00:00In 2016, while headlines focused elsewhere, Parikar initiated a comprehensive review of
00:06India's air defense strategy. He pushed for a technical reassessment, personally engaging with
00:12scientists, military leaders and engineers to evaluate the world's best systems.
00:18The findings were clear. The S-400's long-range coverage could make many planned short and
00:25medium-range missile purchases redundant, saving the exchequer nearly Rs 49,300 crore over the next
00:33decade. Parikar convinced the Air Force that a layered defense anchored by the S-400 would offer
00:41unmatched value and protection. Parikar moved swiftly. Despite a delicate global climate and
00:49looming US sanctions threat, he led negotiations with Russia, finalizing a $5.43 billion deal
00:58for five S-400 systems in 2016. His technical background and hands-on approach cut through
01:06bureaucratic delays. Parikar's insistence on direct consultations and strategic clarity ensured India
01:13could move fast when the moment came. The S-400 is a game-changer. Its radars can detect and track up
01:20to 300 targets at a distance of 600 km. It can engage aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and even
01:29ballistic missiles traveling at hypersonic speeds. With a setup time of just 5 minutes, its mobility and
01:36rapid response make it ideal for defending vast territories and critical assets. Today, as the S-400
01:44stands guard over Indian skies, its presence is both a tactical edge and a psychological deterrent.
01:52In the 2025 crisis, it proved its worth, intercepting the majority of enemy projectiles and forcing
02:00adversaries to rethink their strategies. Manohar Parikar's foresight, technical expertise and unwavering
02:08commitment to India's security made this possible. The S-400 missile system shows Parikar's vision and
02:16the nation's resolve. Three squadrons of the S-400 have arrived in 2018 and have been deployed since,
02:24with more expected to be delivered this year. As India looks to the future, the legacy of Manohar
02:30Parikar and the S-400 will continue to safeguard its skies, standing as a silent, powerful guardian
02:38in times of peace and conflict.
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