Pre-cum-Mains GS Foundation Program for UPSC 2026 | Starting from 14th Nov. 2024 Click Here for more information
The S-400 (Triumf) is a mobile long range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system developed by Russia. It is considered as one of the world’s most advanced air defence systems that can simultaneously track and neutralize a range of incoming aerial threats. India has engaged with Russia for the purchase of 5 S-400, missile defence system.
S-400 are superior to other missile defence system available in the world as:
- The S-400 system comes with a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting system, anti-aircraft missile systems and a command-and-control Centre.
- It is capable of engaging any target over a long range of 400kms at 27kms altitude. It also, has the capacity to simultaneously engage 36 targets.
- S-400 can be deployed in 5 mins, as compared to 25 minutes taken by Patriot. The highest speed of S-400 at 4.8 km/sec. surpasses Patriot’s 1.38 km/sec.
- While, its radars are capable of detecting low-signature targets, it comes with an electronic counter-countermeasures to thwart any jamming attempts by the enemies
- While it is a fraction of the cost of its western counterparts such as THAAD or patriot, it can protect a much larger area, as compared to Iron Dome used by Isarael.
- It has an edge over US made THAAD, in terms of range and hitting targets beyond the horizon.
- While, being an anti-ballistic missile defence system, S-400 is also capable of engaging other aerial targets, like UAVs etc.
With India facing two inimical neighbors in its western and eastern borders, a possibility of two-front engagement cannot be denied. In this light even though, purchase of S-400 runs the risk of attracting US sanctions under CAATSA, it is indispensable for India’s strategic/tactical needs.