US May Offer THAAD System to India to Block Russian S-400 Deal

[Parthu]

NEW DELHI: The United States may try to persuade India to consider its ballistic missile defence options in an attempt to keep it from pressing ahead with the S-400 deal with Russia.

ET has learnt that the US could make ballistic missile defence an agenda point in the upcoming Indo-US 2+2 dialogue on July 6*** for which external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be in Washington. The likely option on the table would be the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. It is a sophisticated missile defence system which is believed to be particularly effective against long-range missiles.

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

The S-400 missile defence system is, however, said to be effective against a larger array of aerial attacks, particularly fighter aircraft such as the F-18s and F-35s. The latest version of the Russian made S-400 has a longer range but the jury is out on whether it’s more effective than the THAAD against intermediate range and intercontinental ballistic missile systems. ET has gathered that India’s proposed S-400 purchase from Russia has prompted a reassessment within Trump administration on whether India would have gone ahead with the nearly Rs 39,000-crore deal with Russia had the US moved faster with the THAAD offer.

Now, the S-400 deal has become a politically sensitive issue with the US. The US Congress is debating a Bill to allow for sanctions against Russian defence entities which could cover entities in recipient nations as well.

Given India’s strong defence partnership with Russia, the Trump administration, through secretary of defence James Mattis, has pitched for a waiver for countries such as India on the condition that it progressively reduce its military dependency on Russia.

S-400 'Triumpf'

The Congress has still not provided satisfactory relief despite hectic lobbying within Washington. The problem is compounded by the fact that the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) covers the S-400 system in the category of technologically sophisticated equipment which must be specifically targeted for this purpose.

India has argued that its S-400 deal with Russia was in the works before the US started debating the subject. In any event, it will predate the CAATSA if and when it’s written into law. Besides, people close to the negotiations told ET, it is unreasonable for US to expect India to decouple its defence relationship with Russia, which has been a proven reliable partner through several conflicts.

The US, senior government officials said, must appreciate that unlike many of the other countries which purchase defence equipment from Russia, India does not target Russian armament against American interests and will not do so in future. India is likely to elaborate on these lines at the inaugural 2+2 dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers of the two countries, while the US might urge India to first exhaust options the American industry can offer.

US may offer air defence system to block S-400 missile deal with Russia

*** this 2+2 dialogue scheduled for July 6 has been postponed, citing "unavoidable reasons".

@randomradio @vstol Jockey @Milspec @Hellfire @Abingdonboy @Arpit @GuardianRED @Ashwin @Aashish

 

[randomradio]

You have to combine Patriot and THAAD and even then you will fall short of the S-400.

The Indian Phase 1 BMD is the equivalent to a Patriot/THAAD combo.

 

[Ashutosh]

You have to combine Patriot and THAAD and even then you will fall short of the S-400.

The Indian Phase 1 BMD is the equivalent to a Patriot/THAAD combo.

 

[randomradio]

Lol. Why?

 

[Ashutosh]

Lol. Why?

The radar and guidance systems for THAAD, and that system is composed by an AN/TPY-2 X-band AESA radar. THAAD is specially designed to intercept long-range missiles (IRBMs or ICBMs) at either before or during the early phase of their reentry, which means their radar systems and system controls should be able to detect targets from long distance (1,200 kilometers for objects with 1 square meter RCS). This forced the size of such system to be relatively large.

Also, with such a specific goal, there are other missiles and fighter aircrafts enlisted to provide anti-aircraft fire, there is no need for THAAD to worry about airborne threat. Therefore, it cannot intercept anything other than ballistic missiles, and relies entirely on friendly units for protection.

S-400 is a whole different thing. Its ability to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles is considerably weaker than THAAD. However, as a conventionally designed SAM, it can effectively target incoming aircrafts or other targets while transmitting target information to other less advance friendly anti-aircraft units (such as S-300s). Its maximum range of 400 kilometers allows it to strike before the incoming aircrafts enter the range of their anti-surface weapons. Obviously, THAAD is not capable of doing that.

 

[randomradio]

The radar and guidance systems for THAAD, and that system is composed by an AN/TPY-2 X-band AESA radar. THAAD is specially designed to intercept long-range missiles (IRBMs or ICBMs) at either before or during the early phase of their reentry, which means their radar systems and system controls should be able to detect targets from long distance (1,200 kilometers for objects with 1 square meter RCS). This forced the size of such system to be relatively large.

