Following the success of its S-400 air defence system in Operation Sindoor, where it reportedly shot down six to seven Pakistani fighter and spy planes at distances exceeding 300 km, India is planning to acquire additional missiles from Russia worth around Rs 10,000 crore. The Indian Air Force has described the system’s performance as a game-changer for its air defence capabilities.
Defence sources told ANI that India is looking to buy these missiles in significant numbers to further strengthen its air defence. Discussions with Russia are already underway, and the Defence Ministry is expected to review the proposal at the upcoming Defence Acquisition Council meeting on October 23.
India had signed a deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system. So far, three squadrons have been delivered and are operational, while India is seeking the remaining two. The delivery of the fourth squadron was delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In addition to the S-400 systems, India is exploring the induction of more S-400 and S-500 air defence systems, as well as new air-to-air missiles to strengthen its beyond-visual-range capabilities. Talks have also covered enhancing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and their variants.
India and Russia maintain close military ties, with a significant portion of the Indian Air Force’s strike capability originating from Russian equipment. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December, where both sides are expected to discuss further cooperation in military hardware and defence technology.
