Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s was on a three-day visit to Russia which recently concluded after the 75th victory day parade. While the Moscow Victory Day Parade was a planned event, there were doubts of a ministerial-level representation because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, after consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was decided that Singh must undertake the visit as that was the best opportunity to engage the Russian government at this critical time for India as it was likely to be attended by the Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe also.
As in 2015 India announced its intention to purchase S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems & In October 2018, Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Russia to purchase S-400 missile system so as with increasing tension with china along LAC so New Delhi is keen to explore if a disconnect of delivery is possible and a faster schedule can be worked out as they have a good historical military relationship between the two countries. Mr. Singh also had a separate bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu during his visit. Much of these issues were discussed at length with him, especially on fastening deliveries for weapon systems and spares. He is also meet the deputy prime minister Yury Borisov, who also deals with military and aerospace affairs.
Let's have a quick look on S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems it is an air defence missile system developed by Almaz Central Design Bureau of Russia The S-400 Triumph air defence system integrates a multi-function radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre. It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.
The system can engage all types of aerial targets, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and ballistic and cruise missiles, within the range of 400km at an altitude of up to 30km. The system can simultaneously engage 36 targets.
The S-400 is twice as effective as the previous Russian air defence systems and can be deployed within five minutes. It can also be integrated into the existing and future air defence units of the army ,navy & the Indian Air Force has repeatedly referred to the S-400 as being a game-changer, along with its soon-to-arrive fleet of Rafale fighters.
The Highly Reputed BJP MP Subramanian Swamy is not happy about the purchase of S-400 system & also doesn’t want India to use S-400 missiles against China. In a tweet he said that "The Namo government would be well advised not to use S400 in a possible battle with China. This is because S400 is made with Chinese electronics. Russia is today a junior partner of China". And this is not the first time Swamy has warned against the S-400 missile system. In December 2019, Swamy warned the presence of Chinese electronics would make the missile system "compromised" in a war with Pakistan, in addition to the risk of US sanctions. Swamy then tweeted, "Expect a deadly US Sanctions blow early next year because of the S-400 purchase from Russia which weapon has embedded China's electronics. S-400 is a fine weapon but compromised in a war with Pakistan. On a cost-benefit-risk analysis: Bad". Hope the required resource will be available in time amid increasing tension with china. Hope you like the article & feel free to comment about the article. (source) also (source)
