Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Russia Submits Proposal for Five More S-400 Squadrons
Russia has sent India a plan to sell five more S-400 air-defence squadrons.
India’s Defence Ministry is studying the proposal.
The purchase could cost more than ₹50,000 crore.
India already has four of the five S-400 squadrons ordered in 2018.
The last squadron from that earlier order is expected by November.
The new systems could protect India’s eastern and western sides.
Indian officials said the S-400 was effective during Operation Sindoor.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra claimed it destroyed Pakistani aircraft, including a surveillance aircraft.
India is also buying more S-400 missiles and developing its own system under Project Kusha.
Russia has submitted a detailed proposal responding to India’s tender for five additional S-400 Sudarshan squadrons.
India’s Defence Ministry is processing the proposal, which is estimated to cost more than ₹50,000 crore.
India has received four of five S-400 squadrons ordered under its 2018 agreement with Russia.
The fifth squadron from the original order is expected to be delivered by November, while new deliveries could begin about three years after a new deal is signed.
The additional systems may strengthen air defence on India’s eastern and western fronts after reported S-400 successes during Operation Sindoor.
- Who
- Russia, India’s Defence Ministry, and the Indian Air Force are involved; Pakistani aircraft were cited in Indian accounts of Operation Sindoor.
- What
- Russia submitted a proposal for five additional S-400 Sudarshan long-range air-defence squadrons.
- When
- India approved the additional procurement in March, and the Russian proposal was recently received; new deliveries could begin about three years after a contract is signed.
- Where
- The additional systems are expected to be deployed along India’s eastern and western fronts.
- Why
- India aims to strengthen its layered air-defence network following reported S-400 performance during Operation Sindoor.
- Estimated cost
- More than ₹50,000 crore
- Additional purchase
- Five S-400 Sudarshan squadrons
- Original agreement
- India ordered five S-400 squadrons from Russia in 2018
- Current deliveries
- Four of the five squadrons from the original order have been delivered
- Final original delivery
- The fifth squadron is expected by November
- New delivery timeline
- Deliveries could begin about three years after a new contract is signed
- Additional missiles
- India is reportedly acquiring more than 280 S-400 missiles
- Indigenous programme
- Project Kusha recently engaged a simulated target at around 140 kilometres
