Russia is poised to resume deliveries of its advanced S-400 air defence system to India, months after the platform made its wartime debut during a high-stakes conflict with Pakistan — where it proved to be an impenetrable shield. Negotiations are currently underway to accelerate the delivery of the remaining units under the original deal.
Reports have emerged that two pending units from the 2018 contract — which involved the purchase of five S-400 systems — are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. The delay in handing over these final units had been raised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Russia last year, as well as in the recently concluded India-Russia bilateral meeting.
“India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. Now, we are in the negotiation stage,” Dmitry Shugayev, the head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, was quoted as saying.
Reports have added that India is planning to acquire additional S-400 systems to bolster its ambitious ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ defence architecture — a multilayered security shield integrating surveillance, cyber protection, and real-time response. The project is being compared to Israel’s Iron Dome, aiming to create a blanket of protection over the nation.
The S-400 has become one of the Indian armed forces’ most prized assets. During Operation Sindoor, when tensions with Pakistan erupted into conflict earlier this year, the system played a critical role. Despite firing multiple projectiles toward Indian targets, Pakistan failed to breach the S-400’s defensive wall. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh described it as a “game-changer” in the battlefield scenario.
Recent reports have highlighted how it’s capable of detecting enemy movement up to 600 km away.
The S-400 can simultaneously track over 100 targets. With a maximum firing range of 400 km, it can intercept and destroy bombers, fighter jets, drones, ballistic missiles, and early warning aircraft. Each unit — or regiment — includes eight launch vehicles, each fitted with four missile tubes.
India had signed a Rs 39,000-crore deal with Russia in 2018 to counter evolving threats from both Pakistan and China. Between 2021 and 2023, three of the five ordered units were delivered and deployed strategically in Adampur (Punjab), as well as in the Eastern and Western sectors. The final two units remain awaited.
The S-400 is a symbol of the enduring India-Russia defence alliance. Russia has openly appreciated India’s decision to maintain oil imports from Moscow despite pressure from the US — a move that further underlined New Delhi’s strategic autonomy.
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