India’s fourth S400 system to arrive on Russian ship in mid-May; likely to be deployed in Rajasthan

New Delhi: Russia has shipped the fourth batch of S-400 Triumf defense systems shortly after the May 7 anniversary and “will arrive in India in mid-May” operation sindoora defense source told TOI. The fifth S-400 system is expected to arrive in India in November. The Russian S-400 system proved its capabilities in protecting Indian military and civilian assets from Pakistani missile attacks during last year’s conflict.“Pre-shipment inspections of the incoming S-400 systems by Indian Air Force officials were completed on April 18,” Russian state-owned news agency TASS quoted sources as saying. “The fourth Russian S-400 air defense system is on its way to India and is expected to be received at an Indian port in mid-May. The new system is planned to be deployed in Rajasthan to strengthen missile defense along Pakistan’s borders. “ TASS said the fifth system will be deployed on the border with China.The first two batches of S400 systems were deployed on the Pakistan border, and the third batch was deployed in the eastern region.In 2018, India signed a deal worth $5.43 billion to purchase five S-400 squadrons to strengthen its missile defense system. Impressed with its effective role against Pakistan last year, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of five more Russian S-400 systems on March 27 this year, which may expand the country’s missile defense system.India has also decided to purchase 280 short- and long-range S-400 missiles to replenish the inventory used during Operation Sindoor and build up a stockpile of long-range weapons. It is estimated that India fired 11 long-range S-400 missiles towards Pakistan, hitting fighter jets, early warning systems and transport aircraft.Following Sindoor, India is developing the multi-layered integrated air and missile defense system “Sudarshan Chakra” (India’s own Iron Dome), including S-400 (long-range), Barak-8 (medium-range) and indigenous Project Kusha (extended-range air defense system) to create an advanced indigenous “Iron Dome” comprehensive security barrier to defend against multiple threats such as ballistic missiles, drones and hypersonic weapons. India also plans to procure Russian Pantsir-S1M short-range air defense systems to protect its S-400 Triumf batteries from small threats such as drones.