India’s recent success with the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system during the 2025 conflict has triggered new ambitions. The system helped secure air superiority and neutralize enemy aerial threats. Now, India plans to expand its air defence fleet, negotiating for additional S-400 units and exploring a fresh deal for the advanced S-500 Prometheus system. The move aims to take India’s defence readiness to a higher level.
S-400: From Purchase to Battlefield Hero
India first ordered five S-400 regiments from Russia in 2018 under a deal worth roughly $5.43 billion. Three of those have already been deployed across sectors in India.
During 2025’s conflict with Pakistan, which was named Operation Sindoor, the S-400 systems reportedly played a critical role. Indian defence sources credit S-400 with detecting, tracking, and intercepting hostile aircraft and aerial threats deep inside enemy airspace. This performance reinforced the view that S-400 remains the backbone of India’s long-range air defence shield.
Russia has confirmed that the remaining two units from the 2018 contract will be delivered by 2025–26.
New Procurement Underway: More S-400s and Maybe More
Spurred by S-400’s operational success, New Delhi is now negotiating with Moscow for five additional S-400 air defence regiments.
Officials say the new systems will strengthen coverage across sensitive regions, both along the long coastline and northern borders, ensuring layered air defence and closing existing gaps.
At the same time, India plans to discuss a major upgrade with Russia when leaders from both countries meet: the possible acquisition of the S-500 Prometheus system.
Why S-500? A Strategic Leap Over S-400
While the S-400 delivers long-range defence against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles, the S-500 promises far greater capability. It aims to intercept ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and threats flying in the near-space layer, capabilities beyond S-400’s envelope.
If acquired, S-500 would offer national-level defence, protecting cities, strategic infrastructure, and critical military assets, rather than just regional or theatre-level coverage.
Moreover, reports suggest that the talks may include a co-production agreement, allowing local manufacturing of parts under India’s “Make in India” drive. This could deepen defence ties and improve long-term self-reliance.
Defence Diplomacy Meets Geopolitics: Timing Matters
The push for new missile deals comes just as the leadership of Russia visits India for high-level talks. With both S-400 reinforcement and potential S-500 acquisition on the table, the discussions could reshape India’s air defence architecture.
The evolving security environment — with missile and drone threats rising across regional flashpoints — makes these upgrades particularly urgent. For India, the decisions now could define its strategic defence posture over the next decade.
Implications: Stronger Defence, Deterrence, and Strategic Edge
If India expands its S-400 fleet and adds S-500 systems, it will gain:
- A deep, layered air and missile defence shield against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic weapons.
- The ability to secure territorial airspace and protect critical national assets across regions.
- Enhanced deterrence, limiting adversaries’ ability to threaten through air or missile strikes.
- Possible self-reliance through local manufacturing under joint production deals.
Together, these capabilities would give India a strategic edge in air and missile defence — a deterrent and shield in a changing security landscape.
What Lies Ahead: Waiting on Agreements and Deliveries
The next few months will be critical. Russia’s pending delivery of the S-400 units and the outcome of talks on new S-400 orders will matter. So will any agreement for the S-500 system — and whether local production is part of the deal.
India’s defence leadership and policymakers must now balance strategic ambition, delivery timelines, costs, and integration challenges. If all goes well, the country could soon field one of its strongest and most modern air defence grids ever.
