Russia's S-400 missile defense systems were instrumental in altering the outcome of India's conflict with Pakistan
The Russian S-400 "Triumph" air defense system, a long- and medium-range surface-to-air missile system, has proven its worth in various parts of the world. Designed to destroy missiles, aircraft, and ground targets, its effectiveness has been demonstrated in real combat, as seen during the India-Pakistan conflict.
India, despite the threat of sanctions from the United States, acquired the S-400 system. The Indian Air Force Chief Marshal Aamir Prit Singh praised the system's performance, calling it a turning point in the conflict. The S-400 system successfully prevented Pakistani aircraft from approaching within striking distance, introducing a significant change in the course of events.
Turkey, too, has signed an agreement for the supply of S-400, with a contract worth over $2 billion concluded in September 2018. China was the first foreign operator to take delivery of the Russian S-400 air defense systems, with a contract worth over $3 billion signed in 2014.
Besides India, China, Belarus, and Turkey, Algeria and Iran have also deployed or expressed interest in deploying the S-400 system. Algeria received its first units in September 2021, while Iran tested the system operationally near Isfahan in July 2025, marking a significant step in its air defense modernization efforts. Qatar has been reported to be in advanced talks to procure the S-400 system, though no confirmed delivery has been noted as of yet.
The S-400 system's detection range is up to 600 kilometers, with a maximum speed of the targets being 4800 meters per second. The system can engage 36 targets simultaneously. Its minimum range to engage a target is 3 kilometers, with a maximum of 400 kilometers. The minimum height to engage a target is 5 meters, with a maximum of 35 kilometers.
The India-Pakistan conflict involved around 125 fighter jets in a major aerial battle. The S-400 system's longest recorded air-to-ground target destruction was during this conflict, with the system downing five fighters and one enemy plane being destroyed at a record range of 300 km.
With the success of the S-400 system, India's appetite for new Russian weapons has grown stronger. The Ministry of Defense is eyeing the Su-57 fighters and the new S-500 air defense system, further cementing the strategic partnership between Russia and India in the defense sector.
References: 1. Al Jazeera 2. Russia Today 3. The Diplomat 4. The Hindu 5. Mehr News Agency
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