India’s Defense Acquisition Council has approved defense projects including acquiring Russia’s state-of-the-art S-400 air defense system, worth nearly $25 billion.
According to the international news agency Reuters, the approved projects include the procurement of medium transport aircraft, Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The Indian government said that the council has also approved an air defense tracked system, armored piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay systems, Dhanush gun systems, and runway-independent aerial surveillance systems for the Indian armed forces.
For the Indian Air Force, approvals were given for medium transport aircraft, long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and the overhaul of Su-30 aircraft engines.
Moreover, the purchase of heavy-duty air-cushion vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard has also been approved.
The S-400 air defense system is widely regarded as one of the most advanced and sophisticated in the world. It combines a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile batteries, launchers, and a command and control center.
The system is capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as ballistic and cruise missiles, with a maximum range of 400 km and an altitude reach of up to 30 km.
