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‘Longest ever kill in military history’: Air Force showcases S-400 intercept | Watch

The video shows radar systems locking onto a distant airborne target before a missile is launched and destroys it far beyond visual range.

Updated on: Feb 27, 2026, 21:22:25 IST
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday released footage of the S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ long-range air defence missile system in action, saying it achieved the longest-range intercept ever recorded in military history.

The video shows radar systems locking onto a distant airborne target before a missile is launched and destroys it far beyond visual range. (X/ANI)
The video shows radar systems locking onto a distant airborne target before a missile is launched and destroys it far beyond visual range. (X/ANI)

The video shows radar systems locking onto a distant airborne target before a missile is launched and destroys it far beyond visual range.

An on-screen caption declares, “Longest ever kill recorded in military history. Enemy may be out of sight but never out of reach,” with the IAF describing the strike as the longest-range intercept on record, ANI reported.

The footage was released ahead of the exercise Vayu Shakti-2026, a major air power demonstration scheduled to take place at Pokhran in Rajasthan, where the IAF will showcase its operational capabilities.

Also Read | India, Russia in talks to acquire 5 more S-400 air defence systems

What is S-400 Triumf?

The S-400 Triumf is a long-range surface-to-air missile defence system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey.

In Indian service, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and is operated by the IAF.

India signed a $5.4 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 regiments, with deliveries beginning in 2021.

The system is designed to detect, track and neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, surveillance planes, drones, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missiles.

Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026 will also feature a range of fighter aircraft and helicopters, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29 and Hawk jets, as well as transport aircraft and rotary-wing platforms.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Priyanjali Narayan

Priyanjali Narayan is a journalist with Hindustan Times based in New Delhi. She has over two years of experience covering national and international affairs, reporting on breaking news, producing in-depth explainers, and writing feature stories. Her work explores the political, social, and cultural dimensions of major events, with a focus on providing clear, nuanced, and accessible journalism for a broad audience.Before joining Hindustan Times, she was part of the India Today newsroom, where she specialised in explanatory journalism. There, she wrote detailed analyses of major domestic and international issues and produced feature stories that included interviews with prominent public figures. The role strengthened her ability to combine speed with depth in a fast-paced news environment.She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi. Her academic training continues to shape her storytelling, grounding her work in historical context and research-driven insight.Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading personal essays and fiction, and is often planning her next trip, always seeking stories that deepen her understanding of people and places.

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