SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Russia, which is yet to deliver the final two squadrons of the S-400 air defence system to the Indian Air Force (IAF), is now keen to offer India the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the system. This proposal aims to enable India to locally manufacture S-400 components for replenishment and inventory expansion.
India had placed an order for five S-400 squadrons in 2018 under a $5.43 billion contract. So far, three squadrons have been delivered and fully operationalized, with deployments in the northern and eastern sectors. These squadrons have already participated in aerial defence exercises, enhancing India’s ability to counter airborne threats. However, the remaining two squadrons are still awaited, and their delivery timeline remains uncertain due to geopolitical and logistical challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Recognizing India’s growing defense self-reliance initiatives, Russia has proposed the ToT for the S-400, allowing local production of key system components. This move aligns with India’s long-term strategy of enhancing Indigenous defense manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. If the offer materializes, India could establish a domestic production line for the S-400 system, strengthening its air defence capabilities while ensuring a steady supply of critical missile components.
While considering the Russian proposal, India is simultaneously advancing its own S-400-class air defense system under Project Kusha, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This Indigenous initiative aims to develop a long-range air defence system with capabilities comparable to the S-400. Project Kusha is expected to feature multi-layered missile defences with integration into India’s broader air defence network, reducing dependence on foreign systems in the long run.
If India accepts the Russian ToT offer, challenges such as technology absorption, supply chain localization, and intellectual property agreements will need to be addressed. Moreover, geopolitical factors, including Western sanctions on Russia, could impact India’s ability to source critical components from Russian suppliers.
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