Why in News?
Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov assured India of on-time delivery of remaining S-400 air defence systems during talks with Rajnath Singh in Qingdao, highlighting bilateral defence ties and the critical role of S-400s in India’s security strategy.
Description:
- Origin: Russia
- Type: Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System
- Developer: Almaz-Antey (Russia)
Key Features:
- One of the world’s most advanced long-range air defence systems.
- Designed to counter aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs.
Range & Altitude:
- Max Range: Up to 400 km.
- Engagement Altitude: 10 m to 30 km.
Missiles Used:
- 40N6: Long-range (400 km)
- 48N6: Medium-range (250 km)
- 9M96E2: Short to Medium-range (120 km)
- 9M96E: Short-range (40 km)
Radar Systems:
- 91N6E Big Bird: Long-range 3D phased-array radar.
- 92N6E Grave Stone: Fire-control radar for guidance.
- Integrated command centre: 55K6E module for coordination.
Tracking & Engagement:
- Tracks up to 80 targets simultaneously.
- Engages up to 36 targets at once.
- Target interception speed: up to 4.8 km/second.
Mobility:
- Truck-mounted, fully mobile system.
- Deployment time: ~5 minutes (vs. 25 minutes for US Patriot).
Superiority Over Rivals:
- US Patriot: Max range ~180 km, speed ~1.38 km/s.
- THAAD: Single missile type with 150–200 km range.
- S-400 offers layered defence (40–400 km).
Strategic Importance for India:
- Contract signed in 2018 despite CAATSA risk (~Rs 35,000 crore for 5 squadrons).
- First unit delivered in 2021.
- 4 squadrons deployed in Pathankot, Rajasthan, Gujarat; remainder by 2025–26.
- Key for air defence against China and Pakistan.
- Deployment planned on the northeastern border for enhanced security.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
