QUESTION 5
GS3
10 marks
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Explain the technical features that make Russia's S-400 Triumf among the most capable air defence systems.
ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.
Demand-wise check
- 1Range: four missile types covering up to about 400 km and altitudes up to about 30 km≈30 words
- 2Radar: long-range detection (about 600 km), tracks many targets at once, engages dozens simultaneously≈30 words
- 3Targets: aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, some ballistic missiles; mobile, deploys in minutes≈30 words
- 4Comparison with Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD; India's purchase and CAATSA issue≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
IntroduceKey technical featuresComparisonStrategic relevance for IndiaConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Only geopolitics (CAATSA) without technical features
- No comparison with other systems
Draw this
- Concentric range circles for the four missile types
Value addition
- FactIndia signed a USD 5.43 billion deal for five S-400 squadrons in 2018; the IAF calls it 'Sudarshan Chakra'.Ministry of Defence
- ComparisonUS Patriot PAC-3 MSE has an intercept range of tens of kilometres, while S-400's 40N6 missile is rated up to about 400 km.Open-source defence data (CSIS Missile Defense Project)
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.