India and Russia are reportedly in negotiations for a significant missile deal amounting to Rs 10,000 crore, aimed at augmenting the ‘Sudarshan’ S-400 air defence systems. This potential acquisition underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced air defence network. The existing agreement for the S-400 Triumf system, signed in 2018, comprises five squadrons, of which three are already deployed and actively guarding Indian airspace. New Delhi is now seeking to secure the delivery of the remaining two squadrons to complete its planned S-400 fleet. The initial phases of the S-400 deployment proceeded smoothly, but external factors have influenced the timeline for the latter part of the delivery. The S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ is recognized globally as one of the most potent long-range surface-to-air missile platforms, capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously across vast distances. Its advanced features enable it to track and destroy a wide array of airborne adversaries, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles, from ranges extending up to 400 kilometers. The Indian Air Force views the S-400 as an indispensable element of its integrated air defence strategy, providing a critical layer of security.
