The Indian Air Force has signed a contract with Russia to acquire 5 squadrons of the S-400 air defence system and had carried out its firings only in Russia during the trials there.

“To prove the capabilities of the system, the first firing of the air defence system is planned to be held very soon against a fast, moving, aerial target,” top defence sources said..

The first two squadrons have already been operationalised in the northern and eastern sectors respectively and have taken part aerial exercises too, they said. The ISF has received three squadrons along with the simulators in recent times.

The system with its missiles of different range can take on enemy ballistic and cruise missiles, fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles flying at distances up to 400 kilometres. “Delivered S-400 to India on time regardless of US pressure,” Russia said.

India has signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore to acquire dove squadrons of the S-400 air defence missiles from Russia over three years and deliveries of all units are expected to get over by next financial year.

The S-400 is believed to be a game changer by the Indian Air Force, which has strengthened itself in terms of air defence capabilities in a big way in the last few years with the arrival of the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems along with the Israeli Spyder quick reactions surface to air missile systems.

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According to the sources, the only problem preventing the two countries from exchanging supplies is payment due to international sanctions against conducting financial transactions with Russia.

India has already put its first two missile system squadrons into service. The first two squadrons have been sent out to patrol the Ladakh sector, as well as West Bengal’s delicate Chicken’s Neck Corridor and the entire northeastern region.

The system can engage enemy fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic and cruise missiles, and cruise missiles with a range of up to 400 kilometres.

India and Russia have agreed to a three-year, more than ₹35,000 crore deal for India to buy five squadrons of S-400 air defence missiles, and all deliveries are anticipated to be completed by the end of the following fiscal year.

The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reactions surface to air missile systems, believes the S-400 will change the game. The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities in recent years.

The S-400 missile systems have also participated in exercises, and according to sources, the adversaries have been alarmed by this because they are aware of the Indian system’s superior capabilities to those of the Chinese system.

Presently, the S-400 air defence systems of China and India are each stationed along the Line of Actual Control.

The missiles’ deployment was designed to ensure that they would completely cover the northern to eastern sector with China. In light of the current international situation, the Russians are taking no chances as they ship and fly the system to India.

The joint production of the AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi is another joint effort between India and Russia, and some of the Russian machinery has already arrived at the production site.

All three forces heavily relied on military supplies, with Russia serving as one of India’s major suppliers of weaponry.

In the recent years, India has acquired weapons from both Russia’s rival, the US, and other European nations, including France. However, the Air Force and the Army still have more than 50% critical fighting systems from Russia.

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The Union Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation. Akash is a Surface-to-Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in Indian Air Force (IAF) and in 2015 in Indian Army.

Singh said a committee for faster approvals for the export of such platforms has been created.

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“Under the #AtmaNirbharBharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms & missiles. The Cabinet chaired by PM @narendramodi ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster approvals has been created,” Singh said in a tweet.

The decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products, he said.

“So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal. This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive,” Singh said.

“The Government of India intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms, to achieve target of 5 Billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries,” he added.

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Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms, said an official statement.

“To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a Committee comprising of Defence Minister, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor has been created. This Committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. The Committee would also explore various available options including the Government-to-Government route,” the statement added.

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