S-400 Missile System Price in india, Specs and What it can do

The S-400 Triumf missile system is one of the most advanced air defense systems globally. Developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau, it can detect, track, and destroy various aerial threats. This includes aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and stealth fighters. The S-400 marks a major advancement in defensive technology.

In 2018, India signed a significant deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 system. The contract is worth about $5.43 billion (around ₹35,000 crore). Adding the S-400 to India’s defenses has greatly improved its ability to protect its airspace, especially in tense border regions.

With its unmatched range, tracking accuracy, and flexibility to target at different altitudes and speeds, the S-400 is a game-changer for India’s air defense strategy. This article will detail the S-400’s price, specifications, and capabilities.

S-400 Missile System Price in india

India signed a deal in October 2018 to purchase five S-400 Triumf air defense systems from Russia for approximately $5.43 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) .

What is the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra?

The “S-400 Sudarshan Chakra” is a nickname or metaphorical reference used in Indian defense and media circles to describe the S-400 Triumf air defense system after its induction into the Indian Armed Forces.

The S-400 Triumf is a modern long-range surface-to-air missile system from Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau. It is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world. The S-400 can detect, track, and neutralize many aerial threats, including drones, stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It does this with high precision.

Each S-400 squadron has two batteries. Each battery contains six launchers, a command-and-control unit, surveillance radar, and engagement radar. Each battery can handle up to 128 missiles, ensuring strong multi-layered defense.

In 2018, India signed a ₹35,000 crore (about $5.4 billion) deal with Russia for five squadrons of the S-400 system. Currently, three squadrons are fully operational, and two more are set for delivery by 2026. This significantly enhances India’s air defense capabilities.

S-400 Missile System Specs

Specification	Details
Name	S-400 Triumf
Country of Origin	Russia
Developer	Almaz Central Design Bureau
Type	Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System
Maximum Target Range	Up to 400 km (with 40N6E missile)
Minimum Target Range	2 km
Target Altitude Range	10 meters to 30 km
Max Number of Targets Tracked	Up to 300 targets simultaneously
Max Number of Targets Engaged	Up to 36 targets at once
Radar Type	91N6E Big Bird Acquisition Radar, 92N6 Engagement Radar
Missile Types	40N6E, 48N6E3, 48N6E2, 9M96E2
Missile Speeds	Up to Mach 14 (depending on the missile type)
Mobility	Road-mobile, truck-mounted launchers
Deployment Time	5–10 minutes
Crew	3–4 personnel

Competitors

1. MIM-104 Patriot (USA)

Developer: Raytheon Technologies
Range: Up to 160 km (PAC-3 variant)
Altitude: Up to 24 km
Strengths: Combat-proven, widely exported, integrated with NATO systems
Weaknesses: Shorter range and fewer simultaneous engagements compared to S-400

2. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) – USA

Developer: Lockheed Martin
Range: ~200 km
Altitude: 150 km (exosphere)
Strengths: Designed specifically to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes
Weaknesses: Not effective for low-altitude or close-range threats

3. Aster 30 SAMP/T (France/Italy)

Developer: Eurosam
Range: Up to 120 km
Altitude: ~20 km
Strengths: Mobile, NATO interoperable, solid performance against aircraft and missiles
Weaknesses: Less range and fewer engagement capabilities than S-400

4. HQ-9 (China)

Developer: China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC)
Range: Up to 200 km
Altitude: ~30 km
Strengths: Modeled after S-300 and Patriot systems
Weaknesses: Less tested in real combat; reports of lower reliability

Pros and Cons

Pros of S-400

Feature	Advantage
Long Range	Can engage targets up to 400 km away—among the longest in the world.
Multi-Target Tracking	Tracks up to 300 targets and engages 36 simultaneously, offering comprehensive defense.
Versatility	Can neutralize stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs.
Multiple Missile Types	Supports a variety of missiles (short to ultra-long range), enabling layered defense.
All-Weather, Day/Night Capability	Operates effectively in any weather and around the clock.
Mobility	Fully road-mobile, enabling quick deployment and repositioning.

Cons of S-400

Limitation	Detail
High Cost	Expensive system—India paid around $5.4 billion for five squadrons.
Logistics & Training	Requires specialized training and logistics support, often from Russia.
Political Risks	Purchase can trigger sanctions (e.g., CAATSA by the U.S.), affecting foreign relations.
Dependency on Russia	Spare parts and upgrades depend on Russia, which could be a risk during geopolitical tensions.
Large Footprint	The system requires significant space for full deployment, limiting urban utility.

Conclusion

The S-400 Triumf missile system is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world. It has an impressive range of up to 400 km. The system can track 300 targets at the same time and engage 36 targets simultaneously. This provides significant strategic advantages. Its ability to counter a variety of threats, like aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, makes it essential for modern defense forces.

However, the system comes with a high cost and depends on Russian support for maintenance and upgrades, which can be challenging. Still, the S-400’s mobility, multi-target capability, and all-weather performance are crucial for air defense in high-threat situations. As countries like India add it to their defense arsenal, the S-400 will remain vital for protecting national airspace and improving defense readiness.

S-400 Missile System Price in india, Specs and What it can do

S-400 Missile System Price in india

What is the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra?