India to Acquire 300 Russian Missiles for S-400 Air Defence Replenishment
India is poised to commence the procurement of approximately 300 missiles for its S-400 Triumf air defense system, following significant use of the platform in Operation Sindoor, according to officials familiar with the development.
This acquisition, estimated to be over ₹10,000 crore, is advancing under the fast-track procurement mechanism and is anticipated to be finalized within the current fiscal year, pending approvals from the Cost Negotiation Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Security. The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has already granted the Acceptance of Necessity.
Missile Stock Replenishment After Operation Sindoor
The move to replenish the missile stock for the S-400 system follows its extensive deployment during Operation Sindoor. During this operation, a variety of Pakistani aerial components, including fighter jets, AEW&C aircraft, and armed drones, were effectively targeted. Notably, the S-400 system managed to hit a Pakistani wide-body aircraft 314 km within Punjab province, causing Pakistan to relocate much of its air assets westward, closer to bases near Afghanistan and Iran.
The S-400's interceptor missiles, with ranges of 400 km, 200 km, 150 km, and 40 km, played a crucial role in establishing air superiority, particularly following attacks on Pakistani radar sites in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Pasrur. This led to a marked decline in Pakistan Air Force activities on May 9-10.
Five More S-400 Units Under Consideration
Apart from replenishing existing missile stocks for the five S-400 regiments, the Indian government is also contemplating the acquisition of five additional S-400 systems to enhance national air defense capabilities against enemy rockets, missiles, and aircraft.
Interest in Russia’s Pantsir System
Concurrently, the armed forces are evaluating the Russian Pantsir-S1 missile-gun system, designed to counter contemporary threats such as armed, swarm, and kamikaze drones. The S-400 and Pantsir systems can be integrated to provide a dual-layered air defense network, offering extensive protection against a wide range of aerial threats.
MALE Drone Procurement Gains Momentum
In a separate development, over 20 Indian private defense firms have responded to the ministry’s request for proposals for 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, a project valued at nearly ₹20,000 crore. International defense companies like Israel's Elbit, USA's General Atomics, and Bell have partnered with Indian firms to produce MALE drones locally. Additionally, the armed forces anticipate the delivery of 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones by 2028-29.
No Major Russia Deals Expected During Putin Visit
While India is acquiring long-range air-to-air missiles from Russia through emergency procurement channels, officials suggest that no major defense agreements are likely to be formalized during President Vladimir Putin’s summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 5. Several other Russian proposals related to aerial, land, and naval platforms remain under consideration.
Upcoming Deployments
Two additional S-400 systems, part of an earlier contract, are slated for induction next year, which will further bolster India’s air defense infrastructure across key sectors.
