NEW DELHI: India is set to strengthen its air defence network with a major purchase of missiles worth around Rs 10,000 crore from Russia for its S-400 air defence system. The move comes after the system’s reported success where it to brought down 6-7 Pakistani fighter and spy planes during Operation Sindoor.“The Indian Air Force is looking to buy the missiles in significant numbers to further bolster its air defence capabilities. The discussions with the Russian side are already on in this regard,” to further enhance its long-range strike and interception capabilities, defence sources told ANI.According to officials, the defence ministry is expected to consider the IAF’s proposal at the upcoming Defence Acquisition Council meeting on October 23. The purchase is part of India’s broader strategy to expand its advanced missile defence systems amid evolving regional threats.India signed a deal with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 squadrons. Three have already been delivered on time, but the Russia-Ukraine war delayed the delivery of the fourth unit.India has requested Moscow to expedite the remaining deliveries and is also exploring the possibility of adding more S-400 and even S-500 systems in the future.Alongside the missile purchase, India and Russia are also holding talks on acquiring new air-to-air missiles to strengthen India’s beyond-visual-range capabilities. The two sides are additionally working on upgrading the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and its next-generation variants.Also read: Trump wants India to stop buying Russian oil, but can it? Why crude imports can at best be reduced
What is S-400 Sudarshan Chakra?
The S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” is the Indian name for the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system, one of the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems in the world. The name, inspired by Lord Vishnu’s legendary weapon from the Mahabharata, symbolizes precision, speed, and lethal accuracy, mirroring the S-400’s real-world capabilities.Developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the S-400 can engage aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles, at ranges up to 400 km and detect targets as far as 600 km.
How India used S-400 to take down Pakistani drones?
During the four-day Operation Sindoor, the S-400 system was credited with bringing down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane over 300 km deep inside Pakistan, a feat the IAF has described as a “game-changer,” thwarting Islamabad’s attempt to damage military installations.With Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to visit India in December, both nations are likely to focus on deepening defence cooperation and expanding joint military hardware development, reinforcing a partnership that remains central to India’s air power and strategic deterrence.
