The S-400 Triumf, deployed by India as a cornerstone of its air defence network, is one of the world’s most advanced and versatile surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Its tech stack integrates cutting-edge radar, command, and missile technologies to provide multi-layered protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
Mobile Vertical Launchers: Each S-400 launcher is a mobile, vertically-launching platform capable of firing different missile types for layered defence. Launchers can be towed or self-propelled, typically mounted on 8x8 wheeled chassis for rapid mobility and redeployment within 5 minutes.
Canisterised Tubes: Each launcher carries four cold-launched canisterised missiles, which are ejected by gas generators to reduce stress and radar signature before main engine ignition.
Missile Types
The S-400 can fire a mix of missiles, each tailored for specific threats:
40N6: Longest range (up to 400 km), active radar homing, targets aircraft, AWACS, and some ballistic missiles.
48N6DM: Medium-long range (up to 250 km), for high-speed aerial targets.
9M96E2: Medium range (up to 120 km), direct impact, high agility for maneuvering targets like fighter jets.
9M96E: Shorter range (up to 40 km), for close-in threats.
91N6E “Big Bird” Radar: Long-range surveillance radar, capable of detecting stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and hypersonic threats up to 600 km away.
92N6E “Grave Stone” Radar: Fire control and engagement radar, responsible for tracking and guiding missiles to their targets.
Multi-Function Radars: Additional radars provide autonomous detection, tracking, and targeting, enabling the S-400 to simultaneously track up to 300 targets and engage up to 36 at once.
55K6E Command Post: The digital “brain” of the S-400 battalion, mounted on a Ural-532301 6x6 chassis. It manages radar data, prioritizes threats, issues engagement orders, and coordinates multiple launchers and radars in real time.
Automation and Networking: Fully automated, digital, and jam-resistant, the command center can exchange data with other air defence systems (like S-300, SA-12, SA-23), enabling network-centric warfare and integrated air defence.
High Mobility: The S-400 system is built for rapid deployment and relocation, moving at 60 km/h on roads and 25 km/h off-road.
Quick Response: Ready for operation within 5 minutes from movement or just 35 seconds from standby.
India’s acquisition of the S-400 brings a quantum leap in air defence capability, allowing it to counter advanced aerial threats from adversaries, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Its tech stack-combining advanced radars, automated command centers, and a flexible missile mix-ensures robust, real-time, and resilient defence for critical assets and population centers.
