Recently Russia has started supplying the S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile system to India.
The S-400 is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world. It is equipped with four different missiles. It can hit enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft up to 400 km, 250 km, medium range 120 km and short range 40 km.
It has the capability to hit 80 targets at a time with a reaction time of 9-10 seconds.
Significance of the S-400 Triumph missile Agreement for India
- This is important from the point of view of national security, as India is facing new threats from China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- It will also bridge the gap in the air defense capability due to the dwindling fighter squadron capability of the Indian Air Force.
- However, the S-400 agreement has become controversial due to warnings of sanctions under the US Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
- CAATSA was passed in the year 2017. It ensures that if any country increases military contact with Iran, North Korea and Russia, it will face deterrent punitive action from the US.
- The sanctions imposed are unilateral, and do not form part of any United Nations decision.
- The US has already imposed sanctions on China and Turkey for the purchase of the S-400. However, India has not been affected by such restrictive warnings.
Source – The Hindu