Also, with such a specific goal, there are other missiles and fighter aircrafts enlisted to provide anti-aircraft fire, there is no need for THAAD to worry about airborne threat. Therefore, it cannot intercept anything other than ballistic missiles, and relies entirely on friendly units for protection.

S-400 is a whole different thing. Its ability to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles is considerably weaker than THAAD. However, as a conventionally designed SAM, it can effectively target incoming aircrafts or other targets while transmitting target information to other less advance friendly anti-aircraft units (such as S-300s). Its maximum range of 400 kilometers allows it to strike before the incoming aircrafts enter the range of their anti-surface weapons. Obviously, THAAD is not capable of doing that.

Are you comparing with the S-400 or the Indian Phase 1 BMD?
S-400 has a missile that manages to achieve the same range and altitude as the THAAD called the 40N6. The Indian PDV is also capable of the same.

All three have similar radar capability. THAAD's extended range is in a non-BMD mode.

Basically, THAAD, PDV and 40N6 have similar BMD capability. But the 40N6 also works against aerodynamic targets.

The S-400's real difference comes when you bring in reliability, deployment time etc. Its actual tactical advantages are superior since it's capable of both air defence and BMD.

 

[Ashutosh]

Are you comparing with the S-400 or the Indian Phase 1 BMD?

Lol.. No. Apple to apple comparison only. THAAD has similarity with Indian BMD. That too In Phase 2.

S-400 has a missile that manages to achieve the same range and altitude as the THAAD called the 40N6. The Indian PDV is also capable of the same.

S 400 is SAM system not BMD, its not designed as BMD. Are we clear here ? also it is not about "Range" but about the altitude of interception of a "ballistic missile". THAAD is able to intercept incoming missiles at endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes, with a maximum engagement altitude of roughly 150 kilometers above the earth’s surface. The missile itself can travel at speeds over Mach 8, placing it in the “hypersonic” category. It uses Kinetic kill and where as Indian BMD uses proximity fuse.

S 400 is SAM not BMD, The label S-400 is essentially marketing, since the system was previously reported under the speculative label of S-300PMU3.

All three have similar radar capability. THAAD's extended range is in a non-BMD mode.

• THAAD : AN/TPY-2 Surveillance Transportable Radar : X band AESA
• S 400 :
  • One engagement radar : 92N6E “Grave Stone” : I/J-Band : multi-function phased-array (Russians Clain it is AESA)
  • and one more 96L6E “Cheese Board” a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band
• Indian BMD has Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) L band and AESA.

Three diffrent radars for three very different systems, Indian system using L band has lesser sentivity and accuarcy than the above two.

Currently, THAAD-ER is an industry concept and not a program of record, but Lockheed is hoping the Missile Defense Agency will show interest because of the threats under development by potential adversaries of USA. If funding for the THAAD-ER began in 2018, a fielded product could be produced in 2022. That's a highly speculative could.

Basically, THAAD, PDV and 40N6 have similar BMD capability. But the 40N6 also works against aerodynamic targets.

The S-400's real difference comes when you bring in reliability, deployment time etc. Its actual tactical advantages are superior since it's capable of both air defence and BMD.

If it actually exists, and it's capabilities are real and not internet fantasy (which may well be the case), then it's probably an evolution of the S-300V type missiles. I can't see how the engagement concept of lobbing a missile on such a high trajectory, well beyond radar horizon, and hoping to acquire and engage a fast-moving target (even if not maneuvering) would be a practical weapon.

They may have experimented with the concept, but that doesn't mean its a practical weapon. The internet turns anything and everything into an "in-service weapon", based on the rumor that something has been tested once.

In concept, it seems to be trying to do the same thing as Pershing II did against ground targets. But with the complications that you're trying to hit a fast-moving target. If you had a continuous track of the target from some other sensor, and provided updates to the missile, and the target wasn't maneuvering, I guess it would be possible. But that's a lot of ifs and moving parts involved. But it would be a very limited scenario where you could be tracking a target at a 400km range from some other sensor (like airborne radar), and be in position to use such a weapon (if it has the ability to be updated).

Read : 40N6 missile for S-400 system could enter service ‘soon’ This is April 2018. last line reads. : The 40N6 reportedly is capable of destroying aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and manoeuvring warheads., the only possible thing that can stop this missile is kryptonite or something ?

