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Key Points

India is weighing additional S-400 purchases from Russia after the system's outstanding performance against Pakistani aircraft. The move comes as indigenous air defense development faces delays, forcing reliance on Russian imports. While awaiting two more squadrons from its 2018 order, India has also expressed interest in Russia's more advanced S-500 systems. Russian authorities have promised to deliver remaining S-400 units by next financial year despite earlier Ukraine war-related delays.

Key Points: India May Buy More S-400 Missiles From Russia After Operation Sindoor Success

  • S-400 proved effective in combat during Operation Sindoor
  • India seeks faster air defense amid delays in indigenous LRSAM Project Kusha
  • Russia assures delivery of pending S-400 squadrons next year
  • India also interested in more advanced S-500 systems
2 min read

India looking at option of buying more S-400 air defence systems from Russia

India considers additional S-400 purchases from Russia as indigenous LRSAM development continues, following the system's stellar performance in Operation Sindoor.

"The S-400 performed exceptionally in Operation Sindoor taking out multiple Pakistan Air Force fighter and airborne early warning aircraft. – Defence Sources"

By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, June 27

With the S-400 air defence missile systems performing very well during Operation Sindoor, India is considering the option of buying two more squadrons of S-400 long range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, defence sources told ANI.

The sources said more systems of the S-400 are being considered due to security threats in view of the recent hostilities and the time to be taken in the development and deployment of the indigenous LRSAM programme, codenamed Project Kusha by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, with Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited as its development and production partners.

The Indian side would prefer to get S-500 air defence system which has more range than the S-400 but it would require a clearance from the top Russian leadership for its sale, they said.

The S-400 performed exceptionally in Operation Sindoor taking out multiple Pakistan Air Force fighter and airborne early warning aircraft.

It also managed to create a record of sorts by successfully hitting an aircraft at a range of 300 plus kilometres.

India is also awaiting the delivery of two more squadrons of the five S-400 squadrons that it had ordered in a 2018 deal.

The first three squadrons have already been received and operationally deployed. Just before the delivery of the fourth squadron, war broke out between Russia and Ukraine.

The systems meant for India were probably used in the war.

The Russian side has now assured the delivery of the remaining two systems in the next financial year.

Indian defence teams have also raised the issue with the Russian side and they have given assurances to not extend the schedule further.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are we still dependent on Russia? The war in Ukraine has shown delays in delivery. We should focus more on our indigenous defense programs like Project Kusha. Atmanirbhar Bharat should be the priority!
V
Vikram M
S-400 is proven technology that gives us an edge against both Pakistan and China. The 300km range is impressive! But we should negotiate hard with Russia - they can't keep delaying deliveries like this.
R
Rohit P
If possible, we should go for S-500 directly. Better range means better security for our cities. But MOD should ensure proper maintenance training for our forces - high-tech systems need skilled operators.
K
Kavya N
The delay in deliveries is concerning. Our defense planners should have alternative suppliers ready. What if Russia gets more involved in Ukraine war? We can't leave our security to chance.
S
Siddharth J
Good decision but expensive! Hope the finance ministry has allocated proper budget. Defense is important but so are schools and hospitals. Need balanced spending.

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