As a major step to strengthen India's air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force on Monday deployed the first S-400 air defence system in the Punjab sector. However, India's second main defence partner, the United States, had expressed its disapproval towards the S-400 missile deal between India and Russia and tried to threaten India to impose sanctions pertaining to its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law. Amid this opposition, in early December, foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla had announced that Russia had started deliveries of the surface-to-air long-range missile system.
Key points|
1. "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," said government sources, as per the media reports.
2. The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around ₹35,000 crore and 5 squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km. The first squadron deliveries are likely to be completed by the end of 2021.
3. According to the media reports, the equipment is being brought to India through both sea route and air route. The Air Force is also thought to focus on the Eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country. The Indian Air Force officers and personnel have been trained in the S-400 air defence system in Russia.
4. The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km.
5. This new air defence system will empower India in South Asia, as it will now be easy for India to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a 400 km distance.
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