IAF’s 'Sudarshan' S-400 Air Defence System 'Shot Down' 80 Per Cent Of 'Enemy' Aircraft In Exercise: Report

The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system successfully 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' fighter aircraft in a recent exercise while compelling the remainder to retreat and abort their missions.

According to defence sources cited in an ANI report, the Indian Air Force conducted this exercise in a theatre where it has deployed one of its S-400 squadrons.

The IAF conducted the exercise to demonstrate the full integration of the air defence missile system into the force.

The Sudarshan S-400 weapon system, named after Lord Krishna's mighty Sudarshan chakra, was tested with real fighter aircraft to evaluate its capabilities during the exercise.

The Sudarshan, 'locking on and targeting' in simulated action, could 'shoot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' offensive package.

The remaining aircraft, which intended to 'attack' targets within Indian territory, aborted their missions and were intercepted by the air defence system.

The Indian Air Force has now fully integrated the Sudarshan system, with three squadrons already in service and two more expected to be delivered in 2026.

During a high-level visit to Russia, the Indian side requested that Moscow expedite the delivery of the remaining systems.

The S-400 system is capable of hitting targets up to 400 kilometers away and is effective against various aerial threats, including fighter jets and cruise missiles.

Earlier in 2018, India signed an over Rs 35,000 crore deal with Russia to purchase five S-400 air defence surface-to-air missile (SAM) squadrons.

In recent years, the Indian Air Force has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities.

The IAF, which has recently also acquired indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems along with Israeli Spyder systems, reportedly believes that the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Defence Acquisition Council recently approved the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha, following its clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

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