India’s New Weapon Can Destroy F-35s in Mid-Air – Here’s How

The balance of power in the world appears to be changing once more as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies. America has entered the war by deploying its deadly B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, despite its diplomatic machinations and assertions that it is seeking peace. This action has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

One thing is evident from the recent Middle East flashpoint and the Russia-Ukraine war: the sound of missiles and airstrikes frequently drowns out any discussion of peace. India is not an exception to the trend of nations prioritising defence upgrades as international tensions rise.

India’s Strategic Geography Demands Next-Gen Defense

China and Pakistan are India’s two adversarial neighbours. India’s defence readiness must be unmatched in light of territorial disputes, proxy terrorism, and changing warfare technologies.

India’s present air defence is not only strong but also getting more sophisticated, as demonstrated by operations like Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam attack response. The threat matrix is rapidly changing, though, as there are rumours that Pakistan may soon purchase fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from China.

Traditional air defences are useless against these fifth-generation aircraft because they are almost invisible to radar systems. India must therefore act quickly to neutralise as well as respond.

Operation Sindoor: A Statement of India’s Air Defense Prowess

India demonstrated the operational effectiveness of systems such as the S-400 Triumf and the domestic Akash surface-to-air missile systems during Operation Sindoor. When these systems accurately and quickly repelled incoming threats, the world took notice.

However, what if threats in the future are more deadly, swift, and covert?

Even the powerful S-400 cannot consistently identify or eliminate fifth-generation aircraft, as India’s defence planners are aware. For this reason, the S-500 Prometheus, a state-of-the-art Russian air defence system that has the potential to revolutionise India’s aerial defence, is currently the centre of attention.

S-500 vs. S-400: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s break it down:

Feature	S-400 Triumf	S-500 Prometheus
Max Range	~400 km	~600 km
Max Altitude	~30 km	Up to 200 km
Radar System	Standard Phased Array Radar	Advanced 91N6A(M) Radar
Missile Compatibility	40N6, 48N6 series	77N6-N, 77N6-N1
Stealth Aircraft Tracking	Limited	Capable
Hypersonic Threat Response	Partial	Full
Simultaneous Targets	80–100	Up to 10 hypersonic targets

S-500 is designed to intercept everything from ballistic missiles to stealth aircraft and even hypersonic missiles flying at Mach 19 speeds. That’s around 23,400 km/h—well beyond the interception capacity of most global systems.

What Makes S-500 a Threat to 5th-Gen Fighters?

The strength of 5th-gen fighter jets like the F-35 (USA), J-35 (China), or any stealth platform lies in their extremely low Radar Cross Section (RCS). Their designs allow them to evade traditional radar systems almost entirely.

However, the S-500’s 91N6A(M) radar and its advanced signal processing can detect and track even low-RCS objects, rendering stealth fighters vulnerable. Experts suggest that S-500 may be the first true countermeasure to 5th-gen air threats.

India’s interest in S-500 is not just strategic—it’s urgent.

Why India Needs the S-500 Now More Than Ever

Iran’s use of hypersonic missiles against Israel caused massive destruction—despite the presence of Israel’s acclaimed Iron Dome. These missiles traveled at such speeds and angles that they couldn’t be intercepted.

If such weapons proliferate—and they will—India’s current systems may fall short. With Pakistan aiming to upgrade its air force and China already advancing its stealth fleet, India needs a next-gen air defense umbrella that’s future-ready.

S-500 offers a solution not just for regional parity, but air dominance.

The Global Stakes: Who Else is Watching?

China, despite being a defense powerhouse, also relies heavily on Russian air defense technologies. If India signs a deal with Russia for the S-500, it will dramatically tilt the regional balance of power—potentially giving India an edge over both China and Pakistan in aerial warfare.

For India, acquiring the S-500 is not just about protection—it’s about prevention and preemption.

Read More: Lier Trump: Before Calling India Unsafe, America Should Read Its Own Crime Reports

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