Indian Air Force’s Sudarshan S-400 Missile System Shows Impressive Performance
The Indian Air Force’s Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise. The system ‘shot down’ 80% of the ‘enemy’ fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat and abort their missions.
Exercise Details
The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase the full integration of the air defence missile system. Real fighter aircraft were used to test the capabilities of the S-400, now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishna.
System Integration
The Indian Air Force has fully integrated the S-400 system, with three squadrons already inducted and two more expected by 2026. India has requested Russia to expedite the delivery of these systems.
Strategic Importance
India and Russia signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore for five squadrons of the S-400. The Indian Air Force believes the S-400 will be a game changer, complementing other missile systems like the indigenous MR-SAM, Akash, and Israeli Spyder. The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha.
The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities, especially along the Line of Actual Control with China, where both countries have deployed extensive air defence systems.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for protecting Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during conflicts.
Sudarshan S-400 -: The Sudarshan S-400 is a type of advanced air defence missile system that India bought from Russia. It can detect and destroy enemy aircraft and missiles from a long distance.
Missile System -: A missile system is a set of weapons designed to launch missiles to destroy targets like enemy aircraft, ships, or other missiles.
Exercise -: In this context, an exercise is a practice event where the military tests its equipment and strategies to make sure they work well in real situations.
Squadrons -: A squadron is a unit in the air force that consists of several aircraft and their pilots. It is like a team that works together during missions.
Line of Actual Control -: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the border between India and China. It is not a clearly marked boundary, and sometimes there are disputes about where it lies.
Inducted -: Inducted means officially bringing something into use. In this case, it means that the Indian Air Force has started using the S-400 missile systems.
