SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India is actively considering the procurement of one or two additional squadrons of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system, beyond the five squadrons already ordered, as part of its strategy to fortify its airspace against growing regional threats. With three of the five contracted squadrons delivered and the remaining two expected by August 2026, this move underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its multi-layered air defence network. Concurrently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its indigenous Project Kusha, a long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system designed to complement the S-400 and rival Russia’s advanced S-500 system, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology.
In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion (?35,000 crore) deal with Russia for five S-400 Triumf squadrons, known in Indian service as “Sudarshan Chakra.” The S-400, a mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes of 30 km. Three squadrons have been deployed along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, with one positioned to protect the Siliguri Corridor, another in the Pathankot region to secure Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, and the third along the western border covering Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The delivery of the remaining two squadrons, initially scheduled for completion by 2024, has been delayed to 2026 due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has strained Russia’s defence supply chains. Despite these delays, recent discussions, including those during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, have emphasized expediting deliveries. Posts on X indicate that India is contemplating adding one or two more squadrons to replace a unit reportedly damaged at Adampur Air Force Station during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, bringing the total to six or seven squadrons. This aligns with the IAF’s 2021 proposal for seven S-400 squadrons, though the original deal included an option for only two additional units.
The S-400’s combat debut on May 7, 2025, during India’s Operation Sindoor, demonstrated its effectiveness by neutralizing 80% of a Pakistani drone and missile barrage targeting northern and western India. Integrated with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the S-400’s ability to track up to 100 targets and engage 36 simultaneously has made it a cornerstone of India’s air defence strategy. The system’s deployment sends a strong message to both Pakistan, which relies on Chinese HQ-9 systems with a 120-300 km range, and China, which also operates S-400 units along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Parallel to the S-400 procurement, India is advancing Project Kusha, an indigenous LR-SAM system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to complement and eventually rival advanced systems like Russia’s S-500 Prometheus. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, Project Kusha has received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five IAF squadrons at an estimated cost of ?21,700 crore ($2.6 billion), with plans for a total of ten squadrons. The IAF’s shift away from local S-400 production in favor of Kusha reflects India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to reduce reliance on foreign systems.
However, challenges remain. The S-400’s delivery delays, exacerbated by Russia’s prioritization of its own needs in the Ukraine conflict, highlight the risks of foreign dependency. Geopolitical tensions, including potential US sanctions under CAATSA, have complicated the S-400 deal, though India has secured waivers through diplomatic efforts. Project Kusha faces technical hurdles, particularly in achieving reliable interception with compact 250 mm kill vehicles and integrating advanced AI and radar systems. The ambitious 2028-29 timeline for Kusha’s deployment may face delays, as seen in past DRDO projects, requiring rigorous testing to ensure accuracy against stealth and hypersonic threats.
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