New Delhi: Russian-origin air defence system S-400 proved to be a gamechanger for the Indian military as it successfully thwarted several drone and missile attacks by Pakistan Air Force along the country's western and north-western borders since Wednesday.
"The S-400 Air defence system has lived up to its reputation as the best in its class," DB Venkatesh Varma, who was India's ambassador to Russia when the agreement to purchase S-400 was concluded in 2018, told ET.
But purchasing the S-400-known as the 'Sudarshan Chakra'-was not without its challenges, as there was a threat of US sanctions for purchasing the air defence system from Russia.
Also Read: What are the Turkish Asisguard SONGAR drones used by Pakistan on India last night?
India skilfully navigated to ensure there were no sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that targeted Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
The US House of Representatives in 2022 approved an India-specific CAATSA waiver for its S-400 purchase from Russia.
Last year, as a senator, Marco Rubio-current US secretary of state-introduced a bill that would provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing Russian equipment that are currently used by the Indian military. The bill also sought to treat India at par with allies like Japan, Israel and South Korea regarding technology transfers.
Also Read: India tears into Pakistan’s false claim that Indian forces targeted Amritsar, calls them 'preposterous and outrageous'
Currently, India has three operational S-400 air defence systems, and two more are expected to be delivered by 2026.
High-level sources recalled that while deciding to purchase the S-400 system, the Indian political leadership was firm in its decision to go ahead with the agreement in India's national interests.
Known for its advanced radar and interception capabilities, the S-400 was used to neutralise 15 missiles fired by Pakistan at military sites on Thursday. The S-400 system is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, at varying ranges and altitudes.
It consists of three main components: missile launchers, a powerful radar, and a command centre. It is capable of targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, and even high-speed intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
"The S-400 Air defence system has lived up to its reputation as the best in its class," DB Venkatesh Varma, who was India's ambassador to Russia when the agreement to purchase S-400 was concluded in 2018, told ET.
But purchasing the S-400-known as the 'Sudarshan Chakra'-was not without its challenges, as there was a threat of US sanctions for purchasing the air defence system from Russia.
Also Read: What are the Turkish Asisguard SONGAR drones used by Pakistan on India last night?
India skilfully navigated to ensure there were no sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that targeted Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
The US House of Representatives in 2022 approved an India-specific CAATSA waiver for its S-400 purchase from Russia.
Last year, as a senator, Marco Rubio-current US secretary of state-introduced a bill that would provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing Russian equipment that are currently used by the Indian military. The bill also sought to treat India at par with allies like Japan, Israel and South Korea regarding technology transfers.
Also Read: India tears into Pakistan’s false claim that Indian forces targeted Amritsar, calls them 'preposterous and outrageous'
Currently, India has three operational S-400 air defence systems, and two more are expected to be delivered by 2026.
High-level sources recalled that while deciding to purchase the S-400 system, the Indian political leadership was firm in its decision to go ahead with the agreement in India's national interests.
Known for its advanced radar and interception capabilities, the S-400 was used to neutralise 15 missiles fired by Pakistan at military sites on Thursday. The S-400 system is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, at varying ranges and altitudes.
It consists of three main components: missile launchers, a powerful radar, and a command centre. It is capable of targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, and even high-speed intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
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