After ‘Operation Sindoor’, India takes a major decision, will buy 288 S-400 missiles worth ₹10,000 crore from Russia
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India is set to take another major step to strengthen its air defence capabilities. In a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approval has been given to procure 288 new S-400 missiles from Russia at an estimated cost of around ₹10,000 crore. The decision aims to replenish missile stocks used during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025 and to further enhance the country’s air defence strength. According to sources, the purchase will include 120 short-range and 168 long-range missiles, which will be acquired through a fast-track process.
Fear of S-400 seen along Pakistan border
During ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025, the Indian Air Force used the S-400 system with strong operational impact, creating panic across the border. Indian missiles reportedly neutralised Pakistani fighter aircraft, early warning aircraft and armed drones. Defence sources said that when an aircraft was intercepted at a distance of about 314 km inside Pakistan’s Punjab province, the situation caused widespread alarm. As a result, Pakistan reportedly moved most of its operational aircraft away from the Indian border to air bases near Afghanistan and Iran. Due to the deployment of S-400 systems in the Adampur and Bhuj sectors, the Pakistani Air Force allegedly avoided flying missions on May 9 and 10.
More systems to arrive in June and November
Apart from the fresh missile purchase, India is also scheduled to receive two more S-400 systems in June and November this year under an earlier agreement with Russia. In addition, the Air Force has proposed acquiring the Russian Pantsir system to protect S-400 units and counter short-range threats. This system is considered highly effective against drones and kamikaze (suicide) drone attacks.
Defence proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore approved
In the same meeting, defence proposals exceeding ₹3.60 lakh crore received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). These include the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, combat missiles and high-altitude pseudo-satellites. The government has emphasised the ‘Make in India’ initiative, under which most fighter aircraft will be manufactured domestically. Approval was also given for anti-tank mines, overhaul of tanks and BMP-II combat vehicles, and procurement of long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P-8I. Price negotiations will follow, and final approval will be granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).