IAF’s S-400 ‘Sudarshan’: All About India’s Missile Defence That Thwarted Pakistani Strikes

The Indian Air Force reportedly deployed the Russian-made S-400 air defence missile systems—also dubbed "Sudarshan Chakra"—to neutralise a Pakistani attack on the night of May 7.

Following the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan, the Pakistani military attempted to strike multiple targets across northern and western India using drones and missiles. The targets included 15 cities across northern India, such as Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Bhuj.

“The debris from these attacks is now being recovered from several locations, confirming the Pakistani assault. This morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted air defence radars and systems at multiple locations in Pakistan,” the government said in a statement.

It added that an air defence system in Lahore was neutralised by the Indian Army.

S-400 'Sudarshan'

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted three squadrons of the S-400 system in July last year, strategically deploying them along the borders with China and Pakistan. Two additional squadrons are expected by 2026, completing the Rs 35,000 crore deal with Russia. These advanced systems can track targets up to 600 km away and intercept them at 400 km.

According to a Times of India report last year, the S-400 “Sudarshan” intercepted 80% of simulated enemy aircraft during a military exercise.

The system has been officially named “Sudarshan,” inspired by the Sudarshan Chakra—the divine weapon of Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology.

The S-400 enhances India’s multi-layered air defence network, complementing indigenous systems such as MR-SAM and Akash, along with Israeli Spyder missile systems. This integrated approach strengthens India’s ability to defend against aerial threats.

Reports suggest that India has deployed four S-400 squadrons so far, with one based in Pathankot guarding Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, and another covering strategic zones in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

“It is a very capable system—perhaps the most potent in the world. It’s not just one missile but a mix of three different types, each optimised for specific threats. It also features three to four kinds of radars,” said former Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Shirish Baban Deo (Retd), in an interview with ANI.

Pakistan Continues to Escalate

Following India’s Operation Sindoor—a targeted response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians—Pakistan has continued to shell border regions.

The Ministry of Defence said that Pakistan’s escalation attempts were met with a proportionate response and reaffirmed India’s commitment to non-escalation, provided the same is respected by the Pakistani military.

On May 8, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Yesterday, Pakistan launched a targeted attack on the Sikh community in J&K—hitting a gurdwara in Poonch and injuring Sikh community members. Three individuals were killed. In total, 16 civilians have died in Poonch and several others have been injured.”

“If there is a further attempt at escalation by Pakistan, it will be responded to in an appropriate domain. The choice now lies entirely with Pakistan,” he added.