India signed a $5.43 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system. Photo credit: Special arrangement
Amid continuing tensions in West Asia, India is due to receive the remaining two units of the S-400 air defense system from Russia this year, with one expected as early as next month and the final delivery scheduled for November.
A senior defense ministry official confirmed that India is working closely with its Russian counterparts to ensure timely delivery. This matter was also discussed at the highest levels, which underlined the strategic importance of the system.
“Of the remaining two S-400 systems, one will be delivered next month (April) and the last by November this year,” the official said, adding that the timetable had been accelerated after earlier delays caused by supply chain disruptions and the Russia-Ukraine war. It was previously reported that final deliveries could be extended to 2027.
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India signed a $5.43 billion contract with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system. Three units have been commissioned so far, with the remaining two now expected to be delivered within the stipulated time frame.
In Indian service, the S-400 was named the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Krishna. The system is capable of countering aerial threats at a distance of up to 400 km, including fighter jets, ballistic missiles and drones.
The issue of delivery times was also discussed during a bilateral meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Qingdao in June last year. Russia then assured India that it would stick to the agreed schedule.
The S-400 system has already proven its operational effectiveness. During Operation Sindoor, the deployed systems played a key role in intercepting and neutralizing incoming missiles and drones, significantly enhancing India’s air defense capabilities.
Last month, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Mr. Singh, approved the Consent of Necessity (AoN) for the purchase of 288 S-400 missiles from Russia at a cost of ₹10,000 crore.
Published – 26 March 2026 23:05 IST