 

[Bon Plan]

What is the price of a similar battery of each?
The price of a similar capable missile of each type?

 

[suryakiran]

Hello

@randomradio @Ashutosh

The Russian ABM for ICBM is the A-135.

 

[randomradio]

Lol.. No. Apple to apple comparison only. THAAD has similarity with Indian BMD. That too In Phase 2.



S 400 is SAM system not BMD, its not designed as BMD. Are we clear here ? also it is not about "Range" but about the altitude of interception of a "ballistic missile". THAAD is able to intercept incoming missiles at endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes, with a maximum engagement altitude of roughly 150 kilometers above the earth’s surface. The missile itself can travel at speeds over Mach 8, placing it in the “hypersonic” category. It uses Kinetic kill and where as Indian BMD uses proximity fuse.

S 400 is SAM not BMD, The label S-400 is essentially marketing, since the system was previously reported under the speculative label of S-300PMU3.

• THAAD : AN/TPY-2 Surveillance Transportable Radar : X band AESA
• S 400 :
  • One engagement radar : 92N6E “Grave Stone” : I/J-Band : multi-function phased-array (Russians Clain it is AESA)
  • and one more 96L6E “Cheese Board” a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band
• Indian BMD has Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) L band and AESA.

Three diffrent radars for three very different systems, Indian system using L band has lesser sentivity and accuarcy than the above two.

Currently, THAAD-ER is an industry concept and not a program of record, but Lockheed is hoping the Missile Defense Agency will show interest because of the threats under development by potential adversaries of USA. If funding for the THAAD-ER began in 2018, a fielded product could be produced in 2022. That's a highly speculative could.



If it actually exists, and it's capabilities are real and not internet fantasy (which may well be the case), then it's probably an evolution of the S-300V type missiles. I can't see how the engagement concept of lobbing a missile on such a high trajectory, well beyond radar horizon, and hoping to acquire and engage a fast-moving target (even if not maneuvering) would be a practical weapon.

They may have experimented with the concept, but that doesn't mean its a practical weapon. The internet turns anything and everything into an "in-service weapon", based on the rumor that something has been tested once.

In concept, it seems to be trying to do the same thing as Pershing II did against ground targets. But with the complications that you're trying to hit a fast-moving target. If you had a continuous track of the target from some other sensor, and provided updates to the missile, and the target wasn't maneuvering, I guess it would be possible. But that's a lot of ifs and moving parts involved. But it would be a very limited scenario where you could be tracking a target at a 400km range from some other sensor (like airborne radar), and be in position to use such a weapon (if it has the ability to be updated).

Read : 40N6 missile for S-400 system could enter service ‘soon’ This is April 2018. last line reads. : The 40N6 reportedly is capable of destroying aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and manoeuvring warheads., the only possible thing that can stop this missile is kryptonite or something ?

The S-400 is a SAM+BMD. It has 3 missiles capable of BMD. One is an AAD equivalent, the other two are PAD (48N6) and PDV (40N6) equivalent. The 40N6, which is PDV or THAAD equivalent, can reach altitudes of over 200Km and is hypersonic as well. It can stop missiles that are travelling at speeds of mach 14, or 4.8Km/sec. The S-400 has been designed to reach the limits of the ABM Treaty. That's why it can stop only IRBMs, but it's a full-fledged BMD system.

As for Indian BMD, both AAD and PDV are HTK, no different from Patriot and THAAD. Only PAD has a proximity warhead. The S-400 has only proximity warheads because it is an older design and meant for air defence also. The S-400 also has two new upcoming missiles that are capable of HTK, and can stop hypersonic cruise missiles.

As for the radars, the S-400 can have as many as three types of radars. Typically, it's two, one early warning (C band), one fire control (X band), both are PESAs. THAAD has two radars, both are the same types (X band-AESA), but one does early warning and the other fire control, in 2 separate modes. The Indian BMD has the Swordfish (LRTR) for early warning (L band) and an unknown radar simply called MFCR for fire control (X band), both AESA. Out of all three radars, the Indian BMD has superiority in terms of radar capability, but that's because S-400 and THAAD were made for maneuverability while the Indian BMD is generally not a tactical field system. S-400 and THAAD can't lug around a massive L band radar.

Overall, PDV, 40N6 and THAAD are pretty much capable of the same thing.

