India is in talks with Russia to acquire additional batches of S-400 long-range air defence systems, Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) said on Tuesday.“Russia and India are negotiating the delivery of an additional batch of S-400 Triumf air defence systems, according to Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. Moscow said the S-400 ‘proved itself’ during Operation Sindoor, with India now expressing interest in expanding its inventory beyond the five regimental sets ordered under the 2018 deal,” Russian state-controlled news network RT India said on X. The latest Indo-Russian discussions come as Moscow moves to complete the $5.4 billion (around Rs 40,000 crore) S-400 air defence deal signed with India in 2018. Russia delivered the first three systems by 2023, which India has already deployed along the western and northern borders. However, delivery of the remaining two units was delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war.FSVTS chief Dmitry Shugayev said last week that the pending deliveries are now back “on schedule”, with one unit expected to arrive this month and the final system likely to be delivered in November.The S-400 Triumf system, referred to as “Sudarshan Chakra” in India, emerged as a major force multiplier during Operation Sindoor by successfully intercepting hostile aerial threats and protecting key Indian air bases and cities.India has deployed the mobile air defence systems in strategic locations to build a layered aerial shield against potential threats from Pakistan and China.The defence ministry and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are also working on integrating the S-400 systems with the indigenous Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), through the Indian Air Command and Control System (IACCS).The integration is aimed at creating a nationwide missile defence network capable of sharing real-time data and coordinating operations, including “buddy firing”, while maintaining India’s strategic autonomy.(with TOI inputs)
India in talks to buy Operation Sindoor hero 'S-400' from Russia
India is in negotiations with Russia for additional S-400 air defence systems, following the successful deployment of five regimental sets. The initial $5.4 billion deal, signed in 2018, saw three systems delivered by 2023, with the remaining two now back on schedule. These systems are being integrated with indigenous Project Kusha to create a pan-India missile shield.
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