In a significant move to bolster its air defence capabilities, India has initiated high-level talks with Russia to procure five additional squadrons of the potent S-400 Triumf air defence missile system. This decision comes on the heels of the system's proven combat effectiveness during the recent 'Operation Sindoor,' which has accelerated New Delhi's plans to fill critical gaps in its defensive umbrella.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, top officials from the Ministry of Defence are set to meet their Russian counterparts to finalise the deal, which is expected to be concluded ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December.
This new procurement follows the original landmark $5.43 billion deal signed on October 5, 2018, for five S-400 units. Under that agreement, the delivery of two remaining systems is scheduled for 2026. The fresh order for five additional systems is strategically aimed at strengthening India's extensive 7,000-kilometre coastline and addressing vulnerabilities in the northern command region.
A Hybrid Procurement Model
In a departure from the previous fully-imported deal, the new agreement is proposed to follow a hybrid model. As per the report, three of the five S-400 systems will be directly purchased from Russia. The remaining two units will be manufactured indigenously by Indian private companies under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative.
Sources indicate that both sides have finalised the financial aspects of the deal, which includes an annual price escalation from the 2018 benchmark. However, the report firmly dispels speculation about India considering the next-generation S-500 system, confirming that the current talks are exclusively for the S-400 platform.
Operation Sindoor: The Proving Ground
The push for additional S-400 systems has been heavily influenced by its decisive role in 'Operation Sindoor.' During this operation, the S-400 system was pivotal in neutralising a series of aerial threats from Pakistan, including drone and missile attacks.
Leveraging its advanced radar and capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously at long ranges, the S-400 provided a robust defensive shield over key Indian military installations and urban centres. Its successful interception of multiple incoming threats significantly limited the impact of the attacks, showcasing India's enhanced airspace control and providing a tangible demonstration of the system's deterrent value.
Putin’s December Visit to Seal the Deal
The finalisation of the S-400 deal is expected to be a centrepiece of the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. New Delhi and Moscow are currently coordinating dates for President Putin's visit, anticipated for early December. This will be the Russian leader's first trip to India since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the resilience of the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations.
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