India Highlights S-400 Power Before Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026 at Pokhran

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has unveiled new visuals of its S-400 Triumf air defence platform, referred to in India as the Sudarshan Chakra, carrying out what it describes as its farthest-ever successful interception. The footage was released in the run-up to Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026, scheduled to take place at Pokhran.

In the video, long-range radar systems are seen detecting a distant airborne object before a missile is launched. Moments later, the target is struck far from the launch site. Text displayed in the clip claims the intercept is the longest recorded by the service and emphasises the system's ability to engage threats well beyond visual range.

The IAF also linked the system to Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025. Officials have indicated that during the operation, the S-400 was used to engage a target believed to be roughly 300 kilometres inside Pakistani territory. By referencing the mission, the Air Force signalled that the platform has moved beyond training drills and has been deployed in real-world contingencies.

India signed a $5.4 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 regiments, with deliveries beginning in 2021. Designed for layered air defence, the system can counter a range of aerial threats, including combat aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and select ballistic missiles. Different missile variants provide coverage across varying distances, with the longest-range interceptor reportedly capable of reaching targets up to 400 kilometres away. Its radar suite is said to detect objects at distances approaching 600 kilometres under favourable conditions.

Within India's integrated air defence network, the S-400 operates alongside indigenous systems such as Akash, creating a multi-tier shield.

Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026 will also feature frontline aircraft including the HAL Tejas, Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and other combat, transport and rotary platforms. By sharing the intercept footage ahead of the event, the IAF appears keen to underline the S-400's role as a cornerstone of India's expanding long-range air defence capability.