The US has yet again warned India that it could face sanctions over acquiring five Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems.
What is S-400?
The S-400 is a mobile, surface-to-air missile defense system (SAM) designed by Russia.
It integrates the 91N6E multi-function panoramic radar with a 600 km range, autonomous detection, and targeting systems and launchers.
It can fire four missile types with strike ranges of between 400 km and 40 km to provide multilayered defense against incoming fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 30 km.
The S-400 is organized around the 30K6E administration system, with protection against jamming.
It can simultaneously locate 72 targets and track another 160 alongside, compared with PAC-3s 36 and 125 respectively.
Which countries have sanctions imposed on them?
So far, the US has imposed sanctions on Turkey and China for taking delivery of S-400 systems.
US removed Turkey, a NATO ally, from the F-35 joint strike fighter (JSF) program.
A White House statement declared that the F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform, as that can be used to learn about its advanced capabilities.
India’s other air defense system
Long Range interception: Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme
It is a double-tiered system consisting of two land and sea-based interceptor missiles, namely the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception.
Intermediate Interception: S-400 Triumph
Short Range interception: Akash Air Defense System and Similar Systems
Very Short-range interception: MANPADS and Anti- Aircraft Guns.
S-400 Triumf Air Defense Systems
Context:
The US has yet again warned India that it could face sanctions over acquiring five Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems.
What is S-400?
Which countries have sanctions imposed on them?
India’s other air defense system