S-400 missile system deal: Adding huge firepower to defence preparedness, India is set to get Russia's approximately Rs 40,000 crore S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems. The S-400 Triumf missile system is one of the most formidable in the world, and it is widely believed that the US also fears it. The deal was announced in October 2016, though its finer details are yet to be worked out. Precontract preparations are underway, Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin has said. <br /><br /> Additionally, amidst growing bonhomie between India and the US, the biggest defence deal with Russia would also placate India's all-weather ally. The acquisition of the S-400 Triumf system would send a strong signal to Pakistan. We take a look at some cool facts about the missile system and how it will be a big boost for India. 
S400 Triumf is designed to knock down aerodynamic flying targets. This includes targets with stealth technologies as well. <br /><br /> The S-400 missile system packs a formidable punch and is capable of destroying incoming missiles, drones and hostile aircraft within a range of up to 400 km. -
The S-400 is a variant of the S-300 missile system of Russia, but is said to have a 2.5 times faster firing rate than its predecessor. Said to be the most modern defence system in Russia's defence arsenal, the S-400 Triumf has the NATO countries rattled!
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S-400 comes equipped with long-range radars that can track hundreds of targets at the same time and can shoot down stealth fighters like America's F-35 jets. (AP Photo)
Various defence and strategic affairs experts have told "Russia and India Report" that the addition of the S-400 missile system would act as a good deterrent against potential threats from Pakistan and China. <br /><br /> While China has also ordered the S-400 missile systems from Russia, the fact that India too will own them will check that imbalance. In 2014, China sealed a $3 billion deal for S-400 batteries. The deliveries for the systems will start from 2017 onwards. -
According to a TOI report, India plans to deploy three S-400 systems in the west (read Pakistan) and two in the east (read China). The S-400 would help check short and medium range ballistic missile threats.
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The S-400 missile system has eight launchers and appropriate means for detection and control, which may vary depending on the final system that India signs up for. Oleg Zheltonozhko, an independent expert told "Russia and India Report" that the combat capabilities of the S-400 are strongly based on its complement of different types of missiles.
In 2015, the Defence Acquisitions Council, led by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had given the clearance for acquiring five advanced Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems. The deal is currently in works and is expected to see the light of the day soon. <br /><br /> Though the systems will take a few years to induct once the deal is signed, they would without a doubt be a big shot in the arm for the defence forces. (AP Photo)
