India braces for S-400 missile system's maiden firing test

The Indian Air Force is planning to carry out the first firing of its most potent S-400 air defence missile system, very soon to prove the capabilities of the system acquired a few years ago.

The Indian Air Force has signed a contract with Russia to acquire 5 squadrons of the S-400 air defence system and carried out its firings only in Russia during the trials there.

"To prove the capabilities of the system, the first firing of the air defence system is planned to be held very soon against a fast, moving, aerial target," top defence sources told India today.

The first two squadrons have already been operationalised in the northern and eastern sectors respectively and have taken part in aerial exercises too, they said. The ISF has received three squadrons along with the simulators in recent times.

The system with its missiles of different ranges can take on enemy ballistic and cruise missiles, fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles flying at distances up to 400 kilometres. "Delivered S-400 to India on time regardless of US pressure," Russia said.

India has signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore to acquire dove squadrons of the S-400 air defence missiles from Russia over three years and deliveries of all units are expected to get over by the next financial year.

The S-400 is believed to be a game changer by the Indian Air Force, which has strengthened itself in terms of air defence capabilities in a big way in the last few years with the arrival of the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems along with the Israeli Spyder quick reactions surface to air missile systems.