IAF to get big boost, will receive remaining two S-400 squadrons from Russia in 2026

New Delhi: India has signed a deal to purchase a total of five squadrons of the S-400 air defense system from Russia. However, Russia has only delivered three squadrons so far. However, Moscow has now confirmed that the remaining two squadrons will be delivered to India this year. For the Indian Air Force, this is part of its ambitious mission, "Sudarshan Chakra," and it has already established itself as one of the best air defense systems in the world.

When will the S-400 arrive?

Russian officials have confirmed that the fourth squadron of the S-400 will arrive in India by late May or early June. The fifth and final squadron will be delivered to the Indian Air Force by November this year, Defense.in reported. This assurance was also given when the Russian President visited Delhi for the India-Russia summit late last year.

When was the S-400 deal signed?

The original deal to purchase five squadrons of S-400 air defense systems from Russia, worth approximately ₹40,000 crore, was signed in October 2018. India's need to purchase such advanced air defense systems arose to counter its adversaries' sophisticated fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

What was the S-400's role in Operation Sindoor?

Russia's supply of S-400s was initially delayed due to the outbreak of the war with Ukraine. Nevertheless, Russia delivered three squadrons early and was deployed in the Indian Air Force's sensitive western and northeastern sectors. Its strength was demonstrated to the world during Operation Sindoor. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has also credited it with successfully intercepting six air threats during the conflict.

What is role of Mission Sudarshan Chakra and the S-400?

Following the circumstances created during Operation Sindoor, preparations have begun to transform the country into an impenetrable security ring, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has named Mission Sudarshan Chakra, and the S-400 is a crucial and successful component of this effort. It not only destroyed several Pakistani fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, but also destroyed one of its largest airborne surveillance platforms.