The difference really lies in the S-400's ability to combine the capabilities of Akash Mk2 and Barak-8 with Patriot and THAAD.

Indian BMD = Patriot + THAAD
S-400 = Akash Mk2 + Barak-8 + Patriot + THAAD

 

[Ashutosh]

The S-400 is a SAM+BMD. It has 3 missiles capable of BMD. One is an AAD equivalent, the other two are PAD (48N6) and PDV (40N6) equivalent. The 40N6, which is PDV or THAAD equivalent, can reach altitudes of over 200Km and is hypersonic as well. It can stop missiles that are travelling at speeds of mach 14, or 4.8Km/sec. The S-400 has been designed to reach the limits of the ABM Treaty. That's why it can stop only IRBMs, but it's a full-fledged BMD system.

As for Indian BMD, both AAD and PDV are HTK, no different from Patriot and THAAD. Only PAD has a proximity warhead. The S-400 has only proximity warheads because it is an older design and meant for air defence also. The S-400 also has two new upcoming missiles that are capable of HTK, and can stop hypersonic cruise missiles.

As for the radars, the S-400 can have as many as three types of radars. Typically, it's two, one early warning (C band), one fire control (X band), both are PESAs. THAAD has two radars, both are the same types (X band-AESA), but one does early warning and the other fire control, in 2 separate modes. The Indian BMD has the Swordfish (LRTR) for early warning (L band) and an unknown radar simply called MFCR for fire control (X band), both AESA. Out of all three radars, the Indian BMD has superiority in terms of radar capability, but that's because S-400 and THAAD were made for maneuverability while the Indian BMD is generally not a tactical field system. S-400 and THAAD can't lug around a massive L band radar.

Overall, PDV, 40N6 and THAAD are pretty much capable of the same thing.

The difference really lies in the S-400's ability to combine the capabilities of Akash Mk2 and Barak-8 with Patriot and THAAD.

Indian BMD = Patriot + THAAD
S-400 = Akash Mk2 + Barak-8 + Patriot + THAAD

I sincerely don't agree with your first statement. You are trying to prove things that are merely rooted in Russian Propaganda. NO Missile system in the world can cater to "Akash Mk2 + Barak-8 + Patriot + THAAD" because the algorithm for target acquisition and telemetry and providing real time updates is completely different and the system needs to be designed as such not the missiles only. It is not possible.

To Provide you an analogy, You cannot have a ship, that turns into a submarine, a cruise ship and a cargo at the flip of a switch. With your (Russian) description of the S 400 system I guess teh only thing left to add is htat it resides in the DC Comics Universe Wears a blue suit and red cape.

 

[randomradio]

I sincerely don't agree with your first statement. You are trying to prove things that are merely rooted in Russian Propaganda. NO Missile system in the world can cater to "Akash Mk2 + Barak-8 + Patriot + THAAD" because the algorithm for target acquisition and telemetry and providing real time updates is completely different and the system needs to be designed as such not the missiles only. It is not possible.

To Provide you an analogy, You cannot have a ship, that turns into a submarine, a cruise ship and a cargo at the flip of a switch. With your (Russian) description of the S 400 system I guess teh only thing left to add is htat it resides in the DC Comics Universe Wears a blue suit and red cape.

That's the reason why it's the best SAM in the world. Everybody else is 10-20 years behind.

The S-400 has 4 missiles.

One has a range of 40Km and altitude of 18Km.
One has a range of 120Km and altitude of 30Km.
One has a range of 250Km and unknown altitude.
One has a range of 400Km and altitude of 200Km.

The minimum engagement speed is 0 Km/s and the absolute limit is 5Km/s. It's effective against literally any aerial target.

There's one thing you forget. You can have multiple radars protecting one area from any type of threat. It follows a battery-battalion-regiment system in Russia. So you have one regiment in one location, with multiple battalions, with multiple radars.

The S-350E is the dedicated SAM. This one's a SPYDER + Akash Mk2 + AAD system.

It's because of the S-400 SAM that we got this:
Manohar Parrikar's defence rejig saved Rs 49,300 crore
"The study found that we will require a much lesser number of the shorter range systems. Minister Parrikar convinced the air force that according to its layered defence plan, the long range system (S 400) would make the larger number of MR SAM and SR SAM redundant," a top official told ET.

That's why even if you combine Patriot and THAAD, it won't be the equivalent of the S-400.

