Russia has submitted a proposal to supply India with five more S‑400 Sudarshan air defence squadrons in a deal valued at over ₹50,000 crore. The Defence Ministry is processing the tender and deliveries are expected to begin three years after the agreement is signed. India has already received four squadrons from the 2018 contract and the fifth is scheduled for delivery by November 2026.
The new squadrons are planned for deployment along the eastern and western fronts to strengthen India’s layered air defence network. The S‑400 system has already proven its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, where it achieved a record kill at 314 kilometres by destroying a Pakistani surveillance aircraft. It also neutralised several Pakistani fighter jets, including Chinese‑supplied J‑10s, and deterred flights within 200 kilometres of India’s border. Reports suggest Pakistan attempted to locate the systems using spies and sleeper cells.
India is also acquiring more than 280 missiles to enhance the S‑400 arsenal. Parallel indigenous efforts under Project Kusha have shown success by hitting simulated targets at 140 kilometres. Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to build a nationwide air shield using multiple systems.
The proposed deal highlights India’s focus on advanced air defence amid regional tensions. Deliveries under the new contract are expected to start around 2029, boosting India’s long‑term strategic posture.
