Russia S-500 Missile to India: Russia has made a big offer to India that could change the country’s air defence in a big way. Moscow is ready to give India its most modern S-500 Prometey missile defence system under a government-to-government deal. This is not just a normal sale, the plan also comes with full transfer of technology and a joint production setup. That means India will be able to make many important parts inside the country itself, which fits perfectly with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals, Defence news reports.
The S-500 is a big step ahead of the S-400 that India already uses along the sensitive northern and western borders. It is made by Russia’s Almaz-Antey and can take on a wide range of threats from stealth fighter jets to hypersonic cruise missiles, even intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellites in low Earth orbit.
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The system can hit enemy aircraft up to 600 km away and stop ballistic missiles at 500 km distance. It can even destroy targets at 200 km altitude, which means it can defend not just the sky but also the edge of space. The radar systems and special interceptor missiles like the 77T6 and 76N6 make it extremely powerful.
India’s interest in such a strong defence shield is rising because of the tough security situation around the region. China is moving fast with its hypersonic missile projects like the DF-21D and DF-26. Pakistan too is adding more ballistic and cruise missiles. If the S-500 joins India’s existing S-400 systems and local Akash missile batteries, it will create a defence wall at many levels, covering different heights and ranges.
In May 2025, during Operation Sindoor, the S-400 proved its value when it stopped aerial attacks by Pakistani JF-17 and J-10CE fighters. The S-500 can go even further with its longer reach and the ability to take down threats in space, making it a stronger deterrent for enemies.
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For Russia, this is not only about defence but also about keeping its arms industry going during hard times. Western sanctions have hurt its defence companies, so working with India gives it a way to reach more markets. If both countries build the S-500 together in India, Russia can still sell to other nations through India, avoiding some restrictions.
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For India, the benefit is huge stronger defence and a boost for the local defence industry. The plan could include building radars, control units, and interceptor missiles in India. Indian companies might also supply parts to other countries under the deal. This could turn India into a hub for selling advanced air defence to friendly countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, especially those who don’t want to buy directly from Russia.
India has already had success with defence exports, like selling Pinaka rocket systems to Armenia. While the country is also thinking about adding two more S-400 units, the S-500 offer is more about the future.