 

[Ashutosh]

That's the reason why it's the best SAM in the world. Everybody else is 10-20 years behind.

The S-400 has 4 missiles.

One has a range of 40Km and altitude of 18Km.
One has a range of 120Km and altitude of 30Km.
One has a range of 250Km and unknown altitude.
One has a range of 400Km and altitude of 200Km.

The minimum engagement speed is 0 Km/s and the absolute limit is 5Km/s. It's effective against literally any aerial target.

There's one thing you forget. You can have multiple radars protecting one area from any type of threat. It follows a battery-battalion-regiment system in Russia. So you have one regiment in one location, with multiple battalions, with multiple radars.

The S-350E is the dedicated SAM. This one's a SPYDER + Akash Mk2 + AAD system.

It's because of the S-400 SAM that we got this:
Manohar Parrikar's defence rejig saved Rs 49,300 crore
"The study found that we will require a much lesser number of the shorter range systems. Minister Parrikar convinced the air force that according to its layered defence plan, the long range system (S 400) would make the larger number of MR SAM and SR SAM redundant," a top official told ET.

That's why even if you combine Patriot and THAAD, it won't be the equivalent of the S-400.

As I said, the only thing that can beat S 400 is Kal-El.

 

[randomradio]

As I said, the only thing that can beat S 400 is Kal-El.

Jokes aside, I don't think any other country is capable of making a similar system for at least a decade or more.

I think one of the most important aspect of this SAM that most people forget to talk about is how quickly it can deploy. At just 5 min, it beats pretty much all long range SAMs by dozens of times.

Check out these videos.

And don't forget that we haven't even begun talking about the S-500, which is many times superior to the S-400, and is now in production. So Kal-El is probably not enough.

 

[Ashutosh]

Jokes aside, I don't think any other country is capable of making a similar system for at least a decade or more.

I think one of the most important aspect of this SAM that most people forget to talk about is how quickly it can deploy. At just 5 min, it beats pretty much all long range SAMs by dozens of times.

Check out these videos.

And don't forget that we haven't even begun talking about the S-500, which is many times superior to the S-400, and is now in production. So Kal-El is probably not enough.

You are over estimating S 400 and related tech; its a long range SAM agreed, but the system has limitations. I have given you the technical reason for it. I cannot counter your perception for it. You are going by what is being said about it not what is there under the hood. Russians are known for making claims that are much over hyped than the actual system capacity. But if you chose belief over cold reason. I cannothelp. Good Day.

 

[Ashutosh]

That's the reason why it's the best SAM in the world. Everybody else is 10-20 years behind.

The S-400 has 4 missiles.

One has a range of 40Km and altitude of 18Km.
One has a range of 120Km and altitude of 30Km.
One has a range of 250Km and unknown altitude.
One has a range of 400Km and altitude of 200Km.

The minimum engagement speed is 0 Km/s and the absolute limit is 5Km/s. It's effective against literally any aerial target.

There's one thing you forget. You can have multiple radars protecting one area from any type of threat. It follows a battery-battalion-regiment system in Russia. So you have one regiment in one location, with multiple battalions, with multiple radars.

The S-350E is the dedicated SAM. This one's a SPYDER + Akash Mk2 + AAD system.

It's because of the S-400 SAM that we got this:
Manohar Parrikar's defence rejig saved Rs 49,300 crore
"The study found that we will require a much lesser number of the shorter range systems. Minister Parrikar convinced the air force that according to its layered defence plan, the long range system (S 400) would make the larger number of MR SAM and SR SAM redundant," a top official told ET.

That's why even if you combine Patriot and THAAD, it won't be the equivalent of the S-400.

Give me the technicalities on how and what makes it superior, and i mean radar operation & tracking and the feed loop between missile and command post, the Computing power there in.. How have they addressed the algorithm complexity, are there any publicly available test results?

Evaluating such systems are not done by perception and but by technicalities.

 

[randomradio]

You are over estimating S 400 and related tech; its a long range SAM agreed, but the system has limitations. I have given you the technical reason for it. I cannot counter your perception for it. You are going by what is being said about it not what is there under the hood. Russians are known for making claims that are much over hyped than the actual system capacity. But if you chose belief over cold reason. I cannothelp. Good Day.

Both THAAD and 40N6 can stop the same type of targets. Both are designed to stop IRBMs up to 3500Km as required in the ABM Treaty.

