S-400 Air Defence System & S-500
Context:
The Defence Ministers of India and Russia are set to meet to review defence cooperation
The meet included the timely delivery of remaining S-400 units and the potential acquisition of the S-500 system.
In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia for five S-400 regiments. The first unit arrived in 2021
About S-400 Triumf:
It is an advanced long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system developed by Russia's Almaz-Antey.
The system can engage targets at distances up to 400 kilometers and altitudes up to 30 kilometers.
It’s capable of tracking 80 targets simultaneously and can engage multiple types of threats — from fighter jets and bombers to drones, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles.
The S-400 system has been officially designated as 'Sudarshan Chakra' in Indian service.
Capabilities:
It is capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
It has a range of up to 400 km
Units have been deployed in key sectors including Punjab, Rajasthan, and Assam to counter threats from Pakistan and China.
DRDO’s projects like XRSAM and Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programs are expected to complement the S-400 in the coming years.
The S-400 Missile System enhances India’s deterrence against Pakistan’s Fatah-II, Shaheen-III, and China’s DF-21 and DF-17 missiles.
Role in Operation Sindoor:
The system proved its strategic worth during Operation Sindoor.
Notably, it supported the interception of a Pakistani Fatah-II missile over Sirsa, Haryana, on May 10, 2025
This highlights its capability against saturation attacks.
About S-500 System:
It is Russia's advanced air defence system (also known as Prometheus)
It is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges up to 600 km and airborne targets up to 400 km.
Key Developments:
An Indian firm has been identified to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 in India.