India Receives Fourth S-400 Air Defence Squadron from Russia

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NEW DELHI: India has received the fourth squadron of the Russian-made S-400 Sudarshan air defence system, marking a significant boost to its long-range aerial defence capabilities, according to a report by the news agency ANI. According to defence sources cited by the agency, the system arrived from Russia on a ship a few days ago and will be deployed in an operational area soon. The delivery is part of a 2018 agreement under which India is acquiring five S-400 squadrons from Russia. The first three squadrons were delivered earlier, while the remaining two had been delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials said. “The S-400 Sudarshan long-range air defence system from Russia reached India on a ship and will be deployed in the operational area very soon,” defence sources said, as quoted by ANI.

Fifth squadron expected soon, more units under consideration

The fifth and final squadron under the existing contract is expected to arrive in India in the coming months. Defence officials indicated that deliveries are now back on schedule after earlier disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine. India had signed the $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five S-400 regimental systems to strengthen its multi-layered air defence shield along both western and northern fronts. According to earlier reports, India has also cleared plans for additional S-400 acquisitions, with discussions underway for expanding the fleet beyond the original order.

Role during Operation Sindoor highlighted

Defence sources also underlined the operational role of the S-400 system during “Operation Sindoor”, claiming that the platform played a key role in countering Pakistan Air Force assets. The system is reported to have achieved a long-range surface-to-air engagement, including the downing of a high-value Pakistani surveillance aircraft at over 300 km, marking what officials described as a record-range kill. The S-400 system has been increasingly integrated into India’s layered air defence architecture, providing long-range coverage against aircraft, drones, and ballistic missile threats.

Part of wider ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence network

India is simultaneously working on developing an indigenous air defence ecosystem under the broader “Sudarshan Chakra” concept, aimed at integrating multiple systems into a unified network. This includes long-range systems like the S-400, medium-range platforms such as Barak-8, and the indigenous Project Kusha under development by DRDO. The system is expected to form a multi-layered shield capable of countering drones, ballistic missiles and emerging hypersonic threats through a networked command-and-control structure.

Indigenous push under Project Kusha

Alongside imported systems, India is also advancing its indigenous air defence programme, codenamed Project Kusha, to develop long-range interception capabilities comparable to global systems. Defence industry players, including Solar Industries, are involved in developing components and supporting production under the programme. Officials said the integration of imported and indigenous systems is aimed at strengthening India’s air defence autonomy while building a more resilient and connected missile shield for future threats.