New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- Russia has submitted a detailed proposal to India's Defence Ministry for the acquisition of five additional S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence squadrons for the Indian Air Force. The proposal has been submitted in response to an Indian tender for the additional systems. The project is estimated to cost more than Rs.50,000 crore and is currently being processed by the Defence Ministry.
India had cleared the plan to procure five more S-400 squadrons in March this year, following the system's performance during Operation Sindoor. The additional systems are intended to strengthen the country's air-defence network and provide greater coverage against aerial threats. The proposed acquisition would effectively increase India's planned S-400 inventory to 10 squadrons once the new deal is concluded. India had originally contracted Russia for five S-400 squadrons in 2018. Four of those squadrons have been received, while deliveries of the remaining unit are expected to be completed as part of the existing order.
The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to detect and engage a range of aerial threats. The system forms an important part of the Indian Air Force's layered air-defence network. The new proposal is now under examination by Indian authorities, with further steps required before the procurement can be finalised.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.