India is negotiating to buy five more S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia.
New Delhi is in discussions with Moscow to order five more S-400 systems, bringing the total to 10 as part of a $25 billion defense modernization plan.
The Indian government is actively negotiating with Russia to purchase five more S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile systems. This move comes as New Delhi accelerates its military modernization program and strives to bolster its air defense capabilities against regional security challenges.
Supply progress and operational effectiveness
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Security Forum in Moscow, Dmitry Shugaev, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), confirmed that negotiations are underway. Shugaev noted that the S-400 system demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world combat situations in the border region last year.
Regarding the contract for the first five S-400 units (signed in 2017), Russian representatives affirmed that the delivery schedule is on track. To date, three systems have been delivered to India. The fourth system is expected to be delivered before the end of this month, and the final unit will be delivered by the end of this year.
$25 billion military modernization strategy
In March 2026, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals for military equipment procurement totaling approximately $25 billion. This budget package is not only for five additional S-400 systems but also includes contracts for the procurement of aircraft and next-generation artillery systems.
Notably, New Delhi is also showing interest in the more advanced S-500 system, a weapon believed to be capable of destroying targets in low Earth orbit. In addition, the Indian military plans to replace its Soviet-era An-32 and Il-76 transport aircraft with more modern ones.
India's position in the global arms market.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India is currently the world's fifth-largest spender on military. Russia continues to be a crucial strategic partner, supplying over 60% of the total weapons and military equipment to this South Asian nation.
Despite maintaining a close partnership with Moscow despite international pressure, India is gradually positioning itself as a self-reliant defense producer through its "Make in India" program. This strategy aims to gradually reduce dependence on imports and boost domestic defense industry capabilities in the long term.
