S-400 Triumf Air Defence System:
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An S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile system is one of the most advanced long-range defence systems in the world.
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It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO.
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It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey.
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It has been in service in Russia since 2007
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It is capable of firing three types of missiles. Thus, it creates a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.
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It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km.
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With it, India can destroy Pakistani aircrafts even when they are in their airspace.
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India wants to procure long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along its nearly 4,000-km-long border.
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In 2016, India had signed agreement with Russia on Triumf interceptor-based missile system.
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But there has been mounting concerns in India over US sanctions against Russian defence majors export as billions of dollars of military purchases
may be impacted because of punitive measure.
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The US had announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in presidential election in 2016.
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The five S-400 systems will be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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India is the second export customer, after China to purchase this most advance defence system.