THAAD System Successfully Completes First Intercept of IRBM-Class Target

The current capability for THAAD is restricted to SRBMs and MRBMs, no different than the Indian Phase 1 BMD.

As for the S-400:
https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/airdef/s-400.htm
And the anti-missile capability of the system has been increased to the limits established by the ABM Treaty demarcation agreements -- it can intercept targets with velocities of up to 4.8 km/sec, corresponding to a ballistic missile range of 3,500 km.

ABM Treaty:
https://fas.org/nuke/control/abmt/chron.htm

1995 -- November 17 AGREED FRAMEWORK FOR ABM-TMD DEMARCATION The United States and Russia agree on a framework for negotiating a demarcation line between ABM and TMD systems:

• "Ballistic target missiles, against which theater missile defenses (TMD) systems are tested, will have a maximum range of no more than 3,500 kilometers and a maximum flight velocity of no more than 5 kilometers/second.
• "All TMD systems with a demonstrated interceptor velocity of 3 kilometers/second or less and tested as above are compliant with the ABM Treaty.

So the limits were 3500Km and 5Km/s for the target. That's why both THAAD's and S-400's 40N6 missiles were restricted to this target range and speed. Even the interceptors cannot exceed 3Km/s.

But what you are referring to is merely the potential of THAAD. Currently, THAAD may be restricted to the same capability as the 40N6, but newer versions are meant to surpass it. Whereas, the S-400 is stuck within this restriction and cannot surpass it.

The S-500 and THAAD-ER are meant to surpass the restrictions of the ABM Treaty.

That's why the current US offer of THAAD to India is simply a weaker S-400 equivalent system. And the future THAAD-ER is at least 5+ years away and is still not an active program.

The Indian Phase 1 BMD with PDV also has equivalent capability as the THAAD and S-400.
Some notes on DRDO's PDV ballistic missile defence interceptor - Saurav Jha’ Blog
A new interceptor of the class of the PDV also requires a new MRBM class target missile for effective trials. With this test DRDO also unveiled a new two stage target equipped with new motors that successfully mimics the 3-5 km/sec re-entry speeds of a 'hostile ballistic missile approaching from more than 2000 km away'.

There is no Russian propaganda. The treaty has made a lot of information open source. I hope this makes everything clear now. So, nope, your technical reasons stand against the face of facts.

PS: Even the Indian Phase 1 BMD is better tested against 5Km/s missiles compared to THAAD. So going for THAAD would be a downgrade for India.

PPS: The Indian Phase 2 BMD can stop targets with reentry speeds of 6-9Km/sec (check the news18 article), that's mach 18 to mach 27.

 

[BMD]

Both THAAD and 40N6 can stop the same type of targets. Both are designed to stop IRBMs up to 3500Km as required in the ABM Treaty.

THAAD System Successfully Completes First Intercept of IRBM-Class Target

The current capability for THAAD is restricted to SRBMs and MRBMs, no different than the Indian Phase 1 BMD.

As for the S-400:
https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/airdef/s-400.htm
And the anti-missile capability of the system has been increased to the limits established by the ABM Treaty demarcation agreements -- it can intercept targets with velocities of up to 4.8 km/sec, corresponding to a ballistic missile range of 3,500 km.

ABM Treaty:
https://fas.org/nuke/control/abmt/chron.htm

So the limits were 3500Km and 5Km/s for the target. That's why both THAAD's and S-400's 40N6 missiles were restricted to this target range and speed. Even the interceptors cannot exceed 3Km/s.

But what you are referring to is merely the potential of THAAD. Currently, THAAD may be restricted to the same capability as the 40N6, but newer versions are meant to surpass it. Whereas, the S-400 is stuck within this restriction and cannot surpass it.

The S-500 and THAAD-ER are meant to surpass the restrictions of the ABM Treaty.

That's why the current US offer of THAAD to India is simply a weaker S-400 equivalent system. And the future THAAD-ER is at least 5+ years away and is still not an active program.

The Indian Phase 1 BMD with PDV also has equivalent capability as the THAAD and S-400.
Some notes on DRDO's PDV ballistic missile defence interceptor - Saurav Jha’ Blog
A new interceptor of the class of the PDV also requires a new MRBM class target missile for effective trials. With this test DRDO also unveiled a new two stage target equipped with new motors that successfully mimics the 3-5 km/sec re-entry speeds of a 'hostile ballistic missile approaching from more than 2000 km away'.

