S-400 Debut in South Asia: Limits of Tech Supremacy
Amongst contemporary systems, the Russian S-400 has been perceived as one of the most advanced air defence system. With a layered defence of 4km, 120 km, 250km and 400km respectively, the system is claimed to cover a wide range of aerial threats ranging from aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), ballistic and cruise missiles. In South Asia, the S-400 was perceived as a one-stop solution for protecting India's airspace against aerial threats.
In fact, the system was tagged as Sudarshan Chakra in India, signalling divine power. However, the recent India-Pakistan conflict has helped debunk such heightened claims.
Till now, three batteries have been deployed by India near the border region, with the remaining two expected to be delivered in late-2025 and 2026. The technology is aimed at augmenting India's layered defence system comprising Prithvi Air Defence System (PAD), Advanced Air Defence System (AAD), Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Aakash Area Defence Missile System, and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System II (NASAMS-II)
India's S-400 system made its debut in South Asia in the recent Indo-Pak standoff, where the robustness of aerial assets was extensively tested via the use of aircraft, missiles, loitering munitions and advanced drones. One key takeaway from the brief conflict appears to be the vulnerability of the system. This is despite official claims from the Indian Air Force of its robustness..
While such high-profile systems may serve symbolic or deterrent functions, their limited coverage often creates exploitable gaps, enabling the intrusion of aerial assets
It has been claimed that a Chinese-made CM-400AKG air-to-surface missile, launched by Pakistan Air Force JF-17s was used successfully against the S-400 batteries in Adampur and Poonch, inflicting damage to the radar components. In order to refute the claim, Prime Minister Modi's media team used an image of an S-400 launcher in the background of his address at Adampur base. However, the image of the intact launchers does not negate Pakistan's stance.
Merely attacking the launchers is not the only way to render an ADS ineffective given that the same can be achieved via attacking its radars, sensors and network nodes. The fact remains that during combat, the S-400 failed to intercept or protect against the downing of six Indian aircraft by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Notably, Pakistani JF-17s, operating well within the S-400's stated engagement envelope, evaded detection and successfully penetrated the defensive shield to strike at the system's radar. This reflects PAF's effective use of deception, strong electronic jamming, and BVR strike capabilities.
The fog of war further complicates air defence operations. On May 7th, India deployed nearly 70 aircraft against 42 advanced Pakistani jets creating overlapping tracks that strained its air defence system (ADS). Low- and high-altitude threats can also challenge the system's readiness, with success rates varying across different target types, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
Integration is further hampered by India's multi-origin arsenal from the United States, Israel, Russia, and France, which limits interoperability and network cohesion. Pakistan's use of largely Chinese-sourced air defence systems removes this level of complexity. Compounding this is the lack of seamless coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, undermining unified ADS performance. Hypersonic technology adds a new layer of complexity for any ADS.
While the S-400 is technically mobile, its relocation is logistically complex and resource-intensive. Each battery comprises heavy transporter-erector-launchers (TELs), multiple radar units, command and control vehicles, and trained personnel making rapid redeployment during conflict both time-consuming and operationally demanding.
Relocation also creates a vulnerability window that can be exploited through preemptive strikes.In future aerial...
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