With Eye On China And Pakistan, India To Deploy First Squadron Of S-400 Missile System In Punjab Sector

Indian Air Force (IAF) is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 air defence missile system in the Punjab sector to ensure sufficient protection against aerial threats from Pakistan and China.

“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,” a government source told The Economic Times.

Several parts of the missile system reached India in early December. However, the entire unit will be operationalised in the coming few weeks.

Both sea and air routes are being used to bring the equipment of the defence system to the country.

The five squadrons, which India is set to acquire through the Rs 35,000 crore contract signed with Russia, can tackle aerial threats up to 400 km.

IAF officers and personnel have already received training in Russia on utilising the system.

Meanwhile, the focus will be laid upon the eastern border and ensuring reinforcement for adequate training of the personnel in India once the first squadron is deployed appropriately.

According to the report, sources even said that India successfully managed to reduce the cost of S-400 by $1 billion with the help of tough bargaining and negotiations.