IAF's Sudarshan S-400 'shot down' 80% of enemy aircraft in exercise

The Sudarshan S-400 air defense missile system achieved a significant milestone in a recent exercise by successfully ‘shooting down’ 80 per cent of the ’enemy’ fighter aircraft package and forcing the remaining aircraft to retreat and abort their missions.

The exercise was carried out by the Indian Air Force in a theatre where the force has deployed one of its squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system, defence sources told ANI.

The Indian Air Force has notably enhanced its air defense capabilities in recent years. Both India and China have deployed substantial air defense systems along the Line of Actual Control, reflecting the growing emphasis on strengthening military readiness in the region.

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The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase full integration of air defence missile system into the force, they said. During the exercise, real fighter aircraft were flying to test the capabilities of the S-400 weapon system, now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan.

The Sudarshan, ’locking on and targeting’ in simulated action, could ‘shoot down’ 80 per cent of the ’enemy’ offensive package.

The other remaining aircraft aborted their mission which was to ‘attack’ their targets within Indian territory and were intercepted by the air defence system.

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The Indian Air Force has now fully integrated the system, whose three squadrons have already been inducted and two more are expected to be supplied in 2026.The Indian side has requested that Russia expedite the delivery of the systems. The Indian side, during a high-level visit to Russia, also requested the Russian side deliver the system.

India and Russia signed an over Rs 35,000 crore deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force, which recently received the Indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha. The development came after the project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

With inputs from ANI.