SOURCE: AFI
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver the remaining two S-400 Triumf air defense systems to India, with the fourth battery scheduled for 2026 and the final fifth battery expected in 2027. The announcement, made during recent bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, addresses delays caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and underscores the strategic importance of the $5.43 billion deal signed in 2018.
The confirmation came from Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov during talks with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, on June 26, 2025. India, which has already inducted three S-400 squadrons since the first delivery in December 2021, had anticipated the full complement of five by 2023. However, the war in Ukraine disrupted Russia’s production and supply chains, pushing back the timeline. The latest assurance pegs the fourth battery’s arrival to 2026, with the fifth following in 2027, aligning with earlier indications from Russian officials.
The S-400, a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging targets up to 400 km, has proven its worth during recent tensions, notably Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when it successfully countered Pakistani drone and missile threats. Deployed at key locations like Adampur in Punjab, the system’s effectiveness has reinforced India’s confidence in the acquisition, despite the delays.
The postponement stems primarily from Russia’s prioritization of military resources for its conflict with Ukraine, which has strained its defense manufacturing capacity. Western sanctions and logistical challenges have further complicated exports, affecting timelines for India and other buyers like China and Turkey. Despite these hurdles, Russian authorities have assured India that production is back on track, with the Almaz-Antey Corporation ramping up efforts to meet the revised schedule.
Indian defense sources indicate that the delay has not significantly impacted operational readiness, as the existing three batteries—covering both the China and Pakistan borders—provide robust coverage. However, the addition of the remaining units will enhance India’s layered air defense, particularly against emerging threats like hypersonic missiles and swarms of drones.
The S-400’s integration into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) network, linked with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), strengthens India’s deterrence posture amid ongoing border tensions with China and intermittent skirmishes with Pakistan. The system’s ability to track over 100 targets simultaneously and engage aircraft, drones, and missiles has been a game-changer, as demonstrated during the May 2025 clashes.
The revised delivery schedule has sparked mixed reactions. While some defense analysts view the delay as a minor setback given the S-400’s proven performance, others question Russia’s reliability as a supplier, especially as India diversifies its defense acquisitions with platforms like the Rafale and indigenous Tejas. The assurance of delivery by 2027, however, signals a commitment to the Indo-Russian defense partnership, which has weathered geopolitical pressures, including U.S. threats of CAATSA sanctions.
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