Russian missile “umbrella” to bolster Indian air defence: Experts

India plans to buy the S-400 ‘Triumf’ advanced anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia. According to the newspaper The Times of India, India’s Defence Ministry will consider a proposal to buy around five S-400 systems. Delivery dates have not been specified.

The RS S-400 “Triumf” is designed to knock down aerodynamic flying targets (tactical and strategic aircraft, jammers, such as the AWACS and aerodynamic missiles), including those equipped with stealth technologies, at a distance of about 400 kms. It can also take out ballistic missiles, hypersonic targets and current aerial threats. Compared with its predecessor, the S-300, the new S-400 ‘Triumf’ has a 2.5 times faster firing rate. This is the most modern, far-reaching air defence system in the Russian arsenal. The Almaz-Antey Concern is already working on the next generation system, the S-500 but those are not ready for mass production.

India needs a modern and effective air defence system. The purchase of the S-400 systems will radically change the face and structure of the country’s defence capabilities. According to independent expert, By using the S-400 systems, India’s military can create a comprehensive defence system that will not only cover threatened areas, but the entire country. This would be so if 10-12 divisions are supplied (one division includes eight launchers, and appropriate means for detection and control, the composition of which may vary).

“India is not in a position to develop its own anti-aircraft system of this level, but requires a modern air defence system. Current and potential conflict zones are located extremely close to India,”

If India buys the S-400 system from Russia, it will restore the military balance in the region, balancing the growing military might of China, which was the first foreign buyer of the S-400 missile systems, earlier this year. China will get six such systems by 2017, for an estimated three billion dollars.

China’s procurement of the S-400 will enable it to dominate the skies. Indian air defence systems, on the other hand, are increasingly inadequate to meet the country’s strategic requirements. The proposed deal between Russia and India will, therefore, restore some parity in the region, rather than disturbing the balance of power. “This proposed deal, to my mind, is also an indication of India’s faith in Russian defence equipment, and should remove any misgivings between the two old allies,” Amit Cowshish, Research Associate at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, told RIR.

Raji Rajagopalan, Senior Researcher at the Observer Research Foundation, believes the main threat from the air does not come from China, but from Pakistan. Here the S-400 systems could effectively intercept F-16 fighter jets of the Pakistan Armed Forces. India’s primary objective in acquiring the S-400 appears to be driven by the country’s need for an anti-ballistic missile system. The assumption is that the S-400 systems can intercept missiles from Pakistan, and less so, from China. Given that China has long-range ICBMs, the ability to successfully intercept Chinese missiles may not be realized.

Procurement of the S-400 is significant for short and medium-range ballistic missile threats that India faces from Pakistan, in the regional context.

S-400 missiles

 

The S 400 is one of the best systems ever developed, comes with three Radar’s and multiple launchers, which can cover almost 400 kilometers of air space, one S 400 system close to Rajasthan can cover half Pakistan, China already signed a contract to purchase more than six regiments of S 400 missiles systems, which give Chinese air force an upper edge to control entire Taiwanese air space and much of the Eastern India, even a Battery close to Indian borders can cover entire New Delhi too making IAF jets operates under hostile threat. China and Russia signed the deal in early 2012, and It’s believed China  get those missile defense systems in coming years.

The S 400 comes with two Radars, which scan targets more than 400 kilometers. the grave stone is the known long range air surveillance radar, used to scan the air space and identifies the hostile threats. the radar comes with IFF- Identification of friend and foe System, allows safe operation inside friendly airspace. the high powerful radar can guide more than 60 missiles to different targets at same time. this radar mainly used for detecting and engaging fighter jets and cruise missiles.

Another one is the Big Bird Radar, which is used to detect missiles at long range and high altitudes, basically used to detect Ballistic missiles. the S 400 has the unique capability of engaging tactical and short range ballistic missiles. both radars comes with anti jamming capability. so it’s hard to jam the Radar’s using electronic warfare systems. those Radars lock enemy targets within two minutes, and allows to launch interceptor missiles within seconds. the system comes with optional radars like low band surveillance systems to detect low flying objects in close ranges.

The S 400 missile launchers comes with three types of missiles, each comes with different characteristics to engage different type of targets, one version is used for ballistic missile interception, who comes with semi active radar homing, to lock the target before engaging, means the S 400 radar guides the missiles as well as the missiles onboard radar too guide the missile in terminal phase. thus allows high probability of interception Ballistic missiles.
Another is the Long range Hyper sonic missiles, used to intercept Fighter jets and Cruise missile. the missile travels at hypersonic speed, means 6000 kilometer per hour. at the range of some 250 kilometers, even if the Radar tracks targets at the range of 400 kilometers, the S 400 can launch interceptor missiles when it comes close to 250 kilometers. the Russian S 400 has a missile which can target fighters at some 400 kilometers. however due to MCTR rules, the missile not available for export.

There is one more missile in the S 400 battery, which is used to intercept low flying highly maneuvering targets like cruise missiles and mirv’ed warheads from Ballistic missiles. compared to other missiles, this missiles range could be less some 120 kilometers. however this is one of the best missile which destroy almost all kind of flying targets.

Over all it’s not the missiles, It’s the Radars who makes the S 400 is much deadlier than other systems. even if the Indian government signed the contract by this years PM visit. Russia may deliver it only after 2018 or later. due to the economic crisis it’s clear that anyone having money can buy those S 400 systems. as countries like Saudi, Turkey, Vietnam already in negotiations to buy S 400 SAM system.

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