India To Get 4th S-400: How This Sudarshan Chakra Thwarted Pak’s Attacks During Op Sindoor

India to get 4th S-400 in May: Why is the air defence system needed? Why is it called Sudarshan Chakra? What was its role during Operation Sindoor? News18 explains

The S-400 Triumf is a highly advanced, mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. (AI generated)

India is likely to receive its fourth S-400 air defence system from Russia by mid-May, according to reports. Considered one of the most effective air defence systems in the world, India has acquired S-400 as part of $5.43-billion deal in 2018 to acquire five units.

Why is the system needed? Why is it called Sudarshan Chakra? What was its role during Operation Sindoor? News18 explains.

What is S-400?

The S-400 Triumf, which the NATO calls SA-21 Growler, is a highly advanced, mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau. Introduced in 2007, it is designed to detect, track, and destroy aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km.

What are its features and capabilities?

Multi-Layered Defense: The system can engage targets at various ranges and altitudes using four different types of missiles.

High Tracking Capacity: It can track over 100 targets simultaneously, engaging multiple threats at once.

Long-Range Detection: Its radar system can detect incoming threats at distances up to 600 km.

Mobility: It is a road-mobile system, allowing it to quickly relocate to avoid detection or redeploy as needed.

Broad Coverage: The system acts as a protective shield for critical infrastructure against massive air attacks.

Why is it called ‘Sudarshan Chakra’?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) named the S-400 the Sudarshan Chakra to symbolise its role as a supreme, unstoppable defensive and offensive weapon.

The name carries deep cultural and strategic significance:

• In Indian mythology, the Sudarshan Chakra is the spinning, disc-like weapon of Lord Vishnu (and Lord Krishna).
• The name is derived from two Sanskrit words: Su (Good/Divine) and Darshan (Vision). It translates to “Vision of Auspiciousness” or “Divine Vision.”
• Just as the mythological weapon never missed its mark and always returned to its owner, the S-400 is known for its high precision and ability to neutralise threats at extreme ranges.

The IAF chose this name to reflect the system’s specific capabilities:

360-Degree Protection: Like a spinning wheel, the S-400 provides a “dome” of protection, scanning and defending in all directions.

Unerring Accuracy: It represents the “ultimate” weapon in India’s inventory—meant to deter enemies and ensure that any aerial threat is destroyed before it enters Indian airspace.

Psychological Edge: By using a name rooted in Indian heritage, the military creates a local identity for the foreign-made (Russian) system, much like the Agni (Fire) or Prithvi (Earth) missiles.

S-400 and Operation Sindoor

India reportedly used the S-400 Triumf (Sudarshan Chakra) extensively during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. According to multiple reports and official statements, the system was a “game-changer” in the four-day conflict with Pakistan.

An S-400 battery reportedly achieved the world’s longest confirmed surface-to-air missile strike (314 km), downing a Pakistani AEW&C/ELINT (surveillance) aircraft deep inside hostile territory. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh revealed that the system was responsible for downing five to six Pakistani fighter jets.

On May 8, 2025, the system at Adampur Air Force Station negated drone and missile strikes on Indian cities like Amritsar. It successfully intercepted eight Pakistani missiles directed at the Jammu district. It reportedly shot down a nuclear-capable Shaheen-III and a Fatah-II missile launched towards Indian territory.

The performance of the S-400 forced the Pakistan Air Force to move many operational aircraft to western bases near Afghanistan and Iran to avoid the “kill zone”.

KEY FAQs

What is the S-400 system India is getting?

The S-400 Triumf is a long-range air defence system from Russia that can detect and destroy aircraft, drones, and missiles at very long distances.

What is meant by ‘Sudarshan Chakra’?

‘Sudarshan Chakra’ is an informal nickname used for the S-400, inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing its powerful, all-round defensive capability.

How did it help during Operation Sindoor?

Reports suggest the system played a key defensive role during Operation Sindoor by tracking and neutralizing aerial threats, strengthening India’s air defence shield.

With agency inputs

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