SRINAGAR: India has taken delivery of the fourth squadron of the S-400 Triumf air defence system from Russia, marking a further strengthening of its long-range air defence capability, according to defence sources cited in multiple news reports.
The Hindu, quoting defence sources, reported that the system arrived by sea a few days ago and is expected to be deployed in an operational sector following the completion of induction and integration procedures.
The delivery forms part of a five-squadron contract signed between India and Russia in 2018. With this latest consignment, three squadrons have already been inducted into service and deployed across strategically sensitive regions of the country.
In Indian service, the system is known as the “Sudarshan Chakra” air defence platform. It is considered one of the most advanced surface-to-air missile systems globally, with the ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, including fighter aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and airborne surveillance platforms at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.
A defence source told The Times of India, “The first batch of the fourth squadron of S-400 has arrived. Once the complete systems reach here, it will be deployed.”
Earlier deployments of the system have been positioned in key strategic areas, including the Punjab–Jammu axis, the Rajasthan–Gujarat region and the Sikkim sector, creating a layered air defence network along India’s western and northern borders, according to The Times of India.
The fourth squadron is expected to be deployed in the western sector, in line with current threat assessments, particularly along the frontier with Pakistan following last year’s escalation, the report added.
