Amid ongoing delays attributed to its military conflict with Ukraine, Russia has notified India that the delivery of the remaining two squadrons of the S-400 long-range air defense missile system will be delayed until August 2026. A deal between Russia and India had initially entailed the purchase of five squadrons of the S-400 air defense system. Of these, three have already been delivered, while the delivery of the remaining two has been hindered due to the evolving circumstances surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to defense sources, the Russian side has communicated its revised timeline for supplying the two remaining squadrons of the highly capable air defense systems. The S-400 system boasts the capability to engage targets at a distance of 400 kilometers, rendering it highly effective against fighter jets and cruise missiles. Originally slated for delivery by 2024, the timeline had to be adjusted by Russia due to the exigencies of the ongoing conflict.
India and Russia had inked a deal valued at over Rs 35,000 crore for the procurement of five squadrons of S-400 air defense missiles. While all deliveries were initially expected to be completed by the conclusion of 2023-24, a delay is now anticipated. Despite this setback, the Indian Air Force, having recently bolstered its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems, as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, regards the S-400 as a pivotal asset.
Furthermore, the Indian Air Force has embarked on its indigenous Project ‘Kusha,’ spearheaded by DRDO, aimed at developing a homegrown system capable of neutralizing enemy platforms at extended ranges. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities through domestic innovation.
Notably, amid escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control, both the Chinese military and the Indian Air Force have significantly ramped up the deployment of air defense systems. This underscores the strategic importance attributed to air defense capabilities in the region.