India’s fourth S400 system to arrive in mid-May as Russia ships unit; deployment likely in Rajasthan | India News
New Delhi: Russia has sent the fourth batch of S-400 Triumf defense systems which will “arrive in India by mid-May” just after the May 7 anniversary. Operation SindoorA defense source told TOI. The fifth S-400 system is expected to arrive in India in November. The Russian S-400 system proved its ability to protect India’s military and civilian assets from Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict.“Pre-dispatch inspections by IAF officials of the incoming S-400 system were completed by April 18,” Russia’s state-owned news agency TASS quoted a source as saying. “The fourth Russian S-400 air defense system is on its way to India and is expected to be received at an Indian port in mid-May. The new system is planned to be deployed in Rajasthan to strengthen missile defense along the Pakistan border,” it added. The fifth system will be deployed along China’s border, Tas said.While the previous two batches of S400 systems were deployed along the Pakistan border, the third is stationed in the eastern sector.In 2018, India signed a deal to buy five S-400 squadrons worth $5.43 billion to strengthen its missile defense shield. Impressed by its highly effective role against Pakistan last year, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the acquisition of five additional Russian S-400 systems on March 27 this year, which could expand the country’s missile shield.India has decided to purchase 280 short- and long-range S-400 missiles to replenish stocks used during Op Sindoor, as well as to build a stockpile of long-range weapons. India fired 11 long-range S-400 missiles at Pakistan, believed to have hit fighter jets, early warning systems and transport aircraft.Post-Sindur, India is in the process of developing a multi-layered integrated air and missile defense system ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ (India’s own Iron Dome), incorporating the S-400 (long-range), Barak-8 (medium-range), and the indigenous Project Kusha (extended range air defense system) to create an enhanced security system. Various threats such as ballistic missiles, drones and hypersonic weapons. India plans to procure the Russian Pantsir-S1M short-range air defense system to protect its S-400 Triumf batteries from small threats like drones.
