India is planning to acquire a substantial number of missiles worth approximately Rs 10,000 crore from Russia to enhance its S-400 air defence system, following the system's successful performance in Operation Sindoor, where it downed six to seven Pakistani fighter and spy planes.
The operation, which lasted four days, saw the Indian Air Force’s S-400 system neutralise five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one reconnaissance plane at a range exceeding 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory, earning it the reputation of a game-changer within the Indian Air Force.
According to defence sources, "The Indian Air Force is looking to buy the missiles in significant numbers to further bolster its air defence capabilities. The discussions with the Russian side are already on in this regard." The proposal for this acquisition is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Ministry during a Defence Acquisition Council meeting scheduled for October 23, as per sources.
In 2018, India and Russia signed an agreement for the purchase of five S-400 air defence missile system squadrons. Currently, India is keen on expanding its S-400 arsenal and has requested Russia to deliver the remaining two squadrons, with three already inducted and operational. The delivery of the fourth squadron was delayed due to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which disrupted the schedule.
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Discussions between the two nations have also touched on India’s interest in acquiring additional S-400 and S-500 air defence systems at various levels. Russia’s military industry has been producing substantial equipment for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has been a point of discussion in these talks. Additionally, India is exploring the procurement of new air-to-air missiles from Russia to enhance its beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.
The collaboration extends to further improving the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and its variants, a joint endeavour between India and Russia. The two countries share strong military ties, with a significant portion of the Indian Air Force’s strike capabilities relying on Russian-origin equipment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is slated to visit India in December, where both nations are expected to discuss further strengthening their cooperation in military hardware, underscoring the deep defence partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
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