In a notable move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly confirmed for the first time the deployment of Russia's state-of-the-art S-400 Triumf air defense system in the recent conflict with Pakistan.
Standing in front of the S-400 launcher, Mr. Modi declared: Platforms like the S-400 have brought unprecedented power to the country. A solid security shield is now the identity of India.
The heated clash took place during India's anti-terrorist campaign "Sindoor", when Pakistan retaliated with drones, precision missiles and guided weapons. For the first time, the S-400 is deployed in combat in the strategic states of punjab and Rajasthan.
As a result, the S-400's 40N6E super-long-range missiles intercepted targets from a distance of up to 370 km before they entered Indian airspace.
RT quoted Russian military expert Mikhail Khodaryonok as saying briefly: "The battlefield is where weapons prove their value and the S-400 has exceeded expectations."
India signed a $5.43 billion contract with Russia in 2018 to purchase five S-400 complexes, in order to simultaneously deal with the two threats of China and Pakistan. While China already owns the S-400 and deploys it near the Tibet border, India knows it needs a matching shield.
The S-400 stands out with its ability to intercept almost any flying target - from aircraft, drones, cruise missiles to short-range ballistic missiles. More importantly, the system is integrated smoothly with India's military infrastructure, which has been influenced by the Soviet era.
Compared to the US patriot missile - which is slow to deploy, has a small range and few types of missiles, the S-400 is superior in all aspects: combat readiness time is only 5 minutes, the longest range is 400 km, and the ability to track 300 targets at the same time.
In terms of price, each S-400 regiment only costs about 1 billion USD but can protect an area of up to 500,000 km2 - an area that patriot has to spend many times.
Not only a military tool, the S-400 is also a political lever. Quality is not cheap, but any country that really wants to defend will choose Triumf - expert Khodaryonok emphasized.
The appearance of the S-400 has caused dozens of countries, from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran and even Latin American countries, to express their intention to buy, despite pressure from the US.
India is looking forward to a future of an " iron arch" made in Russia across the border. When all 5 S-400 regroupes are deployed, India will have a multi-layered air defense system covering the entire northern, western and southern coastal routes - protecting both the border and key maritime routes.
The recent conflict with Pakistan was a turning point. For the first time, India has brought Russia's high-end technology into combat and witnessed what it can do. The S-400 not only intercepted enemy missiles. It sent a message. That is the political lever, a pillar of strategic independence and the foundation of New Delhi's air power.
