India Set to Add Five More S-400 'Sudarshan' Squadrons in Rs 50,000 Crore Deal as Russia Responds to Tender
The project is estimated at over Rs 50,000 crore, and deliveries could begin about three years after the agreement is signed, defence sources said.
- Russia submitted a detailed proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for five additional S-400 Sudarshan air defence squadrons. Defence sources told ANI, "The project is estimated to cost over Rs 50,000 crore."
- The Indian Air Force currently operates four S-400 squadrons from a 2018 contract, with the final unit arriving by November this year. India approved the new five-squadron procurement in March following Operation Sindoor.
- During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 effectively neutralized Pakistani aircraft, including Chinese-supplied J-10s. Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra reported a 314 km surface-to-air missile kill, deterring others within 200 km.
- These additional units will strengthen India's layered air defence network along eastern and western fronts. If finalized, deliveries are expected to begin approximately three years after the agreement is signed.
- India is acquiring over 280 missiles to bolster S-400 stockpiles while developing an indigenous system under Project Kusha. These initiatives support Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a comprehensive air defence shield strategy.
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After Operation Sindoor, India advances plan for 5 more S-400s from Russia
Russia has sent India a proposal for five more S-400 squadrons worth over ₹50,000 crore. The offer could expand the air-defence network further, with talks also covering local production and support facilities.
Russia responds to India's S-400 tender for 5 more squadrons
In a significant development, the Russian side has submitted a detailed proposal to the Defence Ministry in response to the Indian tender for acquiring five more squadrons of the S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence systems for the Indian Air Force.
The proposal for five squadrons was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in March 2026, as part of a ₹2.38 lakh crore package of approvals chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The project is estimated to cost over ₹50,000 crore.
India set to add five more S-400 'Sudarshan' squadrons in Rs 50,000 crore deal as Russia responds to tender
The S-400 played a major role in India's success during Operation Sindoor, as it was responsible for taking out a large number of Pakistani surveillance and fighter aircraft while deterring others from even flying within 200 km of the Indian border.
Times of India
LatestlyRussia submits proposal in response to Indian tender for 5 more S-400 'Sudarshan' units
Russia has submitted a proposal for five more S-400 air defence squadrons. India is processing this significant defense acquisition estimated at over fifty thousand crore rupees. Deliveries for these new systems are expected to commence approximately three years after the deal is signed. India has already received four S-400 squadrons from a previous contract.
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