India’s S-400 Missile System | Sudarshan Chakra | Powerful Shield Against Aerial Threats

India has always been focused on protecting its borders and skies. In recent years, the country has taken several steps to strengthen its defence systems. One of the most powerful additions is the S-400 missile system, a modern air defence weapon that helps protect India from aerial attacks. It played a key role in countering a recent threat from Pakistan.

Let’s understand what the S-400 system is, how it works, and why it is important for India.

What Is the S-400 Missile System?

The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system. It was developed by Russia and is considered one of the most advanced defence systems in the world. The system can track and shoot down enemy aircraft, drones, and even ballistic missiles.

India signed a deal with Russia in 2018 to purchase five units of the S-400 system. The cost of this deal was around $5.43 billion (₹40,000 crore approx.). Deliveries started in 2021, and India has already deployed some units at strategic locations.

Why Did India Buy the S-400?

India bought the S-400 to protect its skies from any kind of aerial attack. The system has the ability to detect and destroy multiple targets at once, even if they are far away or flying at high speed.

The Indian Air Force already had other missile systems like the Akash and Israeli Spyder. But the S-400 adds greater range, accuracy, and speed to India’s air defence network. It also helps in keeping up with countries like China, which already has its own S-400 systems.

How Does the S-400 Work?

The S-400 system includes several parts:

Radar units that detect incoming threats from hundreds of kilometres away

Command centers that analyze the data and decide how to respond

Missile launchers that can fire different types of missiles based on the type of threat

Once a threat is detected, the system can automatically launch missiles to destroy it before it reaches Indian airspace.

The S-400 can hit targets as far as 400 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 30 kilometres. It can also track up to 80 targets at once and destroy several of them at the same time.

Role of the S-400 in Countering Pakistani Aerial Attack

According to reports, the S-400 system was recently used to monitor and block a possible aerial attack from Pakistan. Pakistani jets were seen flying near the border, but India’s air defence remained fully prepared.

The S-400 played a key role by tracking those aircraft and sending warnings to the Indian Air Force. Because of this, the jets did not cross into Indian airspace. Even though no missiles were fired, the presence of the S-400 was enough to stop the attack.

This event shows how effective the system can be in preventing conflicts before they happen.

How Is the S-400 Deployed in India?

India has deployed the S-400 at key locations near Pakistan and China borders. This allows the system to cover areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and the northeastern regions.

Each S-400 unit covers a large area, which means only a few units are needed to protect major parts of the country. These units are mobile and can be moved if needed.

The Indian Air Force is also training more personnel to handle and maintain the system, ensuring that it works perfectly in all conditions.

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Global Response to India’s Purchase

India's decision to buy the S-400 from Russia received global attention. The United States had earlier warned that countries buying weapons from Russia might face sanctions under a law called CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

However, India explained that the purchase was important for national security. So far, the U.S. has not imposed any major penalties on India for this deal.

The system played a big part in keeping peace during a recent aerial threat from Pakistan, proving its value on the ground.

In today’s world, where tensions between countries can rise quickly, having a strong defence system like the S-400 is essential. It not only protects India but also sends a strong message to anyone thinking of crossing the line.