India clears purchase of S-400 missiles
India has cleared the purchase of additional S-400 missile interceptors from Russia, according to media reports.
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India has cleared the purchase of additional S-400 missile interceptors from Russia, according to media reports. The country’s Defence Acquisition Council has reportedly granted Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of 288 missiles at an estimated cost of 1.1 billion dollars.
A report by Hindustan Times stated that the approval relates to the Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system. The proposed package is said to include 120 short-range and 168 long-range missiles. The Indian Air Force has been seeking these interceptors, and they are expected to be integrated with the Pantsir short-range air defence system for layered protection.
Earlier, India’s Defence Ministry approved Acceptance of Necessity for defence acquisitions worth 39 billion dollars aimed at modernization and operational preparedness. While the official statement did not specifically mention the S-400 system, it referred to fighter missiles, multi-role combat aircraft, Rafale jets, and an airship-based high-altitude pseudo-satellite platform.
India currently operates four S-400 systems and is expected to receive two more later this year. The Russian-made air defence system is considered critical for countering armed drones and kamikaze drone threats, which have become an increasing concern in modern conflicts.
The system reportedly played a significant role during Operation Sindoor in May. The operation involved missile strikes on suspected militant positions in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered territory, following an April terrorist attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised the performance of India’s air defence platforms during the military standoff. Addressing troops after the operation, he said systems like the S-400 had substantially strengthened the country’s defence capabilities.
Media reports also suggest that Russia has offered India a proposal for joint production of the more advanced S-500 air defence system, potentially opening the door to deeper defence cooperation between the two countries.
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