Russia has submitted its detailed response to India’s tender for five additional squadrons of the S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence system, marking a major step forward in the proposed defence acquisition, according to an ANI report.
Defence sources said the Russian proposal has been received by the Ministry of Defence and is currently under consideration. The proposed acquisition is estimated to cost more than ₹50,000 crore.
India Already Has Four S 400 Squadrons
India had signed its first S-400 contract with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons. Four squadrons have already been delivered, while the fifth is expected to arrive by November 2026, according to defence sources.
Under the new proposal, deliveries of the additional systems are expected to begin around three years after the contract is formally signed.
India approved the acquisition of five more S-400 squadrons in March 2026, shortly after Operation Sindoor. The additional systems are expected to strengthen India’s layered air defence network and could be deployed along both the eastern and western fronts.
S 400 Role in Operation Sindoor
The S-400 emerged as a key component of India’s air defence during Operation Sindoor.
According to Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, the system destroyed a Pakistani surveillance aircraft at a range of around 314 kilometres, which he described as possibly the longest recorded surface-to-air missile engagement.
Mishra also said the S-400 was used against several Pakistani fighter aircraft, including Chinese-origin J-10 jets operated by Pakistan.
He further stated that Pakistan attempted to locate India’s S-400 systems during the operation by deploying spies and activating sleeper cells.
India Expands S 400 Missile Stock
Alongside the planned purchase of additional S-400 systems, India is also acquiring more than 280 missiles for its existing units to strengthen its missile inventory.
The expansion is part of India’s broader effort to build a stronger and more layered air defence network capable of responding to different types of aerial threats.
Project Kusha and Mission Sudarshan Chakra
India is simultaneously developing an indigenous long-range air defence system under Project Kusha.
The programme recently achieved an initial milestone by successfully engaging a simulated target at a range of around 140 kilometres.
The country is also working on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a broader initiative aimed at establishing a nationwide air defence shield. Multiple agencies are expected to acquire and deploy different systems as part of the programme.
The proposed additional S-400 squadrons, Project Kusha and Mission Sudarshan Chakra together form part of India’s wider strategy to strengthen long-range and layered air defence capabilities.
