Latest news with #S-500Prometheus
News18
27-05-2025
- Business
- News18
After S-400, Is India Ready For The S-500 Air Defence? One Big Hurdle Remains
Last Updated: India may seek Russia's S-500 Prometheus after the S-400 Triumf air defence system played a crucial role in neutralising threats from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor marked one of the most intense air confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent memory with precision airstrikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetting multiple terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan launched several missiles and drones across border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab. But what could have been a devastating blow was largely neutralised in the skies, thanks to India's advanced air defence system, the S-400 Triumf. Deployed in layers across vulnerable sectors, the S-400 shield intercepted a barrage of enemy drones and missiles, forcing Pakistani jets to abandon or alter their flight paths. Military analysts say the system played a critical role in limiting civilian casualties and infrastructure damage during the retaliation phase of the operation. India's deployment of the S-400, a long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau, has transformed the dynamics of subcontinental air defence. Capable of detecting threats up to 600 kilometres away and engaging multiple aerial targets simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and even ballistic threats, the S-400 can destroy targets up to 400 kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy. Its rapid mobility ensures flexibility, allowing forces to reposition the system to match evolving tactical requirements. India had inked a Rs 35,000 crore (approximately $5.4 billion) deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400. The first squadron was deployed in Punjab in 2021, strategically positioned to counter threats from both Pakistan and China. Three squadrons are now operational; the remaining two are scheduled for delivery by 2026. Within the Indian Army, the system is referred to as ' Sudarshan Chakra ', a symbolic nod to its devastating reach and precision. Designed not just to neutralise modern aerial threats but to dominate the near-space domain, the S-500 can intercept hypersonic glide vehicles, high-speed drones, and even satellites in low Earth orbit. This includes objects travelling at speeds and altitudes well beyond the interception capabilities of the S-400. With a detection range of up to 2,000 kilometres for ballistic targets and the ability to intercept them at distances up to 600 kilometres, the S-500 offers unmatched coverage and lethality. It includes the deadly 77N6 series of interceptors, capable of 'hit-to-kill" engagements, and can simultaneously track and engage up to 10 targets, more than enough to counter a multi-vector aerial assault. With this deal, India could become the first foreign customer of the S-500, should it formally express interest in acquiring the system. However, the path to procurement may not be straightforward. The United States' CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), enacted in 2018, empowers the US to sanction nations that conduct significant defence transactions with Russia. Though a 2022 legislative amendment pushed by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna provided a temporary waiver for India's S-400 purchase, a similar exemption for the S-500 is not guaranteed. With the growing threat from hypersonic missiles and evolving space warfare capabilities, India's interest in the S-500 is more than a symbolic upgrade – it is a strategic imperative. But the geopolitical calculations around such a deal will be as complex as the technology itself. First Published:
India.com
15-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Can eliminate enemies from 2000 km away..., this 'Brahmastra' is more deadlier than the S-400, nightmare for China and Pakistan due to...
When was India's defense shield S-400 purchased, which government took the initiative? During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army carried out precision airstrikes on nine terrorist camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan attempted to launch drone and missile attacks targeting several Indian cities near the borders of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab. However, India's advanced air defense system, the S-400, played a game-changing role in neutralizing these threats. Often referred to in India as the 'Sudharshan Chakra', S-400 system is a long-range surface-to-air missile defense platform capable of detecting and destroying aerial targets with remarkable precision. It can track over 100 targets simultaneously and engage threats at a distance of up to 400 kilometers. This includes aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles. It has a tracking range of 600 kilometers. India's S-400 deal with Russia India signed a USD 5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 units. The first unit was deployed in 2021 in the Punjab sector, specifically to counter threats from both Pakistan and China. During Operation Sindoor, the S-400's quick response and interception capabilities proved crucial in protecting Indian airspace from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. Now, a more advanced version the S-500 is being talked about. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the introduction of this next-generation air defense system could further boost India's strategic edge. About S-500 Prometheus The S-500, also known by its codename Prometheus is designed to address the rapidly evolving threats of modern warfare, it goes far beyond its predecessor the S-400 in scope, capability, and technological advancement. Whereas the S-400 is capable of tracking over 100 targets and neutralizing threats like aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles up to 400 kilometers away, the S-500 is built for the future battlefield. It is specifically designed to intercept hypersonic glide vehicles, high-speed drones, and even low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites threats that are fast becoming a central challenge in global defense strategy. Key capabilities of the S-500 Prometheus: Target Range (Detection): Ballistic Missiles: Up to 2,000 km Aerial Targets (jets, UAVs, etc.): Up to 800 km Target Range (Interception): Ballistic Missiles: Up to 600 km Aerial Threats: Up to 400 km Advanced Radar Systems: Equipped with jam-proof, multi-frequency radars capable of detecting stealth aircraft, space-based threats, and hypersonic projectiles. Anti-Satellite Capability: Can engage and destroy LEO satellites, providing space denial and an edge in space warfare scenarios. Enhanced Altitude and Reaction Time: Can engage targets at altitudes of up to 200 km (vs. 30 km for the S-400) Has a reaction time of just 3–4 seconds, compared to 9–10 seconds for the S-400. S-400 vs S-500 Feature S-400 S-500 Prometheus Detection Range (Air) 600 km 800 km Interception Range (Air) 400 km 400 km Interception Range (Ballistic) 60 km – 250 km Up to 600 km Hypersonic Missile Intercept Not effective Yes Anti-Satellite Capability No Yes Reaction Time 9–10 seconds 3–4 seconds Altitude Engagement Up to 30 km Up to 200 km Stealth Tracking Moderate Advanced Multi-frequency Radar Simultaneous Target Tracking Very High (100+) High, but slightly less than S-400 While the S-400 remains one of the most powerful multi-role air defense systems especially suited for layered defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones the S-500 is designed to set a new global standard.
