S-400 Sudarshan Chakra: All About The Missile System Used To Foil Pakistan's Drone Assault

Indian Air Force’s S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile system played a major role in intercepting and neutralising the drones and missiles fired by Pakistan on the intervening of Wednesday and Thursday.

Pakistan had fired 15 missiles at Indian targets, which were neutralised by the S-400 defence system, NDTV reported, citing sources.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, Pakistani forces attempted to strike multiple military installations in northern and western India using drones and missiles. The Indian air defence network swiftly neutralised all incoming threats.

 “On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles, all of which were effectively neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems,” stated the ministry of Defence.

This came against the backdrop of heightened cross-border tensions following India’s operations targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan, as part of Operation Sindoor.

The S-400 Triumf, known in India as the Sudarshan Chakra — named after the mythological divine weapon — is one of the most sophisticated long-range air defence missile systems in the world. Designed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the system offers multi-layered protection against a variety of airborne threats.

Each S-400 squadron deployed by the Indian Air Force comprises two batteries. Every battery is equipped with six missile launchers, advanced radar systems and a central command post. Together, they are capable of launching up to 128 missiles per battery, providing a formidable shield across large swathes of airspace, according to reports.

India signed a Rs 35,000-crore agreement in 2018 to acquire five S-400 squadrons from Russia, of which three are currently operational. The remaining two are expected to be delivered by 2026.

The S-400 Sudarshan Chakra offers India a powerful edge in both defensive and strategic terms. Its cutting-edge radar and missile systems allow it to detect, track and destroy a wide range of targets — from stealth fighters and cruise missiles to unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles.

The S-400 defence system is among the most advanced in the world. It can track inbound missiles from 600 kilometres away and can intercept these targets within a 400-km range.

It can monitor up to 300 targets at once and engage 36 targets simultaneously, making it highly effective in complex combat environments where multiple threats emerge at once.

The S-400 uses a variety of missiles optimised for different ranges and altitudes, enabling it to respond to diverse threats in a coordinated manner.