Our Bureau
New Delhi
India is set to receive its fourth Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system by May 2026, strengthening its airspace protection just as the country marks the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, where the S-400 played a key role.
The S-400 system is known for its precision and long reach, proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor by neutralising a major Pakistani aerial attack targeting military bases in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It intercepted all incoming projectiles with help from India’s integrated counter-drone systems.
In 2018, India signed a deal worth approximately ₹40,000 crore with Russia for five squadrons of the S-400 system. So far, three squadrons have been delivered and deployed. The first was placed near the western border with Pakistan in December 2021, the second near the northern border with China in 2022, and the third in Rajasthan in January 2023.
The fourth squadron will arrive in May 2026, while the fifth and final unit is scheduled for delivery in November 2026, completing the entire order. Each squadron consists of two battalions, meaning India will eventually operate ten battalions total. Each battalion has eight missile launchers plus radars, command centres, and reloading vehicles.
The new S-400 units will eliminate critical radar blind spots and improve early warning capabilities against aerial threats from Pakistan. The delivery got delayed due to Russia’s own war needs in Ukraine.
This upgrade will create a seamless defence shield over Indian airspace and boost multi-layered protection alongside systems like Barak-8, Akash, and NASAMS-II. The S-400 can detect targets up to 400 km away and remains India’s most advanced long-range air defence weapon.
