It's been widely reported that the IAF has reduced the vulnerability of its S-400 systems by launching missiles on the move.
It's important to put the IAF achievement in the correct perspective.
The S-400 system is a mobile system but does not have launch on the move capability like short-range SAMs such as the Pantsir-S1 or Tor (which are explicitly designed for firing on the move).
The S-400 is a mobile (up to 60 km/h on roads, 25 km/h off-road) system that can reach "ready to fire" status in as little as 5 minutes from a marching column without full redeployment (rapid-reaction), or 10–15 minutes in full development mode where the entire battery or regiment properly positions into its battle formation.
In firing position, the TEL deploys hydraulic stabilizer jacks (typically two on each side of the trailer/chassis) to level and steady the vehicle.
IAF's New S-400 Operatoions Tactics
Using the IAF's newly developed tactics, a S-400 battery prepares for launch while still moving at low speeds (~5–7 km/h). When ready to launch, it stops, stabilizes, fires quickly, retracts its stabilizing pads and speeds away (scoots).
With the launcher continuously moving, AWACS or satellite based reconnaissance cannot provide counter battery missile systems the exact coordinates of the S-400 component systems.
During Op Sindoor, IAF batteries reportedly evaded counter battery fire by quickly relocating.
The IAF new tactics are more advanced and make counter battery fire very challenging for the adversary.
The IAF tactics requires training and situational awareness - satellite pass schedule and airborne ISR assets positioning. It possibly also relies on surveyed and flattened terrain to launch with lower levels of stabilization.
It's conceivable that the launch tubes are raised to a vertical position while on the move and then the platform is lightly stabilized for immediate launch.
It's unlikely that the IAF has made any hardware modification to the equipment though software tweaks cannot be ruled out.
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