India is exploring the possibility of purchasing two additional S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defence missile squadrons from Russia, according to defence sources cited aby ANI.
The consideration comes in light of the system's reported high performance during recent military situations and the ongoing development of India's indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system.
This potential procurement is being weighed due to immediate security requirements and the time needed for the home-grown alternative, codenamed 'Project Kusha', to become fully operational.
The S-400 system reportedly performed exceptionally well during a recent military engagement with Pakistan, successfully neutralising multiple aerial targets, including fighter aircraft and airborne early warning systems.
Sources claim one missile achieved a successful interception at a range exceeding 300 kilometres, setting a new performance record.
Concurrently, India is heavily invested in developing its own advanced air defence shield through Project Kusha. The DRDO is leading this ambitious initiative, with Bharat Dynamics Limited and private sector firm Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited serving as key development and production partners.
Project Kusha aims to create a system with capabilities comparable to the S-400, targeting threats at ranges up to 350 kilometres. The government has sanctioned the project, and it is expected to be deployed by 2028-29, bolstering the nation's long-term self-reliance in critical defence technology.
This development occurs as India awaits the completion of its original S-400 contract. In 2018, India signed a deal worth approximately $5.43 billion to acquire five S-400 squadrons.
While the first three have been delivered and are now operational across the country, the final two squadrons have faced delays.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is believed to have impacted the production and delivery schedule, with reports suggesting that systems originally intended for India may have been diverted for Russia's own use.
However, Russia has recently assured India that the remaining two squadrons will be delivered within the next financial year.
While the S-400 has proven to be a formidable asset, defence circles have also expressed interest in acquiring Russia’s next-generation S-500 ‘Prometey’ system.
The S-500 boasts a significantly greater range, reportedly up to 600 kilometres, and is designed to intercept more advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles and targets in low-earth orbit.
The acquisition of such a cutting-edge system would, however, require high-level clearance from the Russian leadership, making it a more complex diplomatic and strategic endeavour.
