New Delhi: India has stepped up efforts to acquire five additional squadrons of Russia’s S-400 Triumf air defence system, with Moscow submitting a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) proposal to New Delhi, paving the way for detailed cost negotiations.
According to authoritative sources, the proposed acquisition will require finalisation of the cost with Russia and approval from the finance ministry before it is placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for a final decision. The move comes as India seeks to further strengthen its air defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges along its western and northern fronts.
The S-400 system has emerged as a key component of India’s integrated air defence network. Its performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 further highlighted its operational significance. According to the report, an S-400 long-range missile successfully engaged a Pakistani airborne early warning aircraft at a distance of around 314 kilometres.
The system also played a crucial defensive role as Pakistan employed kamikaze drones against S-400 deployments at Adampur and Bhuj air bases. Its long-range engagement capability helped deter Pakistani fighter aircraft from approaching Indian airspace.
India’s existing S-400 acquisition, signed by the Narendra Modi government in 2018 for $5.43 billion, covers five systems. The final system under that contract is expected to arrive in India in November 2026 and is slated for deployment in the eastern sector facing China.
The proposed expansion assumes added importance as China has deployed its J-20 fifth-generation fighter aircraft at airbases in Tibet, including Hotan, Lhasa and Nyingchi.
Meanwhile, reports of India deciding to purchase two squadrons of Russia’s Su-57 fighters have been denied. While the Indian Air Force has reportedly expressed interest in Moscow’s proposal, no acquisition decision has been taken.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin expected in New Delhi for the BRICS summit from September 11-13, defence cooperation between India and Russia is also expected to receive further momentum, including in the hypersonic weapons sector.
