New Delhi, April 28
India is expected to receive the fourth unit of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system early next month, according to sources in the security establishment. Officials say the delivery is likely to further strengthen the Indian Air Force’s air defence network.
India signed a $5bn deal with Russia in 2018 to buy five S-400 systems, with three already delivered. Sources said the fifth and final unit under that contract is expected by November. The fourth system has reportedly already been shipped and is due to arrive in the coming days.
Officials said the S-400 systems were used during Operation Sindoor and were also deployed extensively during the military conflict with Pakistan between 7 and 10 May. Last month, India approved the purchase of five additional S-400 systems from Russia, taking the planned total to 10 units.
Despite earlier warnings from the United States that the original deal could trigger sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), sources said India does not expect problems with the new order, describing it as a follow-on purchase.
The S-400 is regarded as one of Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence systems.
