India Orders 288 Anti-Aircraft Missiles for S-400 Air Defense Systems from Russia

The total cost of purchasing this number of missiles is 10,000 crore rupees (about $1.2 billion).

After analyzing the results of Operation Sindur and considering the experience of combat clashes with Pakistani forces, the Indian government decided to significantly expand its air defense network.

The Indian Air Force plans to purchase five more S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems, which will create a dense protective dome over strategically important regions of the country.

In addition to long-range systems, India is focusing on protecting critical infrastructure and military airfields. To this end, the authorities are considering the purchase of short-range Pantsir-M anti-aircraft missile and gun systems.

It should be noted that despite these plans, as of today, the Indian government and the Ministry of Defense have faced delays in receiving S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. This is directly related to the war in Ukraine and Russia’s urgent need for these systems.

During a bilateral meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in 2025, they discussed new deadlines for the transfer of S-400 air defense systems — 2026–2027. This is the second postponement, as the transfer of the last two batteries of the complex was to be completed by April 2023.

It should be recalled that in 2021, India began deploying the first regimental set of S-400 air defense missile systems in the Punjab sector to counter Pakistani aviation.

In total, India ordered five divisions of these systems from Russia, but their delivery has become a constant problem due to numerous delays, which, according to Indian sources, has negatively affected the country’s defense capabilities amid growing external threats.