Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: Russia has shipped the fourth batch of S-400 Triumf defence system that “will reach India by mid-May” soon after the May 7 anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a defence source told TOI. The fifth S-400 system is expected to arrive in India in November. The Russian S-400 system proved its mettle in protecting India’s military and civilian assets from Pakistan missiles during last year’s conflict.“The pre-dispatch inspection by the IAF officials of the incoming S-400 system was completed by April 18,” Russian state-owned news agency TASS quoted a source as saying. “The fourth Russian S-400 air defence system is on its way to India and is expected to be received at an Indian port by mid-May. The new system is planned to be deployed in Rajasthan to strengthen missile defence on the Pakistan border,” it further said. The fifth system will be deployed on the border with China, TASS said.While the earlier two batches of S400 systems were deployed along the Pakistan border, the third one is positioned in the eastern sector.In 2018, India signed an agreement for the purchase of five S-400 squadrons worth $5.43 billion to bolster its missile defence shield. Impressed with its highly-effective role against Pakistan last year, the defence acquisition council (DAC) on March 27 this year approved the acquisition of additional five Russian S-400 systems, which are likely to expand the missile shield in the country.India has also decided to purchase 280 short-and long-range S-400 missiles to replenish the stockpiles used during Op Sindoor, as well as to create a reserve of long-range weapons. India is estimated to have fired 11 long-range S-400 missiles at Pakistan, hitting fighter jets, early warning systems, and transport aircraft.Post-Sindoor, India is in the process of developing a multi-layered integrated air and missile defence system ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ (India’s own Iron Dome), involving S-400 (long-range), Barak-8 (medium-range), and indigenous Project Kusha (extended range air defence system) to create an advanced, homegrown “Iron Dome” comprehensive security shield against diverse threats like ballistic missiles, drones, and hypersonic weapons. India is also planning to procure Russian Pantsir-S1M short-range air defence systems to protect its S-400 Triumf batteries from small threats like drones.
