India is set to significantly enhance its long-range air defence network as the Indian Air Force plans to expand deployment of the S-400 Triumf. The move comes in response to evolving regional security challenges and lessons learned from recent military tensions in South Asia.
According to defence sources, the Defence Acquisition Council has given preliminary approval to procure five additional S-400 squadrons, potentially increasing India’s fleet to ten units. This expansion would bolster India’s ability to defend both western and northern sectors simultaneously.
India signed a $5.4 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 systems. Produced by Almaz-Antey, the S-400 is considered among the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems in service.
Each squadron can deploy multiple interceptor types to target aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. The 40N6 missile can engage targets up to 400 kilometres away, while the 9M96 family is optimized for maneuvering aircraft and cruise missile interception. To maintain readiness, India has reportedly placed a ₹10,000-crore order for roughly 288 interceptors, covering both long- and short-range variants.
The expansion aims to build a dense air defence grid protecting major cities, strategic military bases, and critical infrastructure, covering both Pakistan-facing and China-facing sectors. Several S-400 units have already been delivered under the 2018 agreement. Russia is expected to supply the fourth squadron by May 2026, with the fifth scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. Previous delays were linked to supply chain disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but production stabilized by late 2025 to prioritize India’s order.
Alongside imports, India is advancing its indigenous long-range interceptor program, Project Kusha, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Project Kusha aims to create a domestically controlled, multi-layered air defence system with interceptors capable of ranges up to 350 kilometres. Designed to integrate with India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the program will operate within a broader network of sensors, radars, and command infrastructure.
The S-400 expansion addresses immediate operational needs, providing proven long-range coverage, while indigenous programs like Project Kusha focus on reducing long-term reliance on foreign systems. India’s layered air defence strategy combines imported systems, indigenous interceptors, and existing ballistic missile defences to counter threats including advanced fighter jets, long-range cruise missiles, and drone swarms.
Once fully implemented, this strategy will create a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence architecture capable of defending large portions of Indian airspace, gradually transitioning toward domestic technologies while maintaining robust operational readiness.
