India To Get One Step Closer To Operationalising S-400 Missile Defence System

The Indian Air Force will soon perform the test firing of S-400 missile system, after having put into operation the first three squadrons of the long-range air defence system.

According to a report, Indian forces have already conducted tests in Russia, but have not tested it in India.

"The firing is planned to be held very soon using one of the small or medium ranges missiles against a fast-moving aerial target," said officials.

The S-400 missile system can target planes and missiles upto 400 km away, with a variety of missiles.

India has already deployed three S-400 missile squadrons. The first squadron is deployed in Punjab and strategically positioned to oversee the Pakistan border, along with the western and northern sectors.

The other two squadrons are now deployed in key locations to provide coverage for Ladakh and the Chicken's Neck Corridor in West Bengal.

India and Russia had earlier signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore, for the delivery of five squadrons of S-400 air defence missiles by 2023-24. However, there are reports that the delivery could be delayed due to Russia-Ukraine war.

The S-400 system along with the recently acquired medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM), Akash and Spyder surface-to-air missile system will be a formidable boost to the IAF's air defence capabilities.

China also operates six squadrons of S-400 missile system, which it acquired in 2015.