Russia Will Complete Deliveries Of S-400 Missile Systems To India In 2026

Russia Will Complete Deliveries Of S-400 Missile Systems To India In 2026

S-400 air defence missiles demonstrated high effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, according to MoS Sanjay Seth. (File)

Moscow:

Russia is set to fulfill its commitment to deliver all S-400 Triumf air defence systems to India by 2026, as part of a $5.43 billion agreement signed in 2018, according to a recent media report.

"Russia will complete the contract to supply India with five S-400 Triumph air defence systems in 2026. Currently, four systems have been successfully delivered, with the fifth scheduled for delivery next year," a defence source informed the state-run TASS news agency.

Previous media reports indicate that the $5.43 billion contract (approximately Rs 40,000 crore) was officially signed on October 5, 2018, despite potential US sanctions.

In March 2021, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin expressed concerns regarding India's planned acquisition of Russia's S-400 air missile system, cautioning that such a purchase could trigger CAATSA sanctions.

The US has thus far refrained from invoking the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which was signed by former President Donald Trump, as the S-400 deal remains technically incomplete.

Minister of State Sanjay Seth highlighted that S-400 air defence missiles proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor in May, while addressing the Indian community during his Moscow visit for the V-Day parade at Red Square as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's representative.

Seth mentioned that India has expressed interest in acquiring additional missile systems and is currently exploring the possibility of purchasing the more advanced S-500 missile systems.

India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 civilian casualties.

The conflict between India and Pakistan concluded on May 10 after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, with both nations reaching an understanding.