In a major development in India’s security, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has started deploying first Russia’s S-400 air defence system in the Punjab sector. This deployment will increase IAF’s capacity to tackle the air threats by the neighbours – China and Pakistan.
“The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The batteries of the first squadron would be capable of taking care of aerial threats from both Pakistan and China,” government sources told news agency ANI.
“Parts of the Russian missile system had started reaching India earlier this month and the unit is expected to be operationalized in the next few weeks”, they further said.
Russia will provide five air defence systems, which may tackle air threats up to 400 km, according to the deal worth around Rs 350,000. Expectedly, the equipment for the defence system will be delivered by both sea and air routes and the deliveries of first Russia's powerful S-400 air defence missile system are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
India Air Force officers have been trained on it in Russia.
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This major development will provide India a greater edge as the country will be able to tackle the enemies from around 400 KM distance. These defence crafts have been equipped with four missiles, which may engage enemies at the distance of 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km.