There is no Russian propaganda. The treaty has made a lot of information open source. I hope this makes everything clear now. So, nope, your technical reasons stand against the face of facts.

PS: Even the Indian Phase 1 BMD is better tested against 5Km/s missiles compared to THAAD. So going for THAAD would be a downgrade for India.

PPS: The Indian Phase 2 BMD can stop targets with reentry speeds of 6-9Km/sec (check the news18 article), that's mach 18 to mach 27.

SM-3 Blk IIA will exceed those limits. GBI already does and has been tested doing so against a target missile doing ICBM speeds. The ABM Treaty is already defunct - US withdrew.
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty - Wikipedia

SM3 Blk IA has already hit a malfunctioning satellite doing 9.8km/s.

 

[Kvasir]

What target missile is used during S-400 validation? For THAAD the eMRBM air-launched ballistic missile and SRALT are both used. eMRBM is a Minuteman II derivative while SRALT is, depending on the configuration, either two stages of Minuteman II or Pershing II.

eMRBM.

SRALT (SR-19)

SM-6, expanding on SM-2's already impressive range uses ground-launched MRBM targets.

And Aegis readiness assessment vehicle-A short-range ballistic missiles fired in salvos of 3 to 5.

Both GMD and SM-3 are, unlike SM-2, SM-6 and PAC-3, made for mid-course interceptions and are pitted against a host of targets including STARS, a Polaris A-3 SLBM. An optional Orbus-1 third stage adds additional range, and an optional post-boost module known as ODES adds decoys and additional warheads for a more complex interception. THAAD, despite its name and reputation, has been used for mid-course interceptions of MRBM and IRBM class targets.

LV-2, better known as Poseidon C-4 SLBM.

LV-2 has been used for 5 tests, including FTG-06b.

And more recently a Trident C-4 derivative (stage 1 Trident, stage 2 and 3 Pegasus-based), ICBM-T2, outfitted with decoys, maneuverable and multiple warheads. Yeah, yeah, I know it looks like minuteman, but it's not.

Additional targets for GBI and THAAD are Peguasus rocket based, such as the IRBM-T1, a ground-launched derivative. Pegasus also forms the basis for a GBI interceptor known as the Orbital Boost Vehicle, a 2 stage missile for the European component of the GBI program. Another Pegasus-based GBI alternative is Taurus-Lite.

Rounding out the GBI and THAAD targets are unmodified Minuteman II rockets known as MSLS-A and MSLS-B and a modified variant called Minotaur-2 and 2+.

I believe PAC-3 uses Storm and Juno rockets, along with PLV and the standard SR-19 with an SR-19 first stage, rather then Pershing or Minuteman booster, but I'm not 100%. Multiple configurations of each missile can be had, such as Storm II, using Minuteman II boosters and the maneuverable reentry body of Pershing II for PAC-3 validations.

No, I couldn't find a bigger picture of either Storm target.

Storm I for THAAD tests. Twelve were launched during THAAD validation, for either vehicle or THAAD tests.

Six Storm II were used during validation tests for PAC-3.

Aeries, Juno, Hermes, Terrier, Castor, Strypi II, Black Brant and Lance are still around too, if my info's still up to date. There's more out there, but It's hard to keep track of all of them, even for me.

Juno PTV during a PAC-3 test. Yes, it's a derivative of the PGM-19 Jupiter MRBM.

What's S-400 being used against?

 

[Kvasir]

Hello

@randomradio @Ashutosh

The Russian ABM for ICBM is the A-135.

A-135 was supplanted by A-235, which in turn has been modernized to the PRS-1M standard, which is optionally nuclear (mean it doesn't need a nuclear warhead for interceptions).

There are downsides to this missile system too. While for strategic defence, it's launchers are static silos.

And unlike S-400 and S-500, which used active or semi-active radar homing, the A-135 and S-235 missiles are radio command link guided only. It's... limited, especially when compared to the American GBI or SM-3.

S-500, erroneous translations aside (and I do both speak and read Russian (Russian alphabet and traditional Cyrillic)) is supposed to be akin to a combination of S-400's anti-aircraft and THAAD anti-missile capabilities with counter-missile capabilities against maneuvering targets restricted to IRBM class missiles. The reports of ICBM intercept capabilities have mostly come from defence analysts. I hope I don't need to refresh you on their quality.