Russia is pushing its advanced S-500 air defence system as a possible next step in its defence relationship with India, even as New Delhi moves ahead with its own long-range air defence programme, Project Kusha.
The Russian pitch comes at a time when India is considering a major expansion of its existing S-400 fleet. A few days ago, reports indicated that Russia had submitted a detailed proposal to the defence ministry in response to an Indian tender for five additional squadrons of the S-400 long-range air defence system.
News agency ANI, citing sources, reported that the Russian response has been received and is currently being processed. The project is estimated to be worth more than ₹50,000 crore.
India already has five S-400 squadrons under the first contract signed in 2028. The system, designed to counter long-range aerial threats targeting vital areas, had played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Deliveries of another five S-400 squadrons are expected to begin only three years after the signing of a new deal.
However, alongside the S-400 proposal, reports suggest that Russia is aggressively pitching the more advanced S-500 "Prometheus", also known as the 55R6M Triumfator-M.
The S-500is certainly a significant step beyond the S-400 in terms of the threats it is designed to counter. The system is designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles and provide air defence against Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and jamming platforms. It also can destroy low-orbit satellites in Earth's thermosphere.
Its response time is around three to four seconds, compared with nine to ten seconds for the S-400. The S-500 also has an extended radar range compared with its predecessor.
Reports indicate that Moscow has been presenting the S-500 as a possible next stage in the air defence partnership between India and Russia.
According to an NDTV report, Russia is also seeking to capitalise on the operational experience of the S-400 during Operation Sindoor.
But India has Project Kusha
Russia's S-500 pitch comes as India advances its indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system under Project Kusha.
Kusha is being developed to neutralise a wide variety of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large enemy aircraft across a wide range and altitude envelope.
All major elements of the weapon system, including missiles, radars and the command-and-control centre, have been developed by various DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
The simultaneous progress of Project Kusha and Russia's attempt to sell the S-500 presents India with a strategic and financial choice, particularly as the indigenous system has itself been compared with the advanced Russian platform.
Former DRDO chief Samir V. Kamat had earlier argued that Kusha could be compared with the S-500. "It would not be accurate to compare Kusha with S-400. It is closest in technological scope and operational intent to Russia's S-500," Kamat was quoted as saying.
The comparison puts Russia's latest pitch in sharper focus, as India would have to weigh another advanced Russian air defence acquisition against the progress of its own programme.
Space and defence expert Girish Linganna had also earlier argued that spending billions more on Russian equipment could have implications for the indigenous effort. "India is already developing its own advanced missile defence system called Project Kusha, designed to intercept threats beyond 500 kilometres. Spending billions more on Russian equipment might slow down our homegrown defence industry, which is finally gaining momentum," he wrote.
