India’s Air Defence Set to Get Stronger

Russia has submitted a detailed proposal to India’s Defence Ministry in response to the Indian tender for five additional S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence squadrons for the Indian Air Force. The proposed project is estimated to be worth more than ₹50,000 crore and is currently being processed by the Indian side.

Under the 2018 agreement, India ordered five S-400 squadrons, of which four have already been delivered. The fifth is expected by November 2026. Deliveries under the proposed new contract are likely to begin around three years after the agreement is signed. India had cleared plans for five additional S-400 squadrons after Operation Sindoor to strengthen its layered air-defence network along the eastern and western fronts.