India's targeting of terrorist bases provoked an attempted attack by Pakistan on 15 Indian cities, which was successfully thwarted by the air defense system. This defense action was made possible by the deployment of the S-400 missile defense system, also known as Sudarshan-400.
This marks the first use of this exceptional air defense system by India, which procured it from Russia, a steadfast ally. The path to acquiring this advanced equipment was challenging, with significant obstacles imposed by the USA, who threatened sanctions.
The Purchase of S-400 and Fear of U.S. CAATSA Sanctions
In 2018, India struck a 5 billion dollar agreement with Russia to purchase five S-400 missile defense systems. This deal angered the United States, Russia's staunch rival. There was a genuine fear that importing the system would lead the U.S. to impose sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
The U.S. established CAATSA in 2017, targeting nations dealing with Russia, North Korea, or Iran in defense-related trades, risking sanctions.
U.S. Sanctions on Turkey Prompted Indian Caution
India's concerns were legitimate; when Turkey acquired the S-400 system for 2.5 billion dollars in 2017, the Trump administration imposed sanctions by December 2020.
Under intense U.S. pressure, India was warned that procuring the defense system from Russia might trigger severe repercussions. In 2021, without naming India, U.S. officials cautioned, 'Considering the use of the S-400 system is dangerous.'
Despite warnings, India's first S-400 unit arrived in December 2021, followed by U.S. tensions and increased pressure. Nevertheless, by July 2022, the fear of U.S. sanctions diminished, as some U.S. lawmakers advocated granting India CAATSA exemptions, recognizing India's defense needs amid China's rising Indo-Pacific aggression.
Consequently, the U.S. House of Representatives amended the law, exempting India from such sanctions.
India has successfully received three S-400 systems, with two pending delivery due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In October last year, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh mentioned that the remaining units would likely arrive by 2025.
S-400's Military Strength, Unveiled
India's military was significantly bolstered by the inclusion of the S-400, evident from thwarted attacks last night. Responding to Operation Sindhur, Pakistan aimed at 15 cities in J&K, Punjab, and Gujarat, yet the S-400 system foiled these attempts.
Source: aajtak
The Indian government stated that on the night of May 7, Pakistan tried to launch drone and missile attacks, which were intercepted by India's UAV grid and air defense system.
The S-400 is revered as one of the world's most effective air defense systems, capable of neutralizing various missile threats mid-air. It can be deployed in affected areas within 5-10 minutes, capable of neutralizing ballistic missiles, aircraft, cruise and hypersonic weapons at an instant.
Reports indicate the S-400 can launch up to 72 missiles at once, with the advantage of being a mobile system, easily transported by road.
