Russia India S-400 deal: India is getting closer to receiving another powerful air defence system from Russia. Sources say Russia will send the fourth S-400 Triumf squadron to the Indian Air Force by late May. This delivery moves India one step ahead in completing its $5 billion deal signed with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons.
The deal faced delays because of the Russia-Ukraine war which slowed factories and transport routes in Russia. Now the situation has improved. Russian officials have clearly told India that the remaining systems will be delivered as promised.
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Russia increased its defence production in late 2025. This helped it fix supply problems and speed up deliveries to important partners like India. India already uses three S-400 squadrons, reported IDRW. The Air Force placed them along the western and northern borders to deal with threats from Pakistan and China. The fourth unit will make India’s air defence even stronger, especially in areas where enemy aircraft and long-range weapons pose constant danger.
Why the S-400 is Important for India?
The S-400 system plays a major role in protecting India’s skies. It guards important cities, military bases, and strategic zones from enemy planes, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. Each squadron comes with powerful radars, command vehicles, and different types of missiles. These missiles can hit targets as far as 400 kilometres away. This long reach allows India to detect and destroy threats before they get close.
During the recent conflict with Pakistan in May, Indian air defence units used the S-400 system in real combat. Reports say the system stopped enemy aircraft from entering Indian airspace. One high-value Pakistani aerial target was destroyed at about 314 kilometres. Another JF-17 fighter jet was shot down at nearly 200 kilometres.
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More Missiles Plan
India is also talking to Russia about buying around 280 more S-400 interceptor missiles. This move will refill stocks that were used during the May conflict. The Air Force wants to stay fully prepared if tensions rise again. Russia is expected to send the fifth and final S-400 squadron to India by the end of 2026.
Russia wants to build a repair and maintenance centre for the S-400 system in India. This centre will help fix problems quickly and reduce future costs and will also help India become more self-reliant in defence support.
