2Photo© timesofindia.indiatimes.com5 S-400 missile systems, strike drones cleared in ₹2.38 lakh crore defence boost for India
The proposed acquisition of five units of the S-400 missile system, which took out Pakistani targets during Operation Sindoor last May, will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s ability to detect, identify, track and engage hostile fighters, missiles and drones. The remotely piloted strike aircraft, a must for the air force’s modernisation, will enable it to carry out precision strikes without risking the lives of personnel.
“The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the remotely piloted strike aircraft will enable undertaking offensive counter and coordinated air operations,” the defence ministry said. The remotely piloted strike aircraft, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), will also sharpen the IAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. HT has learnt that four squadrons of remotely piloted strike aircraft have been cleared.
The additional air defence systems will bring the number of S-400 units in the IAF to 10. India ordered five units from Russia for ₹39,000 crore in October 2018 under a government-to-government deal. The IAF has already deployed three units of the air defence system; Russia is expected to deliver the remaining systems by the year-end.