Russia Wants India to Buy S-350 Vityaz, A New ‘Middle-Range Killer’ System

New Delhi: Russia has once again offered its S-350 ‘Vityaz’ air defense system to India. This is the same country that is already giving S-400 to India and the delivery process is still going on. Russia claims that this system is a ready solution for India's military needs in the medium-range category, which can further open the way for local production and technology transfer.

What is special about the S-350 offer?

According to Russian sources, the S-350 Vityaz is capable of countering air threats up to a range of approximately 60-120 kilometers. It can track multiple targets simultaneously and is said to be effective against threats such as missiles, drones, fighter jets, and cruise missiles. According to experts, this system can become a link between the S-400 and indigenous systems; that is, it can fill a gap that currently exists in India's air defense network.

When and why did this offer happen?

This offer from Russia has come at a time when India is reorganizing its air defense structure.

• Pakistan and China: pressure on both fronts
• Increase in drone and missile warfare
• The military equation changed due to wars like Israel-Ukraine

All these reasons have forced India to think in the direction of fast and modern air defense. Russia is seeing this opportunity as an opportunity to further strengthen its defense relations with India.

Is it an alternative or companion to the S-400?

Defense experts believe that S-350 is not an alternative to S-400 but a complementary system.

• S-400 has a wider range
• S-350 fast response at medium range
• If we work together, the air defense layer can become stronger.

That is, if India buys it, it can be used in areas where deploying large systems is not practical or requires immediate response.

What are the challenges before India?

• The picture is not entirely clear here.
• America's CAATSA law is still a matter of concern
• Keeping multiple systems together can increase the logistics burden
• India is already emphasizing on indigenous projects

Experts say that India probably will not take a hasty decision and will first weigh the offer on the parameters of its Make in India.

What is India's official stance?

Till now India has not made any public comment on Russia's offer. Sources close to the Defense Ministry simply say that “every proposal is evaluated keeping in mind the need, capability and strategic conditions.”

Changes may be seen in India's air defense network 

Russia's S-350 Vityaz offer is a strategic opportunity for India, but the decision will not be based on the performance of the weapon alone. India will have to see how effective this system is, how expensive, how practical and how much it can advance indigenization. The picture is not clear yet, but it is certain that changes may be seen in India's air defense network in the coming times.