What Is India’s S-400 Missile Defence System? Role in Countering Pakistan’s Attack Explained

What Is India’s S-400 Missile Defence System: The S-400, a Russian-made air defence missile system, is in the news again after being recently used by India to counter missile attacks.

With superior radar and intercept capabilities, the S-400 was used to shoot down 15 missiles unfolded on targeted military installations by Pakistan, according to ANI, citing sources.

Also Read: ‘Committed to Non-Escalation, But…’: Why India Targeted Pakistan’s Key Air Defence System

The S-400 can detect and shoot down aerial threats from a significant distance, strengthening India's air defence capability and enhancing national security.

The S-400 air defence system (which was procured from Russia) was signed on 5 October 2018 under a contract.

“The S-400 Missile is a potent system in terms of its operational capability to provide a continuous and effective air defence system to a very large area. With the induction of this system, air defence capability of the nation will be significantly enhanced,” ministry of defence had said in a statement in 2021.

Pakistan's targetting attempts were made at certain locations that included Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, but these were disrupted after India's Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems worked as advertised, said a ministry of defence statement.

Also Read: Pakistan Claims Use of Chinese Jets in Operation Sindoor; Beijing Denies Involvement

The S-400 can engage multiple targets at once, at various ranges and altitude, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

It consists of three basic components: the Missile launchers, its radar, and only one command centre. It can target aircraft, cruise missiles, and high-speed intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

What sets S-400 apart as a defence system?

NATO countries have portrayed the S-400 as a significant threat because of the impressive long-range capabilities of this air defense system and its ability to engage almost every type of modern combat aircraft.

In October 2018, India signed an agreement with Russia worth $5 billion to acquire five systems of the S-400 air and defense missile system.

Also Read: 90 Flights Cancelled at Delhi Airport Amid India-Pakistan Tensions Following Operation Sindoor