Russia’s S-400 Triumf is the World’s Best Anti Aircraft Missile System - Indian Envoy Claims

In the first week of October 2018 the Indian Armed Forces placed a $5.43 billion order for five units of the S-400 Triumf long range surface to air missile system. This was the latest of many high profile purchases of Russian weapons systems, with the bulk of India’s naval surface fleet, tank divisions, fighter fleet, AWACS and ballistic missile submarines among other assets all acquired from Russia - often under highly favourable terms which included significant technology transfers to India’s own defence sector. In early June 2019 India’s Defence Ministry reiterated their commitment to proceed with the acquisition despite threats from the United States to impose economic penalties and downgrade defence ties should Delhi proceed. The S-400 was particularly valued for its versatility, its survivability and its ability to engage multiple combinations of fighters, support aircraft, bombers, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles simultaneously. In light of the induction of the first stealth fighters by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, and plans in neighbouring Pakistan to develop stealth jets with China under Project AZM, the S-400’s anti-stealth capabilities were also highly prized. The platform was developed with the intention of engaging high end American stealth jets such as the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit.

Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma in early August referred to the S-400 as “the best in the world” due to its a advanced capabilities. “We have no doubt that the S-400 is the best anti-aircraft missile system in the world. India is glad to have S-400, made in Russia, in its armed forces,” he said. He further reiterated that, despite Western pressure, “fulfilment of contractual obligations will continue in accordance with the provisions of the document.” The S-400 is capable of deploying multiple classes of hypersonic missile, although it is uncertain whether the battalions being delivered to India will be equipped with 40N6E missiles which provide a 400km range and uniquely allow for low altitude targeting at extreme ranges. The missile system is capable of guiding up to 160 missiles simultaneously against up to 80 targets, and deploys over half a dozen types of specialised munitions.