Russia starts delivery of S-400 to India: here's how air defence system will help counter China

In a major boost to India’s defence, Russia has started delivering the S-400 surface-to-air missile system to India.

News agency ANI reported citing people familiar with the development that the air defence system have started reaching India. The news agency reported citing the people mentioned above that system is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. The first squadron deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of this year.

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The S-400 air defence system was contracted by India in a deal worth around ₹35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats.

The Indian Air Force will induct the first unit of S-400 systems at a time when India is locked in a standoff with China in the Ladakh sector.

China has already deployed two S-400 squadrons at Ngari Gar Gunsa and Nyingchi airbase in Tibet, across Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh respectively.

ANI reported that the system will be first deployed at a location close to the western border of the country from where it can tackle threats from both parts of the borders with Pakistan and China.

The air defence system would give India an edge as they would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a distance
of 400km.

The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles, which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and Airborne Warning And Control System planes at 400km, 250km, the medium-range 120km and the short-range 40km.