In a highly tense exchange just before the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Pakistan targeted a strategic Indian site using its Fateh-II missile on Saturday. Reports suggest that the missile was intercepted in Sirsa, Haryana. The Fateh-II, with a range of up to 400 km, is one of the latest additions to Pakistan’s missile arsenal. Pakistan’s Fatah-II is an indigenously developed long-range ballistic missile. Here’s a closer look at the air defence system believed to have intercepted Pakistan’s Fateh-II missile.
India Intercepted Fateh-II At Sirsa
Reports suggest that Pakistan’s Fateh-II missile was intercepted by India’s Barak 8 missile defence system in Sirsa, Haryana. The Barak 8 is a surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by India and Israel. However, new reports are emerging indicating that India may have actually used the S-400 defence system to intercept Pakistan’s Fateh-II missile.
India’s S-400 – The Sudharshan Chakra
The S-400 air defence system is like ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ for India. India’s ultimate defence system, which is a powerful weapon capable of taking down enemy aircraft and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) up to 300- 600 km away from Indian territory. This is considered to be the world’s most advanced long-range air defence system. It stands as one of the world’s most advanced air defence systems. India has strategically deployed four S-400 squadrons, with key installations also in Pathankot, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, creating a robust shield around its most critical regions.
According to defence experts, S-400 is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, such as Pakistan’s Fateh-II, and can neutralise nuclear-tipped missiles heading towards India. The S-400 can destroy both aircraft and missiles with high precision. While it may not be effective against small drones, it is likely to have been deployed against fighter jets like the JF-17, AWACS platforms, and ballistic missiles like Fateh-II.
Developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau, a $5.43 billion contract was signed with Russia in 2018 to procure five units of S-400. IAF has deployed S-400 squadrons in north-west and east India to address threats from both China and Pakistan. China was the first nation to buy the S-400 missile system in 2014.
Barak 8 missiles
The Barak 8 missile is designed to destroy enemy planes, helicopters, and missiles. It has a range of 70 km, which can be increased to 100 km. The name “Barak” means “lightning” in Hebrew, representing its speed and accuracy. The missile was developed by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), combining the best technology from both countries.
Ballistic Missiles (Fateh-II)
Ballistic missiles are missiles powered by rockets. Once launched, they follow a path without any power and then descend to hit their targets. These missiles can carry either nuclear warheads or conventional explosives.
