S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ Air Defence System
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: The Ministry of Defence has identified an Indian firm to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system.
About S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system:
• What is S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’? The S-400 Triumf, codenamed SA-21 Growler by NATO, is a long-range, multi-layered surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey. In Indian service, it is named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, reflecting its swift and precise defensive power.
• The S-400 Triumf, codenamed SA-21 Growler by NATO, is a long-range, multi-layered surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey.
• In Indian service, it is named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, reflecting its swift and precise defensive power.
• Developed By:
• Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, Russia. Entered Russian service in 2007, with India procuring it under a 2018 bilateral agreement.
• Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, Russia.
• Entered Russian service in 2007, with India procuring it under a 2018 bilateral agreement.
• India’s Procurement Timeline:
• Deal Signed: October 2018 for ₹35,000 crore (approx. $5.4 billion). Quantity: 5 squadrons ordered and 3 delivered till now. Remaining 2 units to arrive by 2026 and 2027.
• Deal Signed: October 2018 for ₹35,000 crore (approx. $5.4 billion).
• Quantity: 5 squadrons ordered and 3 delivered till now.
• Remaining 2 units to arrive by 2026 and 2027.
• Purpose of the S-400 in India:
• Neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs. Ensure airspace denial and deterrence along western and northern borders. Offer strategic cover to cities, military bases, and critical installations.
• Neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs.
• Ensure airspace denial and deterrence along western and northern borders.
• Offer strategic cover to cities, military bases, and critical installations.
• Key Features of S-400 Sudarshan Chakra:
• Range & Tracking: Detects threats up to 600 km. Engages targets at four different missile ranges, up to 400 km. Multi-Target Capability: Simultaneously tracks and engages 80 aerial targets. Counteracts stealth aircraft, drones, hypersonic weapons. Quick Response: Full tracking-to-launch cycle within seconds. Guided missiles use active and semi-active radar seekers. Integrated Components: Command vehicle, long-range surveillance radar, engagement radar, and launcher trucks. Each squadron includes 16+ vehicles. Deployment & Role: Already deployed in Pathankot, Siliguri Corridor, and Western Front. Played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor by intercepting over 15 aerial threats.
• Range & Tracking: Detects threats up to 600 km. Engages targets at four different missile ranges, up to 400 km.
• Detects threats up to 600 km.
• Engages targets at four different missile ranges, up to 400 km.
• Multi-Target Capability: Simultaneously tracks and engages 80 aerial targets. Counteracts stealth aircraft, drones, hypersonic weapons.
• Simultaneously tracks and engages 80 aerial targets.
• Counteracts stealth aircraft, drones, hypersonic weapons.
• Quick Response: Full tracking-to-launch cycle within seconds. Guided missiles use active and semi-active radar seekers.
• Full tracking-to-launch cycle within seconds.
• Guided missiles use active and semi-active radar seekers.
• Integrated Components: Command vehicle, long-range surveillance radar, engagement radar, and launcher trucks. Each squadron includes 16+ vehicles.
• Command vehicle, long-range surveillance radar, engagement radar, and launcher trucks.
• Each squadron includes 16+ vehicles.
• Deployment & Role: Already deployed in Pathankot, Siliguri Corridor, and Western Front. Played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor by intercepting over 15 aerial threats.
• Already deployed in Pathankot, Siliguri Corridor, and Western Front.
• Played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor by intercepting over 15 aerial threats.