India initiates negotiations to purchase S-500 missiles from Russia, and reviews the S-400 system.

Indian media reported that the country's Ministry of Defence is expected to begin formal discussions with Russia on the possibility of purchasing the S-500 long-range air defense system during a meeting in New Delhi on December 4th between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. At the meeting, the two sides are also expected to review the delivery schedule of the S-400 and continue discussions on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet.

Overview of developments

According to the aforementioned source, Russia expects to complete the delivery of the remaining S-400 battalions to India by November 2026, bringing the total to 10 battalions, despite increasing domestic demand from the Russian Aerospace Forces. At the same time, discussions remain between the two sides regarding the possibility of selling Su-57s.

S-500: Core Capabilities by Source

In December 2025, the Russian Aerospace Forces confirmed the formation of the first regiment fully equipped with the S-500. According to sources, this is the world's first mobile surface-to-air missile system capable of anti-satellite warfare and intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Scope of operations and priority objectives

Sources indicate that the S-500 has a range of up to 600 km, allowing it to exert significant pressure on enemy power-enhancing targets such as refueling aircraft and airborne early warning, control, and command (AEW&C) aircraft. At the tactical level, this capability forces the enemy to move away from critical support aircraft, affecting radar coverage, refueling capabilities, and air presence time.

Linked with S-400 and 40N6 missiles.

According to sources, the S-500 can use the 40N6 long-range surface-to-air missile. The Indian Air Force has purchased the 40N6 to equip its S-400. The sources indicate that the 40N6 missile was tested in combat in May, shooting down a high-value Pakistani support aircraft at a distance of over 300 km, deep within Indian airspace. The sources also state that the 40N6 has been widely used and combat-tested by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine, achieving even longer-range shootdowns.

India's motivation for interest.

Sources analyze several factors that are prompting India to consider the S-500. Firstly, China announced the operationalization of its rival HQ-29 system in September. According to the source, the S-500 and HQ-29 are currently the only two systems in the world capable of countering ICBMs and satellites in a mobile form. In addition, the United States is expected to develop similar systems as part of its Golden Dome missile defense program.

Secondly, the source highlighted the performance of the S-400 in engagements with Pakistani forces in May, contrasting with the supposedly poor performance of the Rafale fighter jets, with one to four being shot down in those battles. While Indian officials did not comment extensively on the details, the source suggested that these results increased the importance of the S-400 and rekindled interest in the Su-57 aircraft.

Assessment from Indian officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quoted as praising the performance of the S-400 amid tensions with Pakistan: “Platforms like the S-400 have given the country unprecedented strength... A robust security shield has become an identity of India.”

Indian Air Force Chief of Air Force, Field Marshal Amar Preet Singh, also affirmed: “The S-400 system that we recently acquired is a game changer... The system’s kill range has kept their aircraft at the furthest distance from which they can use long-range air-to-ground weapons, such as the long-range glide bombs they possess.”

Operational implications and prospects

According to sources, the S-500 is a significant complement to the S-400, strengthening India's long-range air defense capabilities. With China reportedly preparing to begin deploying sixth-generation fighter jets from the early 2030s, possessing advanced air defense systems is considered crucial for creating an asymmetrical defense.

The source also noted that even if the Su-57 enters service, India's fighter fleet is still predicted to be less sophisticated than China's, therefore long-range air defense systems like the S-500/S-400 play a pivotal role in deterrence and air defense, especially against high-value enemy support targets.

Schedule and next steps

The December 4th meeting in New Delhi was expected to establish a framework for discussions on the S-500, while also reviewing the S-400 delivery schedule by November 2026. Discussions regarding the Su-57 continued. Specific decisions regarding the configuration, number, and delivery timing of the S-500 (if any) were not detailed by the source.