Russia has submitted a detailed proposal to India’s Defence Ministry in response to the country’s tender for five additional S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence squadrons for the Indian Air Force, marking another major development in India’s efforts to expand its air defence capabilities.
According to defence sources, the Russian response has been received and is currently being processed by the Defence Ministry. The proposed procurement is estimated to cost more than ₹50,000 crore, although the deal has not yet reached the final contractual stage.
India had cleared plans to acquire five more S-400 squadrons earlier this year, following the system’s reported performance during Operation Sindoor. The additional units are expected to strengthen India’s layered air defence network and could be deployed across the eastern and western fronts to address evolving aerial threats.
The latest proposal comes as India continues to expand its existing S-400 fleet. Under the original agreement signed by India and Russia in 2018, India ordered five S-400 squadrons. Four of those units have already been delivered, while the remaining squadron is expected to be delivered by November this year, according to defence sources.
The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to detect and engage different types of aerial threats. Its ability to provide long-range coverage makes it an important component of India’s multi-layered air defence architecture.
The system also drew significant attention following Operation Sindoor, with Indian military officials highlighting its role during the operation. Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has said the S-400 achieved a reported engagement at a range of 314 kilometres during the operation.
Under the proposed new acquisition, deliveries could begin around three years after the signing of a formal contract. The timeline means that any expansion of India’s S-400 fleet would take place over several years, subject to negotiations and government approval.
India is also pursuing indigenous solutions for long-range air defence. The country is developing its own capability under Project Kusha while working toward a broader integrated air defence network. In parallel, India is reported to be procuring more than 280 additional missiles for its existing S-400 systems to strengthen its missile inventory.
The Russian proposal therefore represents an important step in the ongoing process, but the final outcome will depend on further evaluation, negotiations and approval. If concluded, the acquisition of five additional S-400 squadrons would significantly expand India’s long-range air defence coverage and reinforce the Indian Air Force’s overall defensive capabilities.
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