SOURCE: AFI
The narrative that India has acquired the Russian S-300 missile defense system to safeguard major cities like Mumbai and Delhi has been circulating for years, often resurfacing with discussions on India’s defense capabilities and its long-standing ties with Russia. However, this claim is inaccurate, and India has not deployed the S-300 air defense system as part of its current defensive strategies for protecting these cities.
India’s interest in the Russian S-300 system dates back to 1998. At that time, the Indian government was considering a robust defence upgrade to bolster its air defence capabilities and counter potential aerial and missile threats from adversaries. The S-300V, known for its capability to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles, was one of the systems under consideration. Russia’s S-300V was considered one of the most advanced air-defence solutions available in the 1980s, capable of defending against a variety of threats, including high-speed aircraft and some ballistic missiles.
In 1998, the potential acquisition of the S-300V was included in a $2.5 billion arms package as part of a newly signed defense cooperation pact between India and the then Soviet Union. This package included various weapon systems and technological transfers to modernize India’s military capabilities. However, despite the discussions, the S-300V system was never acquired by India, primarily due to budget constraints and changing strategic priorities.
Despite the absence of the S-300 in India’s arsenal, the myth of its procurement has persisted, often fueled by misinformation or speculation about India’s growing defense collaborations with Russia. This myth has also been reinforced by confusion over other Russian air defense systems that India has procured or shown interest in, including the more recent S-400 Triumf.
The S-400 system, which India acquired in 2018, is a highly advanced air defense platform with capabilities to intercept aircraft, drones, and even ballistic missiles over a range of 400 kilometers. India has deployed the S-400 system in key regions to address potential threats from its neighbors, but this is a separate acquisition and not to be conflated with the S-300.
While India did explore the S-300 system as part of its defence discussions in the 1990s, the country ultimately pursued Indigenous air defence capabilities alongside selective acquisitions that matched its strategic needs. The persistent myth that India currently operates the S-300 to protect Mumbai and Delhi does not align with reality. Instead, India’s layered defence architecture incorporates a blend of domestic programs, cutting-edge technology, and international cooperation, with the S-400 now forming a critical component of its air defence strategy.