The air defence system in India is set to be greatly strengthened since the fourth S-400 Triumf missile system is likely to be delivered by Russia by mid-May. This delivery follows final pre-dispatch checks by the Indian Air Force in earlier this month, defence sources said.
The fifth and the last system that is a part of the original deal will be supplied by November and will be the completion of an important stage in the long-range air defence modernisation of India.
Late yet Important Delivery
In October 2018, India signed a significant defence deal with Russia to procure five S-400 regiments, which was estimated to cost India about 40,000 crores. It was signed when Russian President Vladimir Putin went on a visit to New Delhi.
Already three systems are inducted in service. The fourth unit, however, was delayed by over three years owing to disruptions associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict that affected the supply chains of defence in the world.
Although there was a delay, officials say that deliveries are now on schedule, and there is a mutually agreed timetable between the two nations.
Deployment and Role Strategy
The S-400 unit in the immediate future will be stationed in the Rajasthan sector, which will enhance the air defence grid of India especially in terms of a foreign attack by Pakistan.
The system was first put into the limelight last year with operation Sindoor where it contributed significantly to combat aerial threats. It can simultaneously monitor and intercept a variety of targets such as fighter jets, drones and ballistic missiles, which makes it one of the most sophisticated air defence systems presently operational.
Increased Systems on Pipeline
Significantly, in a major move earlier this year, the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave unanimous approval to the proposal to acquire five more S-400 systems with Russia.
Should the deal proceed as intended, the overall fleet of the S-400 in India will increase to 10 regiments, which will essentially increase its capacity by a factor of two.
Officials indicate the new order will most likely be considered an extension of the current contract, which can assist India in avoiding issues with the US sanctions law CAATSA. Prior to this, the Trump and Biden administrations had expressed objections to the fact that India had purchased Russian defence gear under this statute.
Integrated Air Defence Vision
In addition to the S-400 systems, India is also working on its own long-range air defence programme, called Project Kusha. The hybridization of imported and indigenous systems is geared towards the creation of a multi-layered shield that will be able to cope with the latest aerial warfare dynamics.
Defence analysts feel that with all the intended systems in place, India will be having one of the strongest air defence systems in the region, which will be able to protect its airspace against a plethora of threats.
The introduction of the fourth S-400 is another move in this direction and it has enhanced the objective of India to enhance national security in the face of changing geopolitical tension.
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