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The S-400 surface-to-air missile system is one of Russia’s most advanced antiaircraft weapons. It is an upgraded version of the S-300, the Soviet Union’s answer to the American Patriot missile batteries introduced during the Cold War.
The S-400, also known by NATO countries as the SA-21 Growler, has several components: a truck that carries and launches up to four missiles, and separate radars — operating on different frequencies — that network together for more accuracy.
Features Of S-400 Missile System
The S–400 Triumph air defence system integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre. It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.
Which Countries Have S-400 Missile System?
China S-400
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officially took ownership of the first regimental set of Russian-made S-400 Triumf advanced interceptor-based air defense systems (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) last week, according to Russian media reports.
The first two Russian cargo ships carrying the bulk of the S-400 equipment, including launchers and mobile radar systems, arrived in China in April. The last delivery reportedly took place in early May. Russian personnel has been handing over the equipment to the Chinese military over the past months, a process which apparently has now been completed.
Turkey S-400
The first S-400 equipment was delivered to Ankara in July despite warnings about possible United States sanctions over the purchase.
Ankara and Washington have been at odds over Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 system, which the US says is not compatible with NATO defences and poses a threat to its F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told CNN Turk television on Saturday the S-400s would be activated despite repeated US warnings.
“They [US officials] told us ‘don’t activate them and we can sort this out’, but we told them that we didn’t buy these systems as a prop,” Cavusoglu said, adding Turkey would be open to buying US Patriot missile systems as well.
India S-400
“The S-400 is one of the flagship projects in the Russian-Indian military and military-technical cooperation, which historically constitutes the main pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our two friendly countries,” he said, at a ceremony in the run-up to the departure of an Indian military induction team to Russia later this month.
TOI was the first to report on January 11 that India, undeterred by the threat of US financial sanctions, was sending an initial IAF team of almost 100 officers and airmen to Russia for training in operations and maintenance of the S-400 air defence systems.
Under the $5.43 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) contract inked with Russia in October 2018, the deliveries of the five mobile squadrons of the S-400 systems will begin from September-October this year. All five squadrons will be delivered by 2023.
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