India, March 27 -- India is preparing to significantly strengthen its air defence capabilities as it expects the delivery of the fourth squadron of the advanced S-400 missile defence system by May. Officials familiar with the development said the delivery is likely to coincide with the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, during which the missile system played a key role in protecting Indian airspace from aerial threats.

India has already operationalised three squadrons of the Russian-made S-400 system. Authorities expect the fifth and final squadron to arrive later this year, completing the full delivery schedule agreed between India and Russia.

India signed a major defence agreement with Russia in 2018 to procure five S-400 squadrons. Th...