Strategic imperatives are driving India towards a significant expansion of its aerial defence capabilities, with plans to acquire five additional S-400 air defence squadrons from Russia. This potential deal, estimated at Rs 56,000 crore, is slated for discussion during the upcoming summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. The S-400, a sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile system, has become indispensable for India’s national security, especially in the current volatile global climate. With three of the original five squadrons already delivered, this new order would represent a doubling of India’s S-400 fleet, bolstering its capacity to counter advanced aerial threats effectively. The planned acquisition also involves securing a substantial supply of missiles for the S-400 systems and potentially establishing an indigenous MRO hub, fostering self-reliance and deepening defence cooperation with Russia amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
