India is pressing ahead with plans to acquire five additional S-400 air defence squadrons from Russia, buoyed by the system’s performance during Operation Sindoor, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
Russia has now sent New Delhi a cost proposal for the fresh batch of squadrons, the paper reported. However, the final go-ahead will only come once the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) takes up the matter — a step that will follow finalisation of the cost and clearance from the finance ministry.
The S-400 Triumf, known in India as “Sudarshan Chakra,” drew widespread attention for its role in intercepting aerial threats during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response following the conflict with Pakistan. The system’s demonstrated effectiveness is understood to have strengthened the case within the defence establishment for expanding the fleet.
India had earlier signed a $5.43-billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons, of which most have already been delivered, with the remaining unit expected in the coming months. The new proposal for five more squadrons would effectively double India’s S-400 capability, further bolstering its layered air defence network.
With Russia’s cost proposal now in hand, the process moves to inter-ministerial vetting before it can be placed before the CCS, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final approval.