S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ Air Defence System – India’s Strategic Shield

Syllabus: Defence Technology, Security(Prelims)
Source: The Hindu

Context

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected an Indian company to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system, enhancing its long-term operational readiness and indigenisation efforts.

What is the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’?

• The S-400 Triumf, codenamed SA-21 Growler by NATO, is a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey.
• In Indian service, it is named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, symbolising its precision and swift defensive capability.

Development and Procurement

• Developed by: Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, Russia
• Inducted in Russia: 2007
• India-Russia Deal Signed: October 2018
  • Cost: ₹35,000 crore (approx. USD 5.4 billion)
  • Units Ordered: 5 squadrons
  • Delivery Status: 3 squadrons received; remaining 2 expected by 2026 and 2027

Purpose and Role in India

• Designed to neutralise aerial threats such as:
  • Fighter aircraft
  • Cruise and ballistic missiles
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Hypersonic weapons
• Ensures airspace denial and deterrence, especially along:
  • Western and Northern borders
• Provides strategic cover to:
  • Cities
  • Military installations
  • Nuclear command centres

Key Features of S-400 Sudarshan Chakra

1. Detection and Range

• Detects targets up to 600 km
• Engages at four missile ranges, up to 400 km

2. Multi-Target Engagement

• Can track and engage up to 80 targets simultaneously
• Effective against stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic threats

3. Rapid Response Capability

• Minimal tracking-to-launch cycle time
• Uses both active and semi-active radar-guided missiles

4. Integrated System Components

• Each squadron includes:
  • Command and control vehicles
  • Surveillance and engagement radars
  • Launcher trucks
  • Over 16 vehicles per squadron

Deployment in India

• Already deployed at key strategic locations:
  • Pathankot
  • Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck)
  • Western front near Pakistan
• Played a key role in Operation Sindoor, successfully intercepting over 15 aerial threats

Significance

• Enhances India’s air defence preparedness and strategic deterrence
• Provides multi-layered protection against evolving aerial threats
• MRO facility will boost self-reliance and ensure sustained performance of S-400 systems