India’s deployment of the Russian-made S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system during the recent Pakistani drone and missile offensive has once again brought attention to one of the Indian Air Force’s most powerful weapons. Deployed across key northern and western bases, the S-400 played a crucial role in intercepting threats aimed at Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj and other locations on May 7–8, 2025.

What is the S-400 missile system?

The S-400 Triumf (NATO: SA-21 Growler) is a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau. Designed to replace earlier-generation systems like the S-300, the S-400 was created to counter modern aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic projectiles.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Range & Interception Power

  • Can engage targets at distances from 40 km up to 400 km.

  • Simultaneously tracks 300 targets and engages up to 36 threats at once.

  • Intercepts targets at altitudes of up to 30 km, including high-flying ballistic missiles.

Radar & Tracking Technology

  • Equipped with multi-band phased array radars capable of 360-degree surveillance.

  • Detects stealth aircraft and low-flying cruise missiles.

  • Features electronic warfare resilience, making it effective even under jamming and EW attacks.

Mobility & Deployment

  • Fully mobile system with launchers, radars, and command posts mounted on trucks.

  • Rapid deployment in 5–10 minutes, supporting shoot-and-scoot operations.

  • Can defend static high-value assets or provide mobile air cover.

Multi-layered & Integrated Defence

  • Integrates seamlessly with India’s indigenous Akash missile systems and other platforms like the S-300, Tor, and Pantsir.

  • Provides area denial and point defence capabilities with multiple missile types for varying threats.

India-Russia Agreement

India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia for five S-400 units in October 2018 during President Putin’s visit. Deliveries began in 2021, and the systems have since been deployed strategically to counter threats from both China and Pakistan.

Why it matters now

The use of the S-400 in the May 2025 Pakistani offensive marks its first known live deployment against a state-level threat. According to defence officials, the S-400 intercepted hostile projectiles aimed at vital Indian military bases, confirming its role as the backbone of India’s air defence.

As India faces growing regional threats, the S-400 enhances its deterrence and defence capabilities, giving the Indian Armed Forces a significant edge in neutralising airborne threats at long ranges and high altitudes.