india-to-acquire-five-more-s-400-squadrons-from-russia

India is set to purchase five additional S-400 air defence missile squadrons from Russia following their decisive performance during Operation Sindoor last year, Defence Ministry sources informed late on Monday. The systems successfully downed multiple Pakistani aircraft and a high-value spy plane, outperforming the Chinese HQ-9 air defence systems deployed by Pakistan.

 

The additional squadrons will be deployed across both eastern and western fronts, enhancing India’s air defence coverage. Defence officials noted that the S-400 systems proved their range and lethality, achieving what is described as the longest-ever air kill, hitting a Pakistani reconnaissance aircraft over 300 km inside enemy territory.

 

“The Indian Air Force is looking to buy the missiles in significant numbers to further bolster its air defence capabilities. Discussions with Russia are already underway, and a tender for the procurement will be reissued soon,” the sources said.

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During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had relied on Chinese HQ-9 systems, which failed to effectively counter Indian aircraft strikes. The HQ-9 has reportedly underperformed globally, including during US-led operations in Venezuela and Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

 

The S-400 air defence network also intercepted and neutralised Pakistani cruise and ballistic missiles, bringing down five to six fighter jets in addition to the spy plane, according to official sources. Its performance has been described as a game-changer for India’s strategic air defence posture.

 

India had signed an initial deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons, of which three are already operational. New discussions aim to acquire the remaining two squadrons along with an additional five, expanding India’s long-range air defence capabilities significantly.

 

In parallel, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its indigenous long-range missile programme under Project Kusha, aiming to complement imported systems with homegrown solutions in the near future.

 

The expanded S-400 deployment is expected to provide India with a robust shield against regional threats and reinforce deterrence against adversarial air and missile operations along both western and eastern borders.