TheInterviewTimes.com | March 03, 2026 | 09:54 AM IST | New Delhi
India eyes five more S-400 squadrons from Russia post Operation Sindoor success. Boost air defence with proven Sudarshan system amid border threats. Latest defence news 2026.
India plans to acquire five additional squadrons of the Russian-made S-400 Triumph air defence system, known domestically as Sudarshan, following its standout performance in Operation Sindoor. The Defence Ministry will soon review the Indian Air Force proposal, with deployments targeted for eastern and western borders. This move builds on the original 2018 deal worth $5.43 billion for five squadrons, where three units are now operational.
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Operation Sindoor: S-400’s Battlefield Validation
Operation Sindoor unfolded in May 2025 as a swift Indian military response to terrorist attacks in Kashmir, involving precision strikes on Pakistani targets and cross-border clashes. The S-400 system proved pivotal, intercepting over 500 Pakistani drones, missiles, and aircraft, including a record 314-kilometre downing of a Saab Erieye airborne early warning plane. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh hailed it as a game-changer that established air superiority and deterred enemy incursions.
Pakistan’s Chinese HQ-9 systems reportedly underperformed against Indian assets, reinforcing trust in the S-400. The operation highlighted the system’s multi-layered capabilities, from short-range drone neutralization to long-range intercepts, amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
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Current Status and Delivery Timeline
Of the initial five squadrons, three have been inducted since 2021, guarding key sectors against Pakistan and China. Russia confirmed the fourth squadron arrives in 2026 and the fifth in 2027, despite Ukraine war delays discussed at the 2025 SCO meeting between Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov. India seeks expedited timelines for these plus the new order.
A parallel Rs 10,000 crore deal for 288 S-400 missiles (120 short-range, 168 long-range) received Acceptance of Necessity from the Defence Acquisition Council in February 2026 via fast-track procedure, replenishing stocks depleted in Operation Sindoor. Talks also cover maintenance contracts and potential local MRO facilities.
Strategic Expansion and Broader Implications
The extra five squadrons aim to create a robust two-layer shield, possibly paired with Pantsir systems for short-range gaps. This fits India’s $39 billion modernization push, including Rafale jets and Su-30MKI upgrades, amid threats from China and Pakistan. Russia-India defence ties remain strong, with technology transfer options for private firms under exploration.
Experts view the expansion as a deterrent signal, enhancing layered defences across borders. Final approvals from the Cabinet Committee on Security could unlock the deal soon, positioning India with one of the world’s largest S-400 fleets.
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