India is negotiating to buy five more S-400 missile systems from Russia.

New Delhi plans to double its S-400 Triumf air defense system deployment despite pressure from the US, in order to accelerate its large-scale military modernization campaign.

The Federal Service for Military -Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of Russia has confirmed that Russia and India are negotiating the supply of another batch of S-400 air defense missile systems. This information was released on the sidelines of the International Security Forum, which opened in Moscow on May 26th, confirming New Delhi's deep interest in advanced defense equipment from Moscow.

Russia's S-400 air defense system. Photo: RT

Plan to expand air defense weapons stockpile

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has just approved defence procurement proposals worth $25 billion. Notably, this list includes the order for five additional S-400 units, in addition to the five systems already signed in 2017. According to FSMTC, the Russian side is ready for the new agreement and detailed discussions are progressing well.

Regarding the progress of the previous contract, Russia has delivered 3 out of 5 systems to India. The fourth system is expected to be delivered this month, while the final system will arrive in New Delhi before the end of the year. India's continued pursuit of the S-400 deal demonstrates its priority on practical defense capabilities despite warnings of sanctions from Washington.

Combat capabilities of the S-400 Triumf system

The S-400 Triumf system, developed by Almaz-Antey Corporation, is considered one of the most powerful multi-purpose air defense systems in the world . Designed to replace the older S-300 series, the S-400 is capable of destroying a wide range of targets, from fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

• Range: Up to 400km depending on the type of ammunition used.
• Interception altitude: Up to 30km.
• Complex structure: Includes surveillance radar, fire control radar, command vehicle, and mobile launch platforms.
• Special features: Simultaneous tracking of dozens of targets and strong resistance to electronic jamming.

FSMTC emphasized that the S-400 has proven its combat effectiveness in real-world scenarios in the border region. Besides the S-400, India is reportedly showing interest in the more advanced S-500 system, which is capable of intercepting targets in low Earth orbit.

Military modernization strategy and geopolitical pressure

India currently ranks fifth in the world in military spending and is the second-largest arms importer globally. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that over 60% of the South Asian nation's arsenal originates from the Soviet Union or Russia. Alongside procurement, India is accelerating its "Make in India" program to gradually achieve self-sufficiency in defense production.

The S-400 deal between Russia and India is taking place against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Previously, Türkiye – a NATO member – was excluded from the US F-35 fighter jet program after purchasing the system. However, New Delhi maintains its independent stance in choosing defense partners to protect its paramount national security interests.

In addition to air defense systems, the DAC also approved plans to purchase new transport aircraft to replace the aging An-32 and Il-76 models, along with various artillery systems to bolster the strength of military units in key border regions.

Advertising

Source: https://baonghean.vn/an-do-dam-phan-mua-them-5-to-hop-ten-lua-s-400-tu-nga-10338405.html