BrahMos vs S-400: Can China's S-400 Defend Against India's Supersonic Missile?

• India's BrahMos cruise missile proved its potency during Operation Sindoor, crippling Pakistan's defenses which failed to intercept it.
• China possesses six S-400 squadrons, acquired from Russia in 2014, while India has three with more on order.
• Technically, the S-400 can intercept cruise missiles, but BrahMos's Mach 2.8-3 speed, low-altitude flight (3-10 meters), and S-maneuverability make interception extremely challenging.
• The S-400's radar reach is limited by Earth's curvature at low altitudes, giving only 40-50 seconds for detection, tracking, and interception against a Mach 3 target.
• BrahMos's zig-zag movements before impact make it a non-ballistic target, often causing interceptors to miss.

Why It Matters: Despite China's S-400 squadrons, BrahMos's speed, low-altitude flight, and maneuverability make it a formidable threat.