Days after the defence acquisition council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the procurement of five S-400 missile systems from Russia to fortify the country’s long-range air defence shield, India is reportedly expected to receive the fourth air defence system from Russia by the end of April.
According to media reports, an Indian Air Force (IAF) team is in Russia to inspect the system, which is set to be deployed in the country's Western sector.
India currently has three operational S-400 squadrons, or 'Sudarshan Chakra', strategically placed to cover both Pakistan and China fronts—the Punjab-Jammu sector (Western front), the Sikkim sector (Eastern front), and the Rajasthan–Gujarat sector (Western desert).
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The fifth S-400, according to a Hindustan Times report, will arrive in November. These are part of the $5 billion deal signed with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 air defence missile systems.
The delivery of the fourth air defence system has been delayed by over three years, owing to supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Meanwhile, a few days ago, a report by The Print said the fourth system may reach India only by May or June, while the fifth may reach India in the last quarter of the year.
The decision to procure an additional batch of five S-400 air defence missile systems came months after their effectiveness was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May. The system played a major role in India establishing dominance over Pakistan during the May 7–10 hostilities last year.
Quoting sources, The Print report said that with all 10 S-400 air defence systems operational and Project Kusha in place, India’s airspace would be virtually sealed against drones, advanced fighters, and missile threats.
