Nearly 50 SAMs are in operation today, including the native Akash system, OSA-AK, Igla, Pechora (SA-3 Goa), and Israeli-made MRSAMs. Yet, India’s recent skirmish with Pakistan turned out to be a defining moment for the S-400 ‘Triumf’ system, which intercepted long-range projectiles from Pakistan with 100% efficacy.
The operational value of the Russian-built S-400 surface-to-air missile was demonstrated when it expertly destroyed Pakistani air-launched drones and cruise missiles. India’s acquisition of five units, inked in a USD 5.4 billion deal initiated by former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, has paid off.
Despite global sanctions on Russia and US pressure under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), India moved forward with deliveries—while Washington still mulls a waiver for New Delhi.
Sources tell EurAsian Times the Indian S-400 recently set a world record, hitting an airborne target at 314 km—believed to be a Saab Erieye-2000 radar platform of the Pakistan Air Force. This marks the second such loss for Pakistan, according to confidential briefings.
Hindustan Times appears to validate this AEW&C kill claim, citing the same source. Separately, Pakistan’s retired Air Marshal Masood Akhtar confirmed losing an Erieye during India’s Operation Sindoor on May 9–10, targeted by successive BrahMos strikes at Bholari airbase.
India has so far inducted three S-400 units—two on its western flank and one on the east—and awaits two more, delayed by the Ukraine war. NSA Ajit Doval’s upcoming visit to Moscow is expected to fast-track these pending deliveries.
Despite the system’s success, Indian defense planners acknowledge that more S-400 units may be needed to protect against a possible two-front scenario. Officials are reportedly mulling additional S-400 orders and exploring the next-gen S-500 ‘Prometheus.’
The S-500, designed by Almaz-Antey, boasts a 600 km concentration field and can preclude ballistic rockets, hypersonic harpoons, and even low-earth orbit satellites. Its anti-satellite capability adds a strategic layer for India. There is talk of a joint production agreement that could allow India to integrate new software and upgrade current launchers at a reduced cost.
China is reportedly speeding up the delivery of J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan at discounted prices. This maneuver would be decisively countered by acquiring the S-500, which would bring all Pakistani air bases into the Indian strike zone.
S-400 ‘Growler’
Engineered to engage aerial targets at up to 400 km with 40N6 missiles—and 250 km with 48N6 variants—the S-400 can track and strike 80 objects simultaneously. Its radar suite enables stealth detection, and its mobility makes neutralization difficult. During Pakistan’s saturation attempt, the system’s resilience helped Indian forces establish formidable anti-access area-denial (A2AD) zones.
About 70–80% of the S-400’s parts, such as launchers and radar systems, are shared with the S-300. 4. With more than 30 regiments presently in operation, it was introduced into service in 2007 and continues to be Russia’s most extensively used long-range SAM platform.
S-400: Fruit of Long-Term Planning
From 2014 to 2017, Parrikar, a metallurgical engineer by trade, guided India’s defense ministry with vision. His technical rigor redefined procurement strategy. He supported the S-400 contract to support India’s strategic freedom at the beginning of the enormous tension.
As previously reported by the EurAsian Times, by 2023, the IAF’s SAM units had outnumbered its fighter jet squadrons. Nearly 50 SAMs are in operation today, including the native Akash system, OSA-AK, Igla, Pechora (SA-3 Goa), and Israeli-made MRSAMs.
Late Air Marshal PK Barbora once emphasized, “In the Ukraine-Russia war, both sides shot down aircraft using AD weapons. In future battles, SAMs will be crucial.
India’s air defense model relies on layered engagement—fighters form the first shield, followed by surface-to-air guided weapons (SAGWs) and anti-air artillery at close range.
According to the IAF Doctrine 2022, “Control of the air is vital to execute military strategy.” Achieving this requires an Integrated Air Defence System (IADS), enabling synchronized response against aircraft, missiles, and airborne threats.
The IADS aims to link all defense platforms—AD fighters, LRSAMs, MRSAMs, SRSAMs, and CIWS—into a single operational grid. This integration ensures high readiness and multi-layered coverage of priority targets.
Hybrid Warfare: The Expanding Threat
Modern warfare isn’t black-and-white. Hybrid conflicts blur the line between conventional battlefields and political theater, where combatants may include state-sponsored non-state actors. In this grey zone, India’s robust air defense isn’t just a military asset—it’s a shield against chaos.
A well-networked, tiered AD system like IADS, reinforced by platforms such as the S-400 and potentially the S-500, is essential to safeguard sovereignty in a more unpredictable world.
