Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system (Photo : Rostec)
In an ironic twist of geopolitical fate, India has signed a deal to buy Russian S-400 "Triumf" air defense missile systems it will likely use against China, a close ally of Russia, and against Pakistan, a close ally of China.
The acquisition of the missiles will allow India to explore the possibility of establishing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) zones facing Pakistan.
The deal to acquire the S-400, considered by many as the world's best long-range surface-to-air (SAM) missile system, was announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit being held in India.
The deal is a huge morale and monetary boost to Russia, which has been India's top supplier since the Cold War in the 1960s. That position is being threatened by Modi's outreach to the west for arms in the wake of India's rising tensions with Pakistan and China.
The deal to acquire the S-400s also saw another agreement for India to build other Russian military equipment.
"The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates and acquisition and building of other defense platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," said Modi.
Delivery of the S-400 Triumph to India could begin in 2020, according Rostec Corporation, the Russian firm that builds the missile system.
"We will then start preparing the contracts and I hope that in the first half of 2017 we will complete and sign these contracts and the production will start. I believe the delivery will begin somewhere in 2020," said Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said the S-400 agreement is very important as it shows Russia's willingness to strengthen strategic partnerships with its main allies.
"S-400 it is our newest system. We are currently equipping our own military forces with it and we are making an exception only for our closest allies, such as India and China.
"The fact that we have reached agreements with both India and China (regarding S-400 delivery) shows a lot. It shows that Russia exports its most advanced technologies to the countries it trusts, with which it is building strategic partnerships," he said.
Rogozin mentioned Russia's agreement on S-400 exports with China, the first foreign buyer of the system. That deal, worth some $3 billion, was announced in early 2015.
"S-400 (is) a real leader, a global brand that left behind even the Americans," he added.
Russia claims its S-400 is its most advanced anti-aircraft defense system and is unparalleled in the world.
Manufactured by Russian producer Almaz Antey under a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, the system entered service in 2007.
The S-400 system consists of a set of radars, missile launchers and command posts. It is designed to ensure air defense using long- and medium-range missiles that can hit both land and aerial targets, including tactical and strategic aircraft as well as ballistic and cruise missiles, at ranges up to 400 kilometers.
The S-400 uses three different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope: an extremely long range 40N6; long range 48N6 and medium range 9M96 missile.
Modi also said he welcomed Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strikes early this month across the Line of Control separating Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region," said Modi.
"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters."
Modi noted the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.
