India
oi-Prakash KL
India is set to augment its integrated air defence network as the fourth regiment of the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system arrives by mid-May. The hardware, which underwent a comprehensive pre-dispatch inspection by Indian Air Force officials last week, is currently en route to the subcontinent, Hindustan Times reported.
This latest induction marks a key moment in India’s military modernisation, with the system slated for deployment in the Rajasthan sector to provide a formidable counter-balance along the western frontier.
India augments its air defence with the fourth S-400 regiment, acquiring five additional systems and 280 missiles for 400km range defence along the western frontier, alongside domestic Pantsir production under ‘Make in India’.
Despite the US pressure not to buy the missile systems, India gave a green signal in 2018 to acquire five units of the missile systems of which three of them have already been delivered.
The timing of the delivery carries profound symbolic and operational weight, arriving on the eve of the anniversary of Operation Sindoor. It was during this conflict that the S-400 system proved its combat mettle. Sources told HT that the Indian Air Force successfully deployed eleven long-range missiles during the hostilities, effectively neutralising a spectrum of high-value aerial assets including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and sophisticated airborne early warning systems.
The fifth and final unit of the missile is scheduled for delivery this November.
These defence system can track and engage targets at ranges of up to 400 kilometres, bringing vast swathes of territory east of the Indus River under a permanent “no-fly” umbrella.
This reach effectively places strategic corridors east of the Indus River under constant surveillance and potential engagement. To sustain this posture, the Ministry of Defence is planning the procurement of 280 short- and long-range missiles to replenish stocks and build a resilient reserve inventory.
Beyond mere acquisition, India is shifting toward a more sustainable domestic framework. Discussions are currently underway to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility through private sector participation, potentially involving a significant transfer of technology. This drive for self-reliance is mirrored in the recent approval of the Pantsir air defence system; while India intends to procure twelve units directly from Russia, another forty systems are earmarked for domestic production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to combat the evolving threat of loitering munitions and drone swarms.
This procurement surge aligns with a broader ₹2.38 lakh crore modernisation package approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the council has prioritised the S-400 alongside the replacement of ageing AN-32 and IL-76 transport aircraft.
Meanwhile, sources have informed PTI that India is not expecting any possible hindrance from US sanctions as the new procurement will be a “follow on” order of the previous order. The missile systems were used extensively by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the May 7-10 military conflict with Pakistan.
With inputs from agencies.
