Does India still need Russia’s S-500? How its own missile shield is changing the equation
India's recent missile defence trials demonstrate significant advancements in its capabilities. These tests validated the nation's ability to intercept various aerial threats effectively. Russia's S-500 Prometheus system offers advanced capabilities against ballistic missiles. India is developing its own Ballistic Missile Defence apparatus to counter modern threats. This progress places India…
India confronts a complex array of aerial threats, from conventional drones to ballistic missiles and beyond, during active conflicts like Operation Sindoor. Despite Pakistani attempts to threaten the nation, no evidence of their strikes has been provided since 2021. The S-500 Prometheus missile system, developed by Russia, showcases its capability to neutralize ballistic missiles up to 600 km away, potentially posing a threat to India's air defence infrastructure.
In response, India's defense sector has made significant strides in its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) apparatus, successfully testing Phase-II of its shield which can intercept threats up to 5,000 kilometres. The new system, named Project Kusha, boasts enhanced mobility, thanks to indigenous 12x12 Transporter-Erector-Launchers.
As the BMD system matures, it becomes increasingly less necessary for India to rely on foreign weapons like the S-500 Prometheus, which, while capable of taking out Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, is primarily designed to complement, not replace, the S-400 missile defence system.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
