In a major boost to India’s long-range air defence capabilities, the fourth squadron of the Russian-origin S-400 Sudarshan air defence missile system reached the country a few days ago and is expected to be deployed in an operational area soon. The delivery marks the arrival of the fourth of five S-400 squadrons contracted under a 2018 deal with Russia. Three squadrons are already operational with the Indian armed forces.
Each S-400 squadron comprises 16 vehicles, including command-and-control units, advanced radars and missile launchers. Every squadron consists of two batteries with six launchers each, carrying a total of 128 missiles. Under the deal, India has procured 60 launchers and 6,000 missiles with engagement ranges varying from 120 km to 380 km.
The arrival of the fourth squadron strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence network at a time when the country is focusing on enhancing its ability to counter aerial threats across multiple fronts. The S-400 is among the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems in the world, capable of detecting, tracking and engaging a wide range of targets, including fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
India signed the S-400 procurement agreement with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons. While the first three squadrons were delivered and operationalised nearly two years ago, the remaining deliveries were delayed due to disruptions arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With the fourth squadron now in India, only one more unit remains to be delivered under the original contract.
India appears keen to expand its long-range air defence capabilities further as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already cleared the acquisition of five additional S-400 squadrons.
Alongside foreign acquisitions, India is pursuing indigenous solutions through Project Kusha, a long-range air defence programme aimed at developing capabilities comparable to the S-400. The project seeks to create a homegrown system capable of intercepting aircraft, missiles and drones at extended ranges. Defence major Solar Industries is among the companies involved as a development-cum-production partner.
Source: News18