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Graphic shows features of the S-400 system.
GN38391EN

MILITARY

Russia, India to sign S-400 missile deal

By Jordi Bou

October 5, 2018 - Russia and India are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 missile systems to New Delhi, despite Washington’s threat of sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to oversee the agreement during his trip to India.

But Washington has warned that the acquisition would attract sanctions under legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump last August.

The law, called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), is designed to punish Russia for the 2014 annexation of Crimea and meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.

Delhi has signalled it will ask the U.S. for a special waiver from sanctions.

India’s military wants the S-400 system as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over its traditional rival, Pakistan.

Considered one of the best defence systems in existence, the S-400 is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 400km.

Other countries such as China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have all bought or are planning to buy the anti-aircraft missile weapon.

U.S. military officials and politicians have also expressed concerns over Turkey's intention to buy the Russian missile system.

The U.S. one of Indoa’s top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 04/10/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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