S-400 | All you need to know About | Sudarshan Chakra

The S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is one of the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in the world, developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau.

Key Features of the S-400

1. Multi-Range Capability:

   
   

   • Can engage targets at short (40 km), medium (120 km), and long ranges (250–400 km).

   • Uses multiple missile types, including the 40N6E with a range of up to 400 km.

     
     

2. Versatile Target Engagement:

   
   

   • Designed to destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and even stealth aircraft like the F-35.

   • Can track up to 100 targets and engage 36 simultaneously.

   
   

3. Radar System:

   
   

   • Equipped with powerful radar systems like the 91N6E Big Bird and 92N6E Grave Stone, capable of detecting stealth targets up to 600 km away.

     
     

4. Deployment & Mobility:

   
   

   • Fully mobile system; can be set up within 5–10 minutes.

   • Typically includes 8 launchers, each with 4 missiles, plus command and support vehicles.

     
     

5. Global Operators:

   
   

   • Apart from Russia, countries like China, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have purchased or shown interest in the S-400.

   • India signed a deal with Russia for five S-400 regiments, with deliveries starting in 2021 with three are currently operational and two are still pending to procure.

     
     

6. Strategic Importance:

   
   

   • Considered a game-changer in air defense.

   • The U.S. imposed sanctions on countries like Turkey under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) for buying it.

   
   

Why the S-400 is a Superpower for India

1. Airspace Shield Against China and Pakistan

• Covers up to 400 km range, meaning India can track and intercept threats even before they enter Indian airspace.

• Crucial in regions like Ladakh, Punjab, and Northeast, where India faces frequent threats.

2. Multi-Layered Defense

• Works alongside India’s indigenous systems (like Akash missiles) to create a layered defense network.

• Can shoot down fighter jets, drones, ballistic/cruise missiles, and stealth aircraft.

3. Edge Over Regional Rivals

• Neither Pakistan nor China currently has a system that matches the S-400 in effectiveness and range.

• Even 5th-gen stealth aircraft like the F-35 or J-20 may not be safe from its radars.

5. Key Locations Deployment

• India has placed S-400 units in Delhi, Punjab (towards Pakistan), Ladakh region, and Northeast (against China) — covering all critical fronts.

Recent Developments in S-400

• During Operation Sindoor, India activated its S-400 systems to counter a coordinated aerial attack by Pakistan. The S-400 successfully intercepted and neutralized 15 incoming missiles targeting multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, and Amritsar .

  
  

• This marked the first combat use of the S-400 by India, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios and reinforcing its role as a critical component of India’s air defense strategy.

India is set to receive the remaining two S-400 squadrons by 2026. The fourth squadron is expected by the end of 2025, with the fifth following in 2026