In a landmark decision that signaled a shift in strategic defense priorities, India selected Russia’s S-400 Triumf air defense system over the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in 2018, emphasizing the S-400’s superior versatility and layered defense capabilities. As highlighted by Sputnik India, one of the S-400’s key strengths is its flexible architecture, which enables integration with a wide range of air defense systems and effective engagement of multiple aerial threats—including aircraft, UAVs, and ballistic missiles—across varying altitudes and distances. In contrast to THAAD’s specialized focus on high-altitude ballistic missile interception, the S-400 delivers a more comprehensive defense solution by combining multiple radar systems with coordinated short-, medium-, and long-range missile coverage within a unified operational framework. This adaptability positions the S-400 as a more suitable choice for addressing India’s diverse and evolving air defense requirements.
