India seeks new S-400 missile systems from Russia after Operation Sindoor blitz against Pakistan: Report

S400 anti-aircraft missile system. (AP file photo)

Buoyed by the stellar success of S-400 during Operation Sindoor, India has reportedly sought additional units of this advanced air defence system from Russia, an India Today report says. The report says that the top military officials have considered the spectacular performance of Sudarshan S-400 air defence system while thwarting the aerial attacks by Pakistan on the western border and decided to seek more drone-slayers in the country’s arsenal.

India has already acquired three units of the air defence system from Russia. These have been deployed across the country on strategic locations. One of them is currently in Adampur airbase of the Indian Air Force. Pakistan had claimed that it had destroyed the platform in one of its missile attack during the worst military standoff with India since Kargil War. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit yesterday debunked that claim with his photos featuring the air defence system in background went viral.

It should be noted that since the 2018 deal, Russia has delivered three out of five S-400 system units to India. Delivery of two units is still pending. Last year, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow to urge his Russian counterpart to expediate the delivery. Despite opposition from the US, India had inked a $5.43 billion deal with Russia to acquire five units of the S-400 air defence system.

Back then, the Joe Biden administration had cited the the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act and warned India of potential sanctions. Washington had also urged New Delhi to consider other options such as THAAD and Patriot systems. However, New Delhi didn’t budge and signed the defence deal.

S-400 missile system had successfully intercepted several missiles and swarms of drones sent by Pakistan on the nights of May 8,9 at the peak of tension with India following Operation Sindoor strikes.