Good News : Russia has begun delivering S-400 missile systems to India
India's ability to knock out adversary fighter planes and cruise missiles at long range will be greatly enhanced by the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system.
According to Dmitry Shugaev, director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Russia has begun supplying the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system to India.
“Supplies of the S-400 air defense system to India have begun and are progressing according to plan,” Shugaev said ahead of the Dubai Airshow.
India’s ability to knock out adversary fighter planes and cruise missiles at long range will be greatly enhanced by the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system. At a time when India is embroiled in a stalemate with China in the Ladakh area, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the first unit of S-400 systems.
China has already stationed two S-400 squadrons in Tibet, at Ngari Gar Gunsa and Nyingchi airbases, respectively in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
According to ANI, which cited sources familiar with the situation, the air defence system has begun to approach India. They stated that the system will be first placed near the country’s western border, from where it will be able to combat threats from both sides of the Pakistan-China border.
India has contracted for the S-400 air defence system in a deal valued at approximately 35,000 crores, and five squadrons will be delivered to India to combat air threats.
According to the news agency, the system is being shipped to India by sea and air routes, citing the sources indicated above. By the end of the year, the first squadron deliveries should be completed.
The air defence system would offer India an advantage because it would allow them to shoot down hostile planes and cruise missiles from a distance of 400 kilometres.
The S-400 missile defence system is armed with four missiles that can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) planes at distances of 400 kilometres, 250 kilometres, 120 kilometres, and 40 kilometres.
The IAF, whose commanders and troops have received training on the system in Russia, will begin focusing on the eastern borders after the first squadron is deployed, as well as providing resources for staff training within the country, according to officials.
In October 2018, India and Russia agreed on a $5.43 billion deal for five S-400 regiments, with all deliveries expected to be completed within five years, according to officials.
