S-500 vs. S-400 Missile Defense Systems: Where is India with the Deal?” delves into the intricate world of missile defense technology, focusing on the latest S-500 system developed by Russia and its comparison with the existing S-400.
The S-500 missile system is the world’s top and most powerful air defense system. It can not only detect hidden targets but is also capable of shooting down satellites in space.
It includes four types of missiles. The range of one missile is 600 km, the other is 250 km, the third is 120, and the fourth is 40 km. The S-500 has been developed to shoot down medium-range ballistic missiles.
This anti-aircraft and anti-missile technology has developed into a new generation of weapons. If needed, it can destroy Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in the final stages of their flight path.
The S-500 can destroy hypersonic aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The S-500 air defense system can take out any hypersonic weapon, even ones that are low in the air.
The S-500 missile system can intercept and destroy hostile aircraft and ballistic missiles at ranges of approximately 500 and 600 kilometers, respectively. Russia claims the S-500 defense system can also shoot down US F-35 fighter planes. But America claims its F-35A fighter aircraft is equipped with stealth technology, which no radar can trace.
India-Russia deal was done on S-400 in 2018
India and Russia had a deal of about 40 thousand crore rupees in 2018 for five units of S-400. The biggest feature of the S-400 is that it’s portable. It can be taken anywhere on the road. It is fitted with the 92N6E electronically steered phased arrow radar, which can detect multiple targets from a distance of about 600 km.
The S-400 system with the range of 400 that India purchased
One hundred sixty objects can be tracked simultaneously with a single unit of the S-400. Two missiles can be launched at a single target. The 400 in the S-400 represents the range of this system. The system that India got has a range of 400 km. It can counter-attack by detecting its target from 400 km away. Also, it can attack its target at an altitude of 30 km.
What is the S-500 missile system?
Intercontinental ballistic missiles can be stopped by Russia’s most advanced new-generation surface-to-air missile system (ICBM). It can also engage hypersonic cruise missiles and intercept ballistic missiles up to 600 kilometers away. It is easily deployable and has an airborne engagement range of 400 to 500 kilometers.
It can also target unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites (UAVs). According to reports, Russian defense officials have trained Army personnel to handle the advanced technology since 2017. According to reports, the Russian Army will have the new system by 2024.
S-500 vs. S-400 missile defense
According to reports, the Russian Army will replace the S-400 missile defense system with the S-500 in 2024. In July of this year, Russian officials successfully tested the S-500 air defense system against a ballistic target at Kapustin Yar.
Since April 2007, the S-400 has been in service. It can go 400 km in any direction. S-500 is a much more advanced version that can shoot down ballistic missiles from 600 km away, while the S-400 can only do it from 60 km away. The S-500 has an advantage over the S-400 since it can intercept hypersonic missiles. Reportedly, the S-500 can also engage B-2, F-22, and F-35 stealth aircraft.
CAATSA ROW
India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to buy five S-400 air defense missile systems. This was done even though the Trump administration had warned that going through with the deal could lead to US sanctions.
Mark Warner and John Cornyn, who are co-chairs of the US Senate’s India Caucus, had sent a letter to US President Biden earlier asking him to remove CAATSA sanctions against India.
The (CAATSA) Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act states that the United States may sanction nations that purchase Russian military weapons. Under the CAATSA, the United States may take punitive action against nations that purchase Russian military gear.
After Erodgan’s arrangement with Putin’s Russia, the US government prohibited the sale of F-35 aircraft of the following generation. The transaction sparked a tense dispute between the United States and Turkey, as Erdogan requested repayment for Turkey’s $1.4 billion down payment.
President Erdogan has pressured the Biden administration to send the older version of the F-16 combat jets instead. However, no confirmation has been issued by US officials.
Conclusion
The S-500 missile system hailed as the pinnacle of air defense technology, has the capability to intercept and destroy a wide array of threats, including hypersonic missiles and stealth aircraft. With an engagement range of up to 600 kilometers and the potential to counter ICBMs, it represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the S-400 system.
However, its deployment and potential implications on global geopolitics, especially concerning the CAATSA sanctions, remain points of contention and concern for countries like India and Turkey. As the world continues to witness rapid advancements in military technology, the S-500 stands as a testament to Russia’s prowess in defense innovation and strategy.
