In a major success for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system “shot down” 80% of the “enemy” fighter aircraft package during a military exercise, forcing the remaining aircraft to retreat. This exercise involved the IAF deploying its own fighter aircraft as ‘enemy aggressor planes’, which were then tracked and targeted by the S-400 system.
Top defence sources reported that this recent exercise demonstrated significant air defence capabilities, with approximately 80% of incoming enemy aircraft intercepted by the Russian-supplied S-400 missiles. Initially, Russia was expected to deliver all five squadrons by early 2024, but the delivery schedule was delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite this, the IAF has fully operationalised the three squadrons received so far, deploying nearly 1.5 squadrons each on the fronts with China and Pakistan.
Additionally, the IAF will lead the implementation of the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) air defence system to further enhance India’s defensive capabilities along both the China and Pakistan borders. This new system will complement existing air defence assets, including the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems, which are already operational.
The first three squadrons of the S-400 have been deployed in the northern and eastern sectors and have actively participated in aerial exercises, according to defence sources.
