The Indian Air Force has assigned a name to its S-400 aerial defense system with a mythical reference. To symbolize its formidable capabilities, the IAF has chosen the name ‘Sudarshan’ for the S-400 air defense missile system. This name is a direct reference to Lord Krishna’s primary weapon in Hindu mythology, signifying its destructive potential.
Recently, the Indian Air Force’s ‘Sudarshan’ S-400 air defense system, accompanied by other potent weaponry, demonstrated its strength and capabilities during the ‘Poorvi Akash’ exercise. The ‘Poorvi Akash’ wargame was conducted by the Eastern Air Command, spanning from October 30 to November 4.
The exercise served as a platform to display the coordination and operational readiness capabilities of both the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), encompassing defensive and offensive operations. As part of this exercise, various assets including the LCH Prachand, LCA Tejas, heavy-lift Chinook helicopters, and other airborne resources actively participated in the event.
In the fiscal year 2018-19, India entered into a contract with Russia worth over Rs 35,000 crore for the acquisition of 5 squadrons of S-400 air defense systems. Furthermore, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has already made three of its S-400 air defense missile squadrons operational along the borders with China and Pakistan. Notably, to enhance its aerial defense capabilities, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system. This three-tiered LRSAM defense system has the capacity to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges of approximately 400 kilometers.