New Delhi: Despite several complexities posed by the ongoing Russia Ukraine war, Russia has delivered a set of simulator, associated training equipment, spares and other components for another squadron of S-400 missile defence system to India, defence sources said. However, they said, that the scheduled delivery of the game changing weapon system may get delayed by three to four months. The IAF received the first S-400 squadron through the air and sea routes in December. The first squadron of the S-400 is learnt to have been deployed in the western sector for Pakistan. The second squadron, once delivered in a few months, will be deployed along the eastern sector, understandably, to counter threats from China, sources said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently said that India has witnessed “many challenges” in ensuring supply lines. “These days, we have witnessed many challenges in ensuring supply lines. External conditions have affected the serviceability of critical weapons and equipment. Therefore, stepping up efforts for self-reliance in defence is the biggest need of the hour,” he said. The Raksha Mantri said this while addressing the diamond jubilee conclave of Chetak helicopter in Hyderabad on April 2. India inked a contract for five squadrons of S-400 air defence system for Rs 35,000 crore with Russia in 2018. An S-400 missile defence system can take down a hostile aircraft, missile or a UAV at a range between 40 kms and 400 kms. Each system can track over hundred targets at a distance of 600 kms providing an opportunity to the forces to decide which aerial threat needs to be shot down first. UNI ASU RKM
