By Girish Linganna
Feb 15: The escalating tensions in the Middle East have put Israel's Iron Dome air defense system to the test, where it has proven its advanced capabilities in intercepting long-range missiles, showcasing the system's technological prowess. This real-world combat scenario underscores the critical need for robust air defense mechanisms.
Against this backdrop, India faces its own set of challenges, with perceived threats along its borders from countries like Pakistan and China—the latter already having deployed the formidable Russian S-400 missile system along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). These developments have heightened the urgency for India to advance its defense capabilities.
In response, India has embarked on 'Project Kusha,' an ambitious initiative launched in 2022 to develop its own Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LR-SAM). This system aims to rival the reach and precision of the S-400 and enhance India's air defense infrastructure. The project marks a significant push towards self-reliance in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and is expected to bolster India's defense against a variety of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, stealth jets, and drones.
'Project Kusha' secured the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Ministry in September 2023, a critical milestone that marks the commencement of the procurement process. The approval paves the way for the acquisition of five squadrons of the system for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of Rs 21,700 crore.
To ensure a formidable defensive posture, India plans to integrate a diverse array of missiles into the system, with ranges spanning 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km. This strategic assortment of missile capabilities is reflective of the tiered approach seen in Russia's revered S-400 system.
DRDO, India's premier military research body, is at the forefront of developing this sophisticated long-range air defense system, which is not only intended to protect India's skies but also to assert the nation's growing prowess in indigenous defense technology. With an expected deployment around 2028-29, the system's success could potentially redefine regional air defense dynamics and establish India as a key player in advanced military technologies.
Working Principle
The domestically developed long-range surface-to-air missile system (LR-SAM) features advanced long-range detection and command radars, coupled with interceptor missiles capable of identifying and neutralizing enemy threats at distances of 150 km, 200 km, and 350 km. This system is also designed to offer both strategic and tactical defense coverage.
It is claimed that the system boasts a minimum 80% probability of destroying a target with a single missile and exceeds a 90% success rate when a second missile is launched in succession. The integrated surveillance and fire control radars will furnish the Indian Air Force (IAF) with enhanced capabilities to vigilantly oversee airspace and counteract adversarial attacks.
Furthermore, the launch units of the LR-SAM system will have the ability to communicate with the IAF's air command and control setup, allowing for the integration of various military radars. In essence, this Indian-made counterpart to the Iron Dome system will greatly enhance India's defense strength, safeguarding Indian skies by spotting and engaging enemy threats from afar.
It is worth mentioning, India has secured a deal with Russia for five squadrons of the S-400 air defense missile systems. While three units have already been delivered on schedule,remaining two is expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
Shielding Sovereignty: The S-400 Financial Chess
The S-400 Triumf, crafted by Russia, ranks as a highly sophisticated air defense mechanism that can target various airborne objects at different distances. This article explores the financial aspects of acquiring and maintaining the S-400 system, offering a thorough examination of the monetary commitment required from countries that procure this military tech. Moreover, it provides an analysis of the broader geopolitical consequences associated with these acquisitions.
Russia's Almaz-Antey has developed the S-400 Triumf as the next generation of the S-300 defense series. This system can intercept planes, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles up to 400 kilometers away and 30 kilometers high. It is praised for its versatility in launching different missile types, making it adaptable to a wide array of attack tactics.
Estimating the price of the S-400 system is a multifaceted task due to its numerous parts. The fundamental price encompasses the radar system, launchers, command units, and the missiles themselves. Beyond this, countries must account for additional costs such as training operators, upkeep of the system, and future enhancements.
It is reported that the price for a single S-400 battalion, comprising eight launchers and 112 missiles, spans from $300 million to $500 million (INR 2,400 to 4,000 crores approximately). Nevertheless, the actual cost can significantly fluctuate based on the unique requirements and contractual terms established between Russia and the buying nation. For example, Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system is believed to have amounted to $2.5 billion (around INR 20,000 crores), a deal that included financing and an agreement to share technology.
On October 15, 2016, amidst the BRICS Summit, India and Russia entered into an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) to deliver five S-400 regiments to India. This agreement, valued at US$5.43 billion (?40,725 crore), was officially inked on October 5, 2018.
By October 2023, India had received three units of the S-400 Triumph air defense system. The delivery of the final two units is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Among the 4 integrated missiles of the S-400 defense system, the first missile is designed to engage targets up to 40 km away, the second extends its reach to 120 km, the third missile increases the range to 250 km, and the fourth missile is capable of neutralizing threats at a distance of up to 400 km.
Turkey, after choosing to acquire the S-400 system, encountered growing pressure and risked sanctions from NATO allies, particularly the United States. In contrast, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna introduced an amendment suggesting that the Joe Biden administration should leverage its authority to issue India a waiver from the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). This step was proposed to assist India in deterring threats from nations like China, which could enable India to escape the imposition of CAATSA sanctions.
CAATSA means :The United States is mandated by a law known as the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, to apply financial penalties to any nation that engages in significant defense transactions with Russia, Iran, or North Korea. This legislation was enacted to penalize Russia for its annexation of Crimea and interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
China too has acquired six S-400 systems, but technically, China's arsenal includes only missiles with ranges of 40 km, 120 km, and 250 km. Therefore, China is limited to tracking and targeting objects within a maximum distance of 250 km.