How did the S-400 help India defeat Pakistan's counterattack?

From actual combat effectiveness to strategic messaging, India's deployment of the S-400 missile demonstrates not only military capability but also political determination.

On May 13, during a visit to the Adampur Air Force Base in Punjab, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines when he publicly praised the role of the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system in helping the country respond to attacks from Pakistan. This was the first time New Delhi confirmed the use of the S-400 in actual combat.

Standing in front of the S-400 missile system, Prime Minister Modi affirmed: “Platforms like the S-400 have brought unprecedented strength to the country. A strong security shield has now become part of India’s identity.”

Prime Minister Modi also stressed that India now possesses military technology that its rivals – especially Pakistan – cannot match. In the context of a real conflict, the Indian leader’s statement has profound implications.

The conflict began with India’s counter-terrorism operation “Sindoor,” when Pakistan responded by attacking Indian military installations with drones, guided weapons, and surface-to-air missiles. For the first time, India deployed the S-400 system in combat, stationed in strategic states like Punjab and Rajasthan.

According to multiple sources, the S-400 successfully intercepted the threats before they entered Indian airspace. Debris found on Pakistani territory suggests that India may have used ultra-long-range 40N6E missiles, which can destroy targets up to 370 km away.

Military analyst Mikhail Khodaryonok commented on the event, saying that the S-400 has not only proven its effectiveness in Russia’s military campaign, but also continues to demonstrate its power in South Asia. The ultimate test for any weapon system is war. That is where it proves its worth or fails completely.

In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion contract with Russia to buy five S-400 systems after a thorough assessment of its long-term defense needs in the face of New Delhi's two top concerns: China and Pakistan.

The appeal of the S-400 comes from its ability to intercept a wide range of airborne threats: from planes, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, smart bombs to ballistic missiles. No other air defense system on the market today has this level of flexibility.

The S-400 is often compared to the US-made Patriot system. However, according to experts, the two systems reflect two completely different defense philosophies.

The Patriot was developed during the Cold War, primarily to protect NATO forces from aircraft and short-range missiles. However, its limited firepower and deployment time of up to 25 minutes make it ineffective in fast-moving combat situations.

In contrast, the S-400 is designed to protect a large area in the national air defense network. It can be deployed in just 5 minutes, track 300 targets simultaneously, has a range of up to 400 km and an interception altitude of 35 km.

In terms of ammunition, the S-400 has a rich catalog: 48N6 (range 250 km), 9M96M (130 km), 40N6E (370 km), 9M100 (short range). Meanwhile, the Patriot mainly uses MIM-104 and ERINT, with fewer options than the S-400.

Another big advantage of the S-400 is its outstanding cost-effectiveness ratio. China has purchased two S-400 regiments for more than $3 billion, while India only spends about $1 billion per regiment, enough to protect an area of ​​about 1,000 x 500 km from hundreds of targets at once.

To match the Patriot’s effectiveness, India would have to invest many times more. A Patriot battery costs nearly as much as an S-400 regiment, but offers much lower protection and flexibility. From a strategic perspective, India’s choice is not only reasonable but also reflects a long-term vision.

Once all five S-400 regiments are fully deployed, India will be able to protect its entire northern and western borders, as well as its vital southern coastal regions – which play a vital role in trade routes and strategic defense.

The recent confrontation with Pakistan marked a turning point. For the first time, India put Russia’s cutting-edge military technology into action and achieved tangible results. The S-400 not only intercepted enemy missiles, but also sent a strong message that the S-400 is not simply a military weapon but also a political lever, a symbol of strategic autonomy, and a pillar of India’s air power in the South Asian region.

Currently, only a handful of countries can build an air defense system equivalent to the S-400. Besides Russia, only China, India and Türkiye officially possess it. However, dozens of other countries - from Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran to several Latin American countries - have expressed interest in this system.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/s-400-giup-an-do-danh-bai-don-phan-cong-pakistan-the-nao-post1541721.html