S-400 deliveries accelerated as India enhances air defence capability

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, India is set to receive the remaining two units of the S-400 air defence system from Russia this year, with one expected as early as next month and the final delivery scheduled for November.

A senior official in the Ministry of Defence confirmed that India is in close coordination with its Russian counterparts to ensure timely delivery. The matter has also been discussed at the highest levels, underscoring the strategic importance of the system.

“Out of the remaining two S-400 systems, one will be delivered next month [April] and the last one by November this year,” the official said, adding that the timeline has been expedited after earlier delays caused by supply chain disruptions and the Russia–Ukraine war. Earlier, it was indicated that final deliveries could extend to 2027..

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India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system. So far, three units have already been inducted into service, with the remaining two now expected to be delivered within the stipulated timeframe.

In Indian service, the S-400 has been named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Krishna. The system is capable of engaging aerial threats at ranges of up to 400 km, including fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and drones.

The issue of delivery timelines was also discussed during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov in Qingdao in June last year. Russia had then assured India of adhering to the agreed schedule.

The S-400 system has already demonstrated its operational effectiveness. During Operation Sindoor, the deployed systems played a critical role in intercepting and neutralising incoming missiles and drones, significantly bolstering India’s air defence capabilities.

Last month, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Mr. Singh had accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 288 S-400 missiles from Russia at a cost of ₹10,000 crore.