Comparing the Cost of the S-400 Air Defence System with Global Alternatives

🛡️ 1. S-400 Triumf (Russia)

• Cost per unit (India deal): Approx. $5.43 billion for 5 systems, or about $1.08 billion per unit

• Range: Up to 400 km

• Target types: Aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles

• Key Buyer(s): India, China, Turkey

🔄 Comparison with Other Major Air Defence Systems

System	Country	Estimated Cost per Unit	Max Range	Key Features
S-400 Triumf	Russia	$1.0–1.2 billion	400 km	4-tier missile system, tracks 80+ targets
Patriot PAC-3	USA	$1.0–1.5 billion	160 km	Combat-tested, modular, mobile
THAAD	USA	$800 million – $1 billion	200 km	Designed for high-altitude ballistic missiles
David’s Sling	Israel	$800 million – $1 billion	250 km	Designed to intercept tactical ballistic threats
Iron Dome	Israel	$100–150 million	70 km	Short-range, low-cost, anti-rocket system
Barak-8	India/Israel	$24–70 million per unit	100 km	Naval/land-based, modern radar-guided missile
Aster-30 (SAMP/T)	France/Italy	~$700 million	120 km	European-built, integrated with NATO systems

💬 Key Takeaways

• S-400 offers the best long-range coverage with multi-missile flexibility, but comes at a premium cost.

• Patriot PAC-3 is combat-proven and widely used but has a shorter range and higher maintenance costs.

• THAAD excels in ballistic missile defence at high altitudes.

• Iron Dome is cost-effective for short-range threats but not suited for aircraft or ballistic missiles.

• Barak-8 and Aster-30 are viable mid-range alternatives, often integrated into broader NATO or allied systems.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Why is the S-400 so expensive?

Because it includes multiple radar units, a command system, and the capability to launch various missile types over long ranges.

Q2: Is the S-400 cost-effective for India?

Yes, for long-range multi-threat scenarios, but India is also developing indigenous alternatives like ERADS and Project Kusha to reduce future costs.

Q3: Can India replace the S-400 with its own systems soon?

Not immediately. Indigenous systems are advancing but will take time to match the full capabilities of the S-400.