India’s defense system has taken a giant leap with the introduction of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. This system is considered one of the most advanced in the world and has played a crucial role in protecting India from missile and drone attacks. But have you ever wondered how much it actually costs to fire one of these powerful missiles? Let’s explore this in simple terms.
What Is the S-400 System and Why Is It Important?
The S-400 is a very strong air defense system that India bought from Russia for about ₹35,000 crore in 2018. The deal included five squadrons of these systems, which are now deployed along India’s borders, especially where threats from Pakistan and China are high.
This system is designed to detect and destroy enemy missiles and drones before they can cause damage. It can launch as many as 72 missiles at once and can track 300 targets up to 600 kilometers away. The missiles themselves can travel between 40 to 400 kilometers, making this system very effective at stopping attacks far away from Indian soil.
During recent conflicts, when Pakistan launched hundreds of missiles and drones, the S-400 intercepted most of these, protecting cities and military bases. Thanks to this system, many Indians felt safer and more confident.
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The Different Types of S-400 Missiles and Their Prices
The S-400 uses four main types of missiles, each designed for different ranges and purposes:
- 48N6E3 – This is a fast missile that can fly up to 250 kilometers to hit its target.
- 40N6E – The longest-range missile, capable of reaching 400 kilometers.
- 9M96E and 9M96E2 – These are shorter-range missiles used for close defense.
Among these, the 40N6E missile is the most expensive. It can cost between 1 to 2 million US dollars each, which roughly equals ₹7 to ₹15 crore per missile. The other missiles are cheaper but still costly, ranging from about $30,000 (₹2.5 crore) to $100,000 (₹7.5 crore).
This means every time India fires an S-400 missile, it spends millions of dollars to protect its airspace. This is a big investment, but one that saves lives and infrastructure from enemy attacks.
Why Does Firing One S-400 Missile Cost So Much?
The high cost of an S-400 missile comes from the advanced technology packed inside. These missiles have powerful engines, precise radar guidance systems, and advanced electronics that help them detect and destroy enemy targets even if they are very fast or try to hide.
Think of the missile like a very smart robot that can chase and destroy threats from far away, even in harsh weather conditions — whether it’s freezing cold or extremely hot.
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Also, building such missiles requires rare materials and expert scientists and engineers. The cost of research, development, testing, and manufacturing adds up to the high price.
Because the S-400 missiles are so expensive, the Indian military uses them carefully and strategically. They fire them only when necessary to stop real threats, like enemy missiles or drones that could cause serious damage.
India’s investment in the S-400 system shows how seriously it takes its defense against attacks. While the cost to fire each missile is very high, the protection and security it offers make it a critical part of India’s defense strategy. This powerful system acts like a shield, intercepting hundreds of incoming missiles and drones, keeping the country safe from harm.