India used the Russian-made S-400 Air Defence System to intercept Pakistan’s military strike after precision attacks on terror camps. Learn why the S-400 is India’s most powerful shield today.
Breaking News: India Uses S-400 Against Pakistan’s Military Escalation
On the night of May 8, 2025, the Indian Air Force successfully used the S-400 air defence system to block and intercept an attempted Pakistani military escalation. This came just a day after India launched precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor — targeting four terrorist camps in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The world watched as India deployed its most advanced missile defence system — the S-400 Triumf, also known as Sudarshan Chakra — to eliminate incoming threats and protect Indian territory. It marked a major turning point in India’s air defence strategy and showcased its strength to the world.
What is the S-400 Air Defence System?
The S-400 Triumf is a Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, widely considered one of the most powerful in the world. It is designed to detect, track, and destroy a wide range of aerial threats, including:
- Fighter jets (like F-16, JF-17)
- Cruise missiles
- Ballistic missiles
- Unmanned drones
5 Key Facts You Should Know About S-400
- Most Advanced System in the World
- Developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the S-400 is considered a game-changer in air defence. China became the first international buyer in 2014, followed by India.
- Multi-Component Power
- The S-400 includes:
- Powerful radar system (600 km range)
- Missile launchers (variety of missiles for different threats)
- Mobile command centre (decision-making brain)
- The S-400 includes:
- Can Hit Even Fast-Moving Missiles
- It’s capable of targeting aircraft, stealth jets, cruise missiles, and even intermediate-range ballistic missiles, thanks to its lightning-fast reaction time.
- Threat to Modern Air Forces
- NATO countries consider it a serious threat due to its ability to engage almost all types of modern warplanes before they enter hostile airspace.
- India’s $5 Billion Deal
- India signed a $5 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to buy five S-400 systems, with four already delivered and deployed across sensitive borders.
How S-400 Was Used in the Latest Pakistan Conflict
After India’s precision strikes on terror launchpads inside Pakistan and PoK, Pakistan attempted a retaliatory strike. However, India’s surveillance systems, including Regendra and Swordfish radars, picked up early warnings of incoming aircraft and possible drones.
Within seconds:
- The S-400 system locked onto the targets from long range.
- Command center issued intercept orders.
- The missile units successfully shot down threats, preventing any major airspace violation or damage.
This rapid interception proved why the S-400 is a critical asset in India’s defense strategy.
Where is India Using the S-400?
The Indian Air Force has strategically deployed S-400 squadrons across high-risk regions:
| Region | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Watch over Pakistani airspace (F-16/JF-17) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Stop drone and missile threats from PoK |
| Rajasthan | Monitor desert sector incursion routes |
| Gujarat | Secure Arabian Sea and Pakistan’s border |
| Delhi/NCR | Defend capital region and vital installations |
Each squadron can protect an area of over 400 km, offering a steel dome-like defence around major Indian cities and military sites.
How S-400 Works – Simple Explanation
Let’s simplify the S-400 system for everyone:
- Radar detects enemy aircraft or missiles from up to 600 km away.
- The Command center identifies if it’s a threat.
- If yes, missiles are launched instantly.
- The incoming object is destroyed mid-air, often before it crosses into Indian airspace.
The system can track 300 objects and destroy 36 at once, using 4 different types of missiles. It’s designed to confuse, outmaneuver, and outpace the enemy — even stealth aircraft.
S-400 vs India’s Other Defence Systems
India already has a strong multi-layered air defence, including:
| Defence System | Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Akash NG | 70-80 km | Mid-range aerial threats |
| QRSAM | 30 km | Quick battlefield defence |
| Barak 8 | 70+ km | Joint Indo-Israeli air & naval use |
| BMD (DRDO) | 2000+ km | Anti-ballistic missile defence |
However, the S-400 is the most powerful for long-range, multi-missile, high-altitude threats — the first line of defence for Indian skies.
What is Project Kusha – India’s Own S-400?
India is also building its own version of the S-400, known as Project Kusha, led by DRDO. The system aims to:
- Be ready by 2028–2029
- Cover 300–400 km range
- Work in all weather and terrain conditions
- Be fully indigenous
Once complete, India will no longer depend on foreign systems and will have its own “Sudarshan Chakra.”
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S-400 Defence System: Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 400 km |
| Altitude Coverage | Up to 30 km |
| Radar Range | Up to 600 km |
| Simultaneous Targets | Tracks 300, hits 36 |
| Missile Types | 4 types (40N6, 48N6, 9M96E2, etc.) |
| Speed | Mach 14 (14x speed of sound) |
| Made By | Russia (Almaz-Antey) |
| Indian Name | Sudarshan Chakra |
FAQs on S-400 Air Defence System
What is the S-400 defence system?
The S-400 Triumf is a Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Almaz-Antey. It can detect, track, and destroy various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles, at ranges up to 400 km.
How many S-400 systems does India have?
India has signed a deal to procure five S-400 squadrons from Russia. As of May 2025, four squadrons have been delivered and deployed in strategic regions, with the fifth expected by the end of 2025.
What is the price of the S-400 system in Indian Rupees?
The total deal between India and Russia for five S-400 systems is valued at approximately ₹35,000 crore (around $5 billion).
What is the range of the S-400 missile system?
The S-400 can engage targets at varying ranges: up to 400 km for aircraft and up to 60 km for ballistic missiles, depending on the missile variant used.
How does the S-400 system work?
The S-400 system comprises a multi-functional radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and a command and control center. It can track multiple targets and launch missiles to intercept them at various altitudes and distances.
Why is the S-400 called ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ in India?
The Indian Air Force has nicknamed the S-400 system ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ after the mythological weapon of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing its precision and power in neutralizing threats.
Can the S-400 intercept drones and ballistic missiles?
Yes, the S-400 is capable of intercepting a variety of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, making it a versatile component of air defence.
Which countries have purchased the S-400 system?
Apart from Russia, countries like China, Turkey, and India have procured the S-400 system. Each country’s acquisition has been subject to geopolitical considerations.
What is the significance of the S-400 in India’s defence strategy?
The S-400 enhances India’s air defence capabilities by providing a robust shield against various aerial threats, thereby strengthening national security and deterrence posture.
How does the S-400 compare to Pakistan’s air defence systems?
India’s S-400 system offers superior range and target engagement capabilities compared to Pakistan’s air defence systems, such as the Chinese-made HQ-9, providing India with a strategic advantage.
What is the role of the S-400 in Operation Sindoor?
During Operation Sindoor, India utilized the S-400 system to intercept and neutralize aerial threats from Pakistan, demonstrating its effectiveness in real combat scenarios.
What are the components of the S-400 system?
The S-400 system includes a command and control center, a radar system for target detection and tracking, and multiple missile launchers equipped with various missile types for different ranges.
What is the delivery timeline for the S-400 systems to India?
India began receiving the S-400 systems in 2021, with four squadrons delivered by 2025. The final squadron is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
How many missiles are there in one S-400 squadron?
Each S-400 squadron comprises multiple launchers, each capable of carrying four missiles. A full squadron typically includes eight launchers, totaling 32 missiles ready for deployment.
What is Project Kusha in relation to India’s air defence?
Project Kusha is India’s indigenous initiative to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system similar to the S-400, aiming to enhance self-reliance in defence technology.