face of increasing regional threats, providing the indian Armed Forces with a major advantage in eliminating airborne threats at high altitudes and long ranges.  
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S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra'

SIBY JEYYA

09/05/2025 09:10 AM