Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently revealed important details about India’s S-400 Triumf air defence system, which is locally called the “Sudarshan Chakra.” He said this system shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft during Operation Sindoor. This event marks the largest surface-to-air kill recorded by India so far.

At the Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture held in Bengaluru, Singh disclosed that the AEW&C aircraft was taken down at a distance of about 300 kilometers. This was the first time India confirmed the full extent of Pakistan’s aircraft losses in the April operation. Besides fighter jets, the S-400 also intercepted several drones and missiles during the mission.

From Moscow to the Himalayas

The S-400 system was first developed in 2007 by Russia. Initially, it was used to protect Moscow, then later deployed in Syria to defend Russian assets. It was also stationed in Crimea after Russia annexed the region from Ukraine.

India signed a deal worth $5.43 billion in 2018 to buy five S-400 regiments. The deliveries were supposed to finish by 2023. However, the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war caused delays in the supply chain, pushing the delivery schedule back.

The first regiment of S-400 arrived in India in December 2021. The second came in April 2022, and the third was delivered in October 2023. These regiments are now active along India’s western and northern borders, protecting against threats from both Pakistan and China.

Full Strength Expected by 2026

The fourth and fifth regiments are expected to reach India from Russia in February and August 2026, respectively. Each regiment can launch many interceptor missiles that can destroy enemy aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles up to 400 kilometers away.

Once the system was brought into service in India, it was renamed “Sudarshan Chakra,” symbolizing its role in guarding India’s airspace. Defence sources also reveal that discussions are ongoing to purchase additional batteries to strengthen the system’s coverage further.