India in Advanced Talks with Russia for More S-400 Air Defence Systems
India and Russia are in talks to buy five additional S-400 Triumf air defense systems to bolster India's long-range aerial defense along its northern border and long coastline. Top officials of India's Defence Ministry are to meet with their Russian counterparts this week to seal the deal, which is likely to get cleared before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on December 5 to attend the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Out of the earlier $5.43 billion S-400 contract signed in 2018, two systems are to be supplied by the end of 2026. In the new talks, India could directly purchase three more systems, and the last two could be manufactured domestically under technology transfer deals with private Indian companies. The pact will also involve MRO support in collaboration with Indian partners.
The S-400's operational prowess was exhibited during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. While facing repeated Pakistani efforts to attack Indian air bases at Adampur and Bhuj, the system effectively kept Pakistani air assets at a distance of more than 300 km from Indian borders, nullifying possible sorties. It successfully intercepted a Pakistani ELINT aircraft at 314 km and shot down several F-16 and JF-17 fighter aircraft, which proved its value as a deterrent and the effectiveness of the system in actual combat situations.
Besides the S-400 complexes, India is also planning to buy Russia's RVV-BD air-to-air missiles, with a range of over 200 km, to boost the combat performance of its Su-30MKI fleet against Pakistan's induction of Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles. The induction of these missiles would also entail radar improvements for the Su-30MKI to enable advanced targeting capabilities. Though negotiations are ongoing on the purchase of Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft and the US F-35, the ultimate decisions have not been taken yet.
Experts say that India's focus on the development of its air defence and strike capabilities is indicative of lessons from recent conflicts and a continued effort to maintain a strong deterrent against regional threats. The defence sources pointed out, "The S-400 has not only demonstrated its strike capabilities but also been a potent strategic deterrent, curbing hostile air operations and solidifying India's aerial defence position." The induction of additional S-400 systems, missile and fighter upgrades, is likely to augment India's multi-layered air defence system and enhance its credible deterrence in the region.
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