India Receives Fourth S-400 Triumf Air Defence Squadron

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India recently received the 4th squadron of the Russia-made S-400 Triumf system to strengthen its long-range air defence capabilities.

The S-400 Triumf is officially called 'Sudarshan' in Indian service and acts as an advanced long-range air defence network.
Russia developed this mobile Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, which ranks among the most capable air defence platforms globally.
The system creates a layered defence using missiles that cover ranges between 40 and 400 km to stop incoming threats.
It can successfully neutralize various aerial dangers such as stealth fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and both cruise and ballistic missiles.
Advanced radar features allow the system to track up to 300 targets at the same time while actively engaging 36 threats at once with high precision.

India signed a USD 5.43 billion deal in 2018 with Russia to acquire five regimental systems.
Three squadrons are already active, the fourth has now arrived, and delivery of the fifth is expected in 2027.
The system secures India along the northern and western borders and proved its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor by stopping enemy drones and missiles.
AI-assisted decision-support systems help operators identify and prioritize targets, though human operators retain the final authority to launch.

The S-400 works smoothly alongside domestic defence networks like the DRDO developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
It also pairs with local programs like Project Kusha (Extended Range Air Defence System) to effectively counter security challenges from China and Pakistan.