India could soon be getting five additional squadrons of The Russian-origin S-400 Air Defence Systems to strengthen its National Airspace. The move follows the assessment made during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when India's existing Air Defence Systems demonstrated that they were combat-ready by successfully engaging several significant targets, including five to six fighter jets from the Pakistan Air Force, and an important reconnaissance aircraft, from an impressive distance of more than 300 kilometres.
Dubbed as the “Sudarshan Chakra” in India, the S-400 has become the cornerstone of India’s air defence systems.
During last year’s four-day conflict, the system effectively neutralised not just enemy aircraft but also incoming ballistic and cruise missiles, preventing any significant damage to Indian airbases or command centres. This success has sparked a fresh urgency within the Ministry of Defence to double the current fleet, with the new units earmarked for strategic deployment across both the eastern and western borders.
The push for more Russian hardware is also being viewed through the lens of shifting regional stability. As the Middle East remains on edge following the recent assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and subsequent retaliatory strikes, New Delhi is keen to ensure its layered defence remains impenetrable. Indian officials have noted with interest that the Chinese-origin HQ-9 systems used by Pakistan during last year's skirmishes failed to provide similar protection— a discrepancy that has only reinforced the Indian Air Force’s preference for the Trump's multi-target capabilities.
While the new deal with Russia is being finalised, India is simultaneously pursuing strategic autonomy through the DRDO’s Project Kusha. This indigenous programme is developing a long-range surface-to-air missile system, one that is designed to compete with the Russian S-400. For now, it is a dual-pronged approach – of acquiring tried and tested technology for immediate threats and accelerating work on its indigenous "Made in India" shield by the end of the decade.
Also read: Mojtaba succeeds Ayatollah Khamenei: Report
Follow us
