New Delhi – India’s defence ministry is moving forward with a significant S-400 missile purchase from Russia, marking a crucial step in bolstering the nation’s air defence infrastructure. The acquisition involves approximately 300 missiles worth over ₹10,000 crore, aimed at replenishing inventory depleted during recent military operations and enhancing India’s defensive capabilities against aerial threats.
Fast-Track Procurement Process Underway
The S-400 missile purchase has been placed under a fast-track procurement process, with expectations that the deal will be finalized within the current financial year. The defence ministry is preparing to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned defence export organization. The acquisition has already received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and an acceptance of necessity has been formally accorded.
Before final implementation, the S-400 missile purchase must clear two critical hurdles: approval from the Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). These procedural steps ensure proper financial scrutiny and strategic validation of the defence acquisition.
Strategic Necessity Following Operation Sindoor
The decision to proceed with this S-400 missile purchase stems directly from operational requirements identified during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Indian armed forces extensively deployed S-400 air defence systems during this operation, utilizing missiles across various range categories—400km, 200km, 150km, and 40km—to neutralize multiple aerial threats.
During Operation Sindoor, the air defence systems demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, successfully engaging Pakistani fighter aircraft, early warning and intelligence gathering platforms, and armed drones. A particularly notable achievement involved targeting a wide-bodied aircraft inside Punjab, Pakistan, at a distance of 314 kilometers using a long-range S-400 missile. This operational success prompted Pakistan to relocate its operational aircraft to western airbases near Afghanistan and Iran.
Comprehensive Defence System Integration
Beyond the immediate S-400 missile purchase, India is exploring additional defence acquisitions to create a multi-layered air defence architecture. Consideration is being given to purchasing five additional S-400 air defence systems from Russia, which would provide comprehensive protection for Indian airspace against enemy rockets, missiles, and aircraft.
The armed forces are also evaluating the Russian Pantsir missile system, specifically designed to counter armed and kamikaze drones. The integration of S-400 and Pantsir short and medium-range missile systems would establish a twin-layer defence network capable of neutralizing all aerial objects launched from across borders. Both these acquisitions remain on the drawing board, with decisions expected soon.
Operational Impact and Strategic Deployment
The extensive use of air defence systems during Operation Sindoor proved decisive in establishing air superiority. After Indian forces targeted Pakistani radar installations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Pasrur, the Pakistani air force remained conspicuously absent on May 9-10, attributed to the deterrent effect of S-400 systems deployed at Adampur and Bhuj sectors.
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Currently, India operates a portion of the originally contracted S-400 systems, with two of the remaining five systems scheduled for deployment next year. The new S-400 missile purchase will ensure these existing and future systems maintain full operational readiness with adequate stockpiles of surface-to-air missiles across all range categories.
Broader Defence Procurement Landscape
While the S-400 missile purchase advances through approval channels, India’s defence acquisition pipeline includes other significant projects. At least 20 Indian private sector companies have expressed interest in manufacturing 87 medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones worth nearly ₹20,000 crore. International partnerships are forming, with Israeli company Elbit, American firms General Atomics and Bell collaborating with Indian manufacturers. Additionally, supplies of 31 US-made Predator high altitude long endurance armed drones are expected by 2028-29.
India is also acquiring long-range air-to-air missiles from Russia through emergency procurement channels. However, no major defence agreements are anticipated during President Vladimir Putin’s summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for December 5. Other Russian proposals for aerial, surface, and sub-surface platforms remain under evaluation.
Looking Ahead
The S-400 missile purchase represents more than just inventory replenishment—it signifies India’s commitment to maintaining robust air defence capabilities in an evolving security environment. As the acquisition moves toward finalization this financial year, it will strengthen India’s strategic deterrence and operational readiness. The successful integration of these systems, combined with future acquisitions, will establish a formidable multi-layered defence architecture protecting Indian airspace from diverse aerial threats.
