India is considering purchasing S-500 system from Russia to deal with China’s aerial threats. It is upgraded from S-400 and can destroy stealth aircraft, satellites and hypersonic missiles in 600 km range. Russia has also proposed to build it in India.
New Delhi: It is reported that India is considering purchasing Russia’s very powerful S-500 Prometheus missile defense system to deal with the challenges faced by China’s advanced stealth fighter jet J-20. The S-500 is more powerful than India’s existing S-400 missile system. It is believed that important discussions were held on this during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. This system will help India in dealing with air threats from China and Pakistan.
S-500 missiles with a range of about 600 kilometers can destroy not only enemy stealth aircraft and cruise missiles, but also low-orbit satellites in space. It can also stop hypersonic missiles traveling at a speed of 7 kilometers per second, which will further strengthen India’s defense shield. Its advanced radar can also detect and destroy Chinese aircraft which are difficult for the S-400 system to track.
With the aim of self-reliance in the defense sector, Russia has also proposed to manufacture S-500 missiles in India. India also expects complete technology transfer from this. If this deal is confirmed, India will become the country with the strongest air defense network in Asia. Amidst the ongoing border dispute with China, this step will help India gain a major edge militarily.