Defense Ministry approves Rs 10,000-crore deal to buy 288 S-400 missiles from Russia
Russia's S-400 system is capable of tracking and destroying enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones at ranges up to 400 kilometers.
India is actively enhancing its military capabilities in response to the ever-increasing challenges along its borders. The central government has taken a major step toward further strengthening its air defenses, with the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by the Defense Minister agreeing to purchase 288 additional S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia.
S-400 system is capable of tracking and destroying enemy ballistic missiles
The Defense Acquisition Council, headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted its approval (Acceptance of Necessity - AoN) for the purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia for approximately ₹10,000 crore. This entire procurement will be done under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP) to expedite the procurement process. Meanwhile, India is scheduled to receive two more S-400 systems in June and November this year under a previous agreement.
What will be purchased?
India will acquire 120 short-range missiles and 168 long-range missiles from Russia. The need for such missiles has increased significantly following Operation Sindoor, which India launched after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year.
The Indian Army extensively used the S-400 system during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During this period, enemy fighter aircraft, AWACS, intelligence aircraft, and drones were intercepted using missiles with ranges of 400 kilometers, 200 kilometers, 150 kilometers, and 40 kilometers.
Additionally, India targeted a large aircraft carrier 314 kilometers away in Pakistan's Punjab province with an S-400 long-range missile, forcing Pakistan to relocate many of its aircraft to the western sector.
Preparing for a Layered Air Defense Shield
The Indian Air Force is considering purchasing five more S-400 systems from Russia, as well as the Pantsir short-range air defense system. The Pantsir system is specifically designed to shoot down armed and kamikaze drones. With the S-400 and Pantsir, India will be able to create a robust layered air defense shield capable of neutralizing air threats from across the border.
What are the strengths of the S-400 system?
Russia's S-400 system is capable of tracking and destroying enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones at ranges up to 400 kilometers. Its unique feature is able to engage multiple targets simultaneously. It is considered the backbone of India's multi-layered air defense system. With this new purchase, India has moved towards further strengthening the security of its air borders.
