S-400 systems. FILE IMAGE: Alexey Malgavko / Sputnik
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh praised the performance of the Russian-made S-400 long-range air defense system during the recent conflict with Pakistan, describing it as a “game changer.”
The conflict was sparked by the April 22 terrorist attack on Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi held Islamabad responsible for.
The situation escalated on May 7 after deadly Indian retaliatory strikes against Pakistan. The two counties exchanged strikes along the Line of Control, the de-facto borders in the disputed region of Kashmir, as well as over the internationally-recognized border for the next three days. A ceasefire was reached on May 10.
“Our air defence systems have done a wonderful job. The S-400 system, which we had recently bought, has been a game-changer. The range of that system has really kept their aircraft away from their weapons like, those long-range glide bombs that they have, they have not been able to use any one of those because they have not been able to penetrate the system,” Singh said, praising the air defense system.
Under a $5.43 billion deal signed in 2018, India received four S-400 squadrons from Russia. Each squadron is composed of two batteries. Each battery, or firing unit, is equipped with six launchers, a radar and a control center with up to 128 missiles.
In total, the country got 60 launchers with around 6,000 missiles including 9M96E2 with a range of 120 kilometers, 48N6E2 with a range of 200 kilometers, 48N6E3 with a range of 240 kilometers and 40N6E which can engage targets as far as 380 kilometers.
The Indian military activated its S-400 systems during Pakistan’s first retaliatory attack on May 7, using both its shortest-range missile, the 9M96E2, and the longest-range missile, the 40N6E, to intercept several types of aerial targets, including missiles and drones.
Indian media praised the performance of the S-400, credited with repelling several Pakistani attacks including one on the last day of the conflict that targeted an air base where one such system was deployed.
Right after the conflict, it was reported that India was in talks with Russia over a new S-400 deal. Both sides confirmed that such talks were taking place.
India is reportedly also interested in upgrading its fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets in cooperation with Russia, as well as in acquiring Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets from the country.
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s-400? more like s-4-sleep—those things couldn’t catch a cold, let alone a missile.
ah yes, the legendary s-400—perfect for shooting down dreams, not drones. at this point, it’s less of a defense system and more of a very expensive fireworks display.
no surprise, a top notch ad system…