₹50,000-Crore S-400 Expansion Plan Moves Ahead with Russian Proposal
What Happened
Russia has submitted a detailed proposal to India for supplying five additional S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ air defence squadrons, with the project estimated to cost over ₹50,000 crore. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the Defence Ministry. India has already received four of the five S-400 units ordered under the 2018 contract, with the final squadron expected by November 2026.
Key Takeaways
India approved plans for the additional S-400 systems after Operation Sindoor, where the missile shield reportedly played a major role in air defence operations. The new squadrons are expected to strengthen India's air defence coverage along both the eastern and western fronts, with deliveries likely to begin about three years after a deal is signed.