Team Azhimukham
Saudi Arabia has threatened military action against Qatar if it goes ahead and acquires S-400 air defence missile system from Russia, according French newspaper Le Monde.
Last week in New Delhi, a team of US law makers cautioned India against acquiring S-400 systems from Russia. William Thornberry, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the possible sale of armed Predator drones from the US to India will not go through if India buys S 400.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and some other countries that are known US allies have shown great interest in S 400. India has been negotiating its purchase. Iraq has recently shown interest in acquiring them. China and Algeria are already inducting the expensive and complex missile system.
So What is S-400?
S-400 is a complex technology system that brings together very powerful radar systems, control centre and several types of missiles. Russian scientists have combined their cutting edge knowledge of radar systems, rocket and missile technologies and existing capabilities to develop S-400 in the recent decades.
Its mobile radar stations can detect incoming objects up to 1200 kilometers. It is not just one radar, but a network of radar systems that pick up different types of incoming objects with great accuracy. These radar station can track dozens of incoming objects simultaneously—from missiles to bomber aircraft. Once they begin tracking the incoming treats, the system does quick calculations and launches missiles to neutralize the incoming threat. This response only takes about 10 seconds.
If the threat is an incoming ballistic missile the S-400’s missile can shoot it down as far as 230 kilometers away. If it is an incoming strategic bomber then it can be shot down even up to a distance of 570 kilometers. The S-400 actually has four different types of missiles. The very-long-range 40N6 with 400 kilometer range; the long-range 48N6 with 250 km range; the medium-range 9M96E2 with 120 km range; and the short-range 9M96E with 40 km range.
The system is specifically designed to detect and destroy targets such as strategic bombers; aircraft used for electronic warfare, early warning, and reconnaissance; fighters such as F-16 ad F-22; and incoming missiles such as Tomahawk. It is by now confirmed that Russian armed forces have deployed at least half a dozen S-400 regiments: At least two to protect Moscow, one in Pacific Fleet, one in Baltic Fleet, and elsewhere.
Russia has also deployed at least two S-400 systems in Syria, much to the concern of western militaries and observers who fear that this system’s potency could be a contributing factor to a global conflict breaking out in Syria. A single unit of S 400, consisting of 8 launchers, 112 missiles, command and support vehicles costs at least $400 million (Rs 2500 crore).
Fear of S-400
According to French newspaper Le Monde, Riyadh had written to French President Emmanuel Macron asking him to intervene to prevent the deal for S-400 from going ahead and to help preserve regional stability. Saudi Arabia, backed by other regional powers including Bahrain and the Unite Arab Emirates, broke off relations with Qatar in June last year, accusing the Gulf state of supporting radical Islamist groups and of being too close to Iran. They subsequently imposed economic sanctions on Qatar which has consistently rejected the charges against it.
In an effort to ease its isolation, Qatar has sought new friends, including Russia. In January, it announced that talks with Moscow on supplying the sophisticated S-400 system were at an “advanced stage”.
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