The S-400 Missile System, a Russian-made air defense system, is a cornerstone of India’s missile defense strategy, designed to counter ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and stealth aircraft. Acquired in 2018 for $5.43 billion, it bolsters India’s security against threats from Pakistan and China, with deployments in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Assam. S-400's role in supporting the interception of a Pakistani Fatah-II missile over Sirsa, Haryana, on May 10, 2025, underscores its strategic importance. This article details the S-400’s capabilities, technical specifications, deployment in India, and significance in recent conflicts and its role in ensuring national security amid evolving threats.
Overview of the S-400 Missile System
The S-400, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is an advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, succeeding the S-300.
Operational since 2007, it integrates multiple missiles, radars, and command systems to engage diverse threats at ranges up to 400 km.
In India, it enhances the multi-layered defense alongside systems like Barak-8 and Akash, protecting critical assets like airbases, cities, and borders.
Its versatility and long-range capability make it a game-changer in India’s defense landscape.
Technical Specifications
The S-400 Missile System is equipped with four missile types, each tailored to specific threats, and advanced radar systems for tracking and engagement. It can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, with a reaction time of 9–10 seconds. Below are its key specifications.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Range (Max) | 400 km (48N6E3 missile) |
| Altitude (Max) | 30 km |
| Missile Types | 48N6E3 (400 km), 48N6E2 (250 km), 9M96E2 (120 km), 9M96E (40 km) |
| Speed | Mach 14 (17,000 km/h) |
| Radar | 91N6E (Big Bird, 600 km), 96L6E (300 km), 92N6E Grave Stone |
| Targets Engaged | 36 simultaneously |
| Developer | Almaz-Antey (Russia) |
| Cost per Squadron | ~$1 billion |
Capabilities and Features
The S-400 Missile System’s advanced features make it one of the world’s most formidable air defense systems. Its key capabilities include:
- Multi-Target Engagement: Tracks 100 targets and engages 36 simultaneously, countering ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and stealth aircraft.
- Versatile Missiles: Four missile types cover short (40 km) to long-range (400 km) threats, with active radar homing for precision.
- Advanced Radar: The 91N6E radar detects targets at 600 km, including low-observable objects, while the 92N6E Grave Stone guides missiles.
- Rapid Deployment: Mobile launchers (8x8 TELs) and a 9-second reaction time ensure quick response to threats.
- Anti-Stealth: Detects stealth aircraft like the F-35, enhancing defense against advanced air forces.
India’s Acquisition and Deployment
India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 for five S-400 squadrons, despite U.S. threats of CAATSA sanctions. Deliveries began in December 2021, with three squadrons operational by May 2025, deployed in:
- Punjab: Protects northern airbases like Pathankot and Adampur, countering Pakistani threats.
- Rajasthan: Guards western borders and Delhi’s airspace.
- Assam: Counters Chinese threats along the LAC, including DF-17 hypersonic missiles.
The remaining two squadrons are expected by 2026. Each squadron includes 8 launchers, 112 missiles, and associated radars, covering a 400 km radius.
Role in the Sirsa Interception (May 2025)
On May 10, 2025, during Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, the S-400 Missile System likely supported the interception of a Fatah-II missile over Sirsa, Haryana, though the Barak-8 was primarily credited.
The Fatah-II, launched in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, targeted Delhi but was neutralized 150 km away.
The S-400’s 91N6E radar tracked the missile’s flat trajectory, enabling a coordinated defense with Barak-8 and Akash systems, which also neutralized 70 Pakistani drones.
No damage was reported at Sirsa’s airbase, affirming the system’s reliability.
Strategic Importance
The S-400 Missile System enhances India’s deterrence against Pakistan’s Fatah-II, Shaheen-III, and China’s DF-21 and DF-17 missiles.
It protects key cities (Delhi, Mumbai) and military assets, supporting India’s no-first-use nuclear policy. Its deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) counters Chinese aggression, while in Punjab, it neutralizes Pakistani missile threats, as seen in Sirsa.
The system also strengthens India’s geopolitical stance, despite U.S. concerns over Russian arms purchases.
Challenges and Limitations
While formidable, the S-400 Missile System faces challenges:
- Cost and Scalability: At $1 billion per squadron, deploying enough units to cover all borders is expensive.
- Hypersonic Threats: Its effectiveness against China’s hypersonic DF-17 is untested, requiring integration with DRDO’s BMD Phase-II.
- Saturation Attacks: Pakistan’s Fatah-II, designed for saturation, could overwhelm if launched in large numbers, though Sirsa proved otherwise.
- Geopolitical Risks: U.S. sanctions under CAATSA remain a concern, though waived in 2022.
Future Integration and Upgrades
India is integrating the S-400 Missile System with indigenous systems like Akash and DRDO’s XRSAM (300 km range, under development).
Upgrades to counter hypersonic missiles and AI-based threat prioritization are planned.
Satellite-based early warning systems, linked to the S-400’s 91N6E radar, will enhance detection of low-flying threats like Pakistan’s Babur cruise missile.
Conclusion
The S-400 Missile System, with its 400 km range and multi-target capability, is India’s premier missile defense system, proving its worth in the Sirsa interception of May 2025. Despite challenges, it strengthens India’s defense against Pakistan and China.
