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S-400 missile
Why is it in news?
- India and Russia concluded the contract for five S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems, one of the biggest defence deals in recent times, after the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Deliveries of S-400 will begin in 24 months, at the end of 2020.
S-400 missile
- An S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile system is one of the most advanced long-range defence systems in the world.
- It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO.
- It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey.
- It has
- It is capable of firing three types of missiles. Thus, it creates a layered defence been in service in Russia since 2007., and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.
- It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km.
- With it, India can destroy Pakistani aircrafts even when they are in their airspace.
- India wants to procure long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along its nearly 4,000-km-long border.
- In 2016, India had signed agreement with Russia on Triumf interceptor-based missile system.
- But there has been mounting concerns in India over US sanctions against Russian defence majors export as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of punitive measure.
- The US had announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in presidential election in 2016.
- The five S-400 systems will be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- India is the second export customer, after China to purchase this most advance defence system.
Source
The Hindu, Indianexpress