When was India's defense shield S-400 purchased, which government took the initiative?

India.com

10-05-2025

When was India's defense shield S-400 purchased, which government took the initiative?
The Indian military on Saturday refuted all Pakistan's claim that its hypersonic missiles fired from JF-17 fighter jets destroyed India's S-400 air defence system in Adampur. Pakistan's state-run PTV earlier reported that Pakistan Air Force's hypersonic missiles destroyed the S-400 system in Adampur.
S-400 has not only protected India from immediate threats but has also strengthened India's strategic power on the global stage. It has become an important part of India's defense in depth strategy.
India's defence armour S-400 air defence system was purchased from Russia in 2018. This was initiated by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when India ignored the pressure of US and signed an agreement to buy five units from Russia. The deal was done for about $ 5.43 billion.
The S-400 air defense system has become an important and strong shield in India's security shield. This system has become an impenetrable security for Indian borders amid air-based challenges from countries like Pakistan and China. Recently, incidents of drones sent from Pakistan being shot down in the air have come to light, in which the role of S-400 has been important. In such a situation, it is important to know when this system was made, which government bought it and why did India need it? Along with this, we will also know how and for how much it was bought.
The S-400 air defence system was developed by Russian government-controlled company Almaz-Antey. Its production began in the 1990s and it was first inducted into the Russian army in 2007. The system became operational during the reign of then-President Vladimir Putin and quickly became the centre of Russia's military power. The system is an upgraded version of the S-300, which has the ability to track and destroy enemy missiles, drones and fighter jets from a distance of 400 kilometres.
Why was there a need for S-400?
India has always faced a dual challenge from Pakistan and China. There is a constant threat of drone, suicide and missile attacks from across the border from Pakistan. At the same time, tension and infiltration incidents are increasing on the LAC (Line of Actual Control) with China. India needed an air defense system that can detect the threat from a distance and neutralize it in seconds. The S-400's multi-tracking capability, high-range missiles and fast reaction time make it suitable for India's needs.
How was the S-400 purchased?
Talks between India and Russia regarding S-400 started in the year 2015. At that time Narendra Modi's government was at the center and the deal was given priority under the supervision of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. India signed an agreement with Russia in 2018 to buy 5 units of this system. During this time, America warned of imposing strict sanctions (CAATSA), but India gave priority to strategic strength and made a deal with Russia.
How much was S-400 purchased for?
India bought 5 S-400 units from Russia for around $5.43 billion (about Rs 39,000 crore). This defense agreement is one of the most expensive deals in India's history. The cost of one unit is more than $1 billion. Its delivery started in December 2021 and so far India has received three units. The remaining two units will also be delivered to India soon.
How does S-400 work?
The S-400 has four different missile series with ranges of 40, 120, 250 and 400 kilometres. Its multi-function radar, automatic command post and tracking system can simultaneously track 36 targets and target 72. It can also recognise altitude, speed and technologically advanced targets.
There were many attempts from Pakistan to send drones in the border areas of Punjab, Jammu and Rajasthan, which India shot down in the air. In these incidents, S-400 identified the drones from a distance and destroyed them. This system has been specially deployed in those areas where there is a high risk of infiltration or drone attacks from Pakistan.