In a major boost to the country’s air defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 air defense missile system in the Punjab sector.
Government sources told ANI, “The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The battery of the first squadron will be capable of dealing with air threats from both Pakistan and China.”
He said parts of the Russian missile system started arriving in India earlier this month and the unit is expected to be operational in the next few weeks.
The S-400 air defense system was contracted by India in a deal around 35,000 crore and five squadrons will be provided to India to deal with air threats up to 400 km.
The first squadron delivery is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Sources said the equipment is being brought to India by both sea and air routes.
Sources said that after the deployment of the first squadron, the IAF will start focusing on the eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country.
Indian Air Force officers and personnel have undergone training in Russia on this system.
The air defense system will give India an edge in the South Asian skies as they will be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from a distance of 400 km.
The S-400 missile defense system is equipped with four different missiles that can hit enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and AWACS aircraft at 400 km, 250 km, medium range 120 km and short range 40 km.
Sources said that due to tough negotiations and negotiations, India was able to reduce the price of the S-400 by about a billion dollars.
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