Russia has started the delivery of S-400 missile system to India, in a bid to boost India’s air-defence capabilities.

Highlights

• Russia started the delivery for deployment on schedule in 2021.
• India bought this system for US$ 5 billion in 2018.
• This deal between India and Russia became contentious amid a threat of sanctions from the United States on countries engaging in defence deals with Russia.
• India had bought five units of S-400 system in 2018, for which it had made the first tranche of the payment of $800 million in 2019.

Significance of S-400

The S-400 is considered as the most advanced air-defence system worldwide. The missile is capable of protecting its air defence bubble against missiles, rockets, cruise missiles and aircraft. This system is available with China, that was deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, amid military standoff with India.

About S-400 Triumf

S-400 Triumf is a mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It was developed in by Almaz Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering in 1990s, as an upgrade to S-300 family. The first battalion of newest surface-to-air missile systems assumed duty on August 6, 2007. China was the first foreign buyer of the missile, in 2014. Since then, countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belarus and India have all acquired, or expressed interest in the system. S-400 missile systems are organized across the 30K6E administration system. It is having the range of 400kms.