S 400 ‘Triumf’ and India’s Air Defense

The current government is reviewing the National Air Defense Plan and is about to procure the Russian S 400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft weapon system. Apart from this, India is also in the process of inducting a range of systems to defend the skies including an indigenous missile shield for protection against nuclear attack, an Israeli `Spyder’ system for the air force, the indigenous Akash area defence system etc.

About S40 Triumf

This weapon has been designed to counter a variety of threats from hypersonic cruise missiles, UAVs, airborne early warning aircraft, stealth fighters and even precision guided munitions. It is the latest of a long range of highly successful air defense systems that have been the biggest threat to western aircraft across the world.

Range

The S 400 incorporates four types of missiles. Carried on mobile launchers, these missiles engage targets at four ranges viz. 120 km, 200 km, 250 km and 380 km. It can engage multiple targets up to a range of 380 km Tracks targets using mobile phased array radar

Procurement Status

Procurement of the Russian system is under progress. The first five units to be bought expected to cost $ 6.1 billion, the most expensive air defense system ever bought by India. Deliveries of the S 400 are not expected before 2019-20 as Russian lines currently are busy for their own requirements. Besides, the production line is booked at least till the end of 2018 due to a Chinese order for 6 systems.

Most notable point

S 400 Triumf is only available air defense system in the world that meets the full technical requirements of the air force gives India a unique advantage in the region. Only a single S 400 system deployed say in Udhampur, the Northern Command HQ of the Indian Army, would effectively cover a major chunk of Pakistani air force bases & cities – from Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar to Sargodha.