S-400, Kamov on the agenda of Modi, Putin

S-400, Kamov on the agenda of Modi, Putin

News

1. President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on 4-5 October.

Important Facts

2. He will meet PM Modi and is expected to finalize important defense deals.

3. India and Russia are in final phase of discussion to buy 200 Kamov-226T utility helicopters.

• The countries have already concluded an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for 200 helicopters estimated to cost over $1 billion.
• Under the deal 60 helicopters will be imported from Russia and the rest will be built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with technology transfer.

4. The main focus of the visit will be on a deal for S-400 air defense system which India is planning to buy from Russia

• IGA between the countries for five S-400 systems and four stealth frigates took place in 2016.
• There is a fear that the deal might come under CAATSA sanctions of the U.S.
• S. has imposed CAATSA sanctions on China which bought the S-400 air defense system from Russia.
• Other countries which have bought or planning to buy the system includes Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

5. About S-400 air defense system

• It is considered one of the most advanced long-range defense systems in the world.
• It has a range of 400 km and can hit targets at a height of up to 30 km.
• Its radars can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and destroy them.
• Each system includes a command post, 3D phased array acquisition radar, optional tracking radar and firing units.
• There are various kinds of missiles to choose from based on the mission requirements.