In a dramatic show of military precision and technological superiority, India on Wednesday night deployed its Russian-made S-400 missile defence system—dubbed ‘Sudharshan Chakra’ by its armed forces—to intercept and neutralize a volley of 15 incoming missiles launched by Pakistan. The attempted strike, aimed at multiple military installations across Northern and Western India, was not only thwarted but also met with a swift and calculated counteroffensive involving Israeli HARPY drones, which successfully disabled Pakistani air defence infrastructure, including a system near Lahore.
The Indian Air Force’s deployment of the S-400 marked a critical turning point in the recent escalation, demonstrating the country’s preparedness to protect its territorial sovereignty without pushing the region toward all-out war. According to military sources, the missiles were intercepted mid-air while in motion, showcasing the system’s remarkable tracking and targeting capabilities. The S-400 can detect airborne threats from as far as 600 kilometers and destroy them at a range of up to 400 kilometers. This robust defense mechanism is among the most sophisticated in the world, integrating radar surveillance with rapid-response missile batteries.
India’s acquisition of the S-400 system traces back to a 2018 defense agreement with Russia worth ₹35,000 crore (approximately $5 billion), under which five squadrons were to be delivered. So far, three have been operationalized, with their deployment carefully calibrated to cover strategic regions along both the Pakistan and China borders. The remaining two squadrons, delayed due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, are expected to arrive by 2026.
What sets the S-400 apart is its layered defence capability—it can simultaneously track multiple targets, from aircraft and drones to cruise and ballistic missiles, making it a deterrent of considerable magnitude. In this recent episode, the system’s efficiency was tested under real-time, high-stakes conditions—and it delivered. The threat posed by Pakistan’s missile barrage, which targeted sensitive areas including Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj, was effectively neutralized before any major damage could occur.
But India’s response didn’t end at defense. By Thursday morning, Israeli-origin HARPY drones—designed for suppression of enemy air defenses—were deployed to dismantle Pakistan’s radar systems. The most notable strike occurred near Lahore, where one of Pakistan’s key air defence assets was rendered non-functional. This retaliatory move was carefully orchestrated to remain within the “same domain and same intensity” as the Pakistani attack, aligning with India’s strategic doctrine of proportional response.
Beyond the immediate military implications, India’s use of the S-400 reflects a broader shift in its defense posture—one that prioritizes technological edge, rapid response, and minimal civilian harm. Unlike conventional warfare that often drags on with heavy casualties, modern air defense engagements are swift and surgical, a trend India seems determined to lead in South Asia.
In an official statement, India’s Ministry of Defence emphasized its commitment to de-escalation, asserting that any further military steps would depend on Pakistan’s actions. Yet the message was clear: India will not hesitate to deploy its most advanced systems when its security is under threat.
The use of the S-400 during this high-tension episode serves not only as a testament to India’s defense capabilities but also as a warning against provocations. As strategic competition intensifies in the region, systems like ‘Sudharshan Chakra’ are redefining deterrence and altering the calculus of conflict on the subcontinent.
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