As part of a major step in strengthening India’s air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force is deploying the first squadron of the S-400 missile system in the Punjab region.
“The first squadron is being deployed in the Punjab sector. The batteries of the first squadron would be capable of taking care of aerial threats from both Pakistan and China,” government sources told ANI.
It is expected that the unit will be operationalized in the next few weeks after parts of the Russian missile system began reaching India earlier this month. Sources said the equipment is being brought to India through sea and air routes. Additionally, they stated the Air Force would begin concentrating on the Eastern border after the first squadron is deployed, and prepare resources to train personnel within the country.
With the S-400 system, four different missiles are available that can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and AWACS aircraft from a range of 400 kilometers to 250 kilometers, 120 kilometers to 40 kilometers, and short range 40 kilometers.
