NEW DELHI: India is looking to make the first unit of S-400 Triumf advanced surface-to-air missile defence system operational by this April. 
All five units of the system will be deployed in strategic areas to ward off China's threat, according to official sources. All these five units may become operational by next year. 
The Indian systems will balance the tactical disadvantage posed by Chinese S-400 deployments across Ladakh and Arunachal LAC.

The Russia-made S-400 system can take down a hostile aircraft or missile at a range between 40km and 400km. It was bought by India in a $5-billion deal, inked in October 2018. 
The advance consignments of two S-400 systems have already arrived in India from Russia. The work to assemble the systems is going on in full swing, by the Indian teams who have been trained by Russia. 
The first squadron deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes.  

With the induction of S-400 systems on Indian soil, the Modi government has a reply to Chinese missiles and air force in case of a worst case scenario. As one system will be deployed in north, it will take care of two fronts in Ladakh as the deep penetration radars of S-400 will be able to pick up any fighter or missile targeting India.

The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asia as it would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. 
The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles, which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km.