India Eyes Russian S-500 Missile System to Strengthen Air Defence

Quick Summary:

• India’s air defense system, the S-400, has demonstrated effectiveness during Operation Sindoor. The indian Army is reportedly seeking to procure additional units.
• The russian-made S-500 Prometheus system may soon be introduced to India, offering significantly enhanced capabilities over the S-400.

– Range: S-400 has a range of up to 400 km; S-500 boosts this to 600 km and includes satellite-targeting capability.
– Speed: A target attack by the S-500 takes just 3-4 seconds compared to the 9-10 seconds required by the S-400.
– Versatility: The upgraded system can intercept missiles, fighter jets, drones, and radar-evasive aircraft akin to those owned or sought by China and Pakistan.
– Advanced missiles with speeds of up to 7 km per second enable interception within approximately one and a half minutes at maximum range.

• Comparison: Russia’s media claims superiority over U.S.’s Thaad air defense system in terms of range (600 km vs Thaad’s 200 km) and cost-effectiveness (S-500 priced at ₹6,000 crore versus Thaad’s ₹6,800 crore).

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Indian Opinion Analysis:
The potential acquisition of Russia’s advanced S-500 marks an importent strategic growth for India’s defense preparedness amid regional security concerns with Pakistan and China. The expanded capabilities offered by this system-higher speed attacks, extended range covering deep into neighboring territories, anti-satellite functionalities-could serve as a deterrent against evolving threats such as stealth fighter aircraft or radar-evasive technologies being sought by adversaries.

India’s collaboration with Russia for joint production could also bolster its domestic defense industry while affirming long-standing bilateral relations amidst shifting global alliances post-COVID geopolitical tensions between major powers like Russia-U.S.-China aligning differently globally; operationalizing their systems advantage strengths quicker.

Careful consideration will be needed regarding affordability given reported costs exceeding ₹6k cr Perception strategist focus-for technologically assertive apparatus tighter monitoring emerging setupsინდustry reshuffle analyses