India, Russia in Talks for Five More S-400 Defence Systems

• India negotiating with Russia for five additional S-400 air defence systems
• S-400 successfully defended against Pakistani aircraft during Operation
• Considering RVV-BD missiles for Su-30 MKI and potential Su-57/F-35 acquisitions

Top leaders from India’s defence ministry are meeting their Russian counterparts this week to explore the purchase or joint production of up to five further S-400 air defence systems, with the aim of enhancing India’s long-range air defence capabilities.

This is aimed to conclude before Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India on December 5, for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both nations are in advanced talks regarding the India Russia S-400 deal, which could see the acquisition of additional S-400 air defence systems to strengthen India’s military capabilities.

India is to receive two of the first five S-400 systems by the end of 2026 under a $5.43 billion contract signed in 2018. The present negotiations concentrate on five S-400 systems that will enhance air defence along India’s 7,000 km coastline and fill gaps in the northern command area.

The discussions form a crucial part of India defence procurement plans, with the S-400 missile system India upgrade aimed at enhancing aerial defence and strategic deterrence.

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Sources say that a price for the new systems has been established, with the 2018 price continuing to escalate annually. While final details on delivery modalities remain to be worked out, reports indicate that at least three systems will be purchased, with the other 2 systems to be produced in India under a technology transfer arrangement with the private sector. The domestic private sector is expected to support Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities.

In contrast to some articles, reports indicate that India is not buying the S-500, which is still in development in Russia. Instead, India is studying the possibility of incorporating the Russian RVV-BD missile, whose range exceeds 200 km, into the Su-30 MKI fleet to counter the Pakistani PL-15 missiles that are in the same range.

This possibility will rely on future radar upgrades for the aircraft before advancing. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh indicated that there could be plans to acquire the Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighters; however, Up until today no formal decision has been made regarding any future Su-57 acquisitions or the US F-35 fighter.

The S-400 system came online during Operation Sindoor and was said to have reacted to attacks at the Adampur and Bhuj air bases. On May 7, during the Pakistani LOAC agression, the S-400 system registered airborne engagement, striking a Pakistan ELINT aircraft killed 314 km away in Punjab and intercepting a F-16 and JF-17 fighters from Pakistan in the northern sector.

There is no question the system is capable of serving as both a stand-off defence mechanism as well as a credible deterrent for aerial threats.