In a major boost to India’s air defense capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has started deploying its Russian S-400 air defense missile system in the Punjab sector.
“The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The batteries of the first squadron would be capable of taking care of aerial threats from both Pakistan and China,” government sources informed.
The parts of the missile systems are coming via both air and sea routes and would be quickly deployed in the designated locations.
Earlier this month, foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla had announced that Russia has started deliveries of the surface-to-air long-range missile system. Shringla’s statement came soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
Last month Russia had trained a group of Indian personnel to operate the first regiment of the Triumf S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.
The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 and was previously available only to the Russian defence forces. It is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007.
The S-400 air defense system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around ₹35,000 crores and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km.
