India Set to Acquire 300 Russian Missiles to Boost S-400 Air Defence Capabilities
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India's defence ministry is preparing to issue a request for proposal to Russian state-owned defence major Rosoboronexport for the purchase of approximately 300 missiles to replenish the inventory of S-400 air defence systems used in Operation Sindoor. The acquisition, valued at over ₹10,000 crore, is currently under a fast-track process and is expected to be completed this financial year after clearance from the cost negotiation committee and the Cabinet Committee on Security. The purchase is part of a larger effort to enhance India's air defence capabilities, with plans to acquire additional S-400 systems and integrate them with Russian Pantsir missile systems to create a twin-layer defence system. This move comes after India successfully used the S-400 system to bring down Pakistani aircraft and armed drones during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Meanwhile, the Indian armed forces are also exploring the possibility of acquiring more Russian defence systems, including the Pantsir short and medium-range missile system. Additionally, at least 20 Indian private sector firms have expressed interest in the defence ministry's RFP for the purchase of 87 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones worth nearly ₹20,000 crore. While India is set to acquire long-range air-to-air missiles from Russia under emergency procurement, no major defence deals are expected to be signed with Russia during President Vladimir Putin's summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 5. Other Russian defence offers are still under consideration, with a final decision pending. The replenishment of S-400's surface-to-air missiles is necessary due to their extensive use during Operation Sindoor, where they played a crucial role in bringing down Pakistani aircraft and armed drones. The Indian armed forces are expected to deploy two more S-400 systems next year, further enhancing the country's air defence capabilities.
