On the eve of the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Russia’s fourth S-400 air defense system is on its way to India and is expected to be received at the Indian port by mid-May. The fifth S-400 system, which performed admirably during Operation Sindoor, is expected to be shipped to India in November this year.
The Modi government has already given a green signal to purchase five more S-400 systems, which have the ability to destroy any air target east of the Indus River in Pakistan with a range of up to 400 km.
According to reliable sources, pre-inspection by IAF officials of the destined S-400 system was completed by April 18, and the anti-ballistic missile system was shipped last week from Russia. The new system is expected to be deployed in Rajasthan sector in order to strengthen missile defense against Pakistan. India has already decided to purchase 280 S-400 short and long range missiles to replenish the stock used during Operation Sindoor as well as build a reserve of spare weapons as Operation Sindoor is not over yet. India is estimated to have launched 11 long-range S-400 missiles against Pakistan, shooting down enemy fighters, airborne early warning systems and transport aircraft.
During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan desperately tried to target two S-400 systems deployed in Punjab and Gujarat, as it became clear to them that no air platform east of Sindh was safe from the Russian system and its long-range radar. Such was the threat posed by the S-400 system, that Pakistan moved all its operational fighters and air platforms to Quetta and Peshawar bases to avoid Indian missiles.
While the fifth system is expected to be deployed in the central sector with China, India is also looking to set up a facility for maintenance and repair of the S-400 system by the private sector while also considering the option of technology transfer.
In order to protect the S-400 systems and improve anti-drone and anti-loitering munitions coverage, India also plans to purchase at least 12 Pantsir air defense systems from Russia through a government-to-government deal while manufacturing another 40 systems under ‘Make in India’.
