New Delhi, July 27: The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a significant milestone in a recent exercise, successfully ‘shooting down’ 80 percent of an ‘enemy’ fighter aircraft package and forcing the remaining aircraft to abort their missions, according to defence sources.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the exercise to demonstrate the full integration of the S-400 system into its operations. Real fighter aircraft were employed during the drill to test the S-400’s capabilities, known as Sudarshan, named after the divine Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishna.
During the exercise, the Sudarshan system ‘locked on and targeted’ with impressive accuracy, neutralizing 80 percent of the simulated enemy offensive package. The remaining aircraft were intercepted and forced to retreat before reaching their intended targets within Indian territory.
The IAF has fully integrated the S-400 system, with three of its squadrons already inducted and two more expected to be delivered by 2026. India has requested Russia to expedite the delivery of these systems, following a high-level visit to Russia where this request was made.
India and Russia have signed a contract worth over Rs 35,000 crore for five squadrons of the S-400. Alongside the recent induction of indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems and Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, the S-400 is anticipated to be a game changer for the IAF.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council has recently approved the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha, following clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.
India has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities in recent years, responding to the substantial deployment of air defence systems by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control.
