India Strengthens Strategic Air Defence with Fresh S-400 Missile Order

The System’s Operational Use during Operation Sindoor Highlights its Importance in the Nation’s Defence Preparedness Strategy

India’s defence acquisition panel has approved the procurement of 288 S-400 missiles from Russia, reinforcing the country’s long-range air defence capabilities. The move follows deployment during Operation Sindoor and signals continued prioritization of strategic preparedness. 

The replenishment of S-400’s 400 km, 200 km, 150 km, and 40 km range surface-to-air missiles was deemed necessary, as the Indian armed forces used the air defence system in Operation Sindoor.

S-400 Missile Orders

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the purchase of 288 S-400 missiles at Rs. 10,000 crore from Russia. 

The AoN cleared by the DAC will cover 120 short-range missiles and 168 long-range missiles. The acquisition will be completed through the Fast Track Procedure (FTP), according to reports. India is going to get two more S-400 systems, which were already contracted, in June and November this year.

“The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long-range offensive strikes,” the defence ministry’s statement said. 

The majority of the MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India. The combat missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy, it added.

About S-400 Missile

The Russian missile system is effective in combating armed and kamikaze drones. The S-400 and Pantsir missile systems can be integrated into a two-layer defence system to take out aerial objects fired from across the border.

After India hit a wide-bodied aircraft inside Punjab in Pakistan at a distance of 314km using an S-400 long-range missile, Rawalpindi virtually shifted all its operational aircraft towards its airbases in the west near Afghanistan and Iran during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

How is Defence Equipment Purchased in India?

India’s defence acquisition process follows a chain of approvals to ensure strict oversight. It begins with the statement of case, outlining the operational requirement and justification for procurement. The proposal is then examined by the Defence Procurement Board, chaired by the defence secretary. It then moves to the DAC for Acceptance of Necessity. Once this is cleared, detailed cost negotiations are undertaken with the vendor, followed by financial approval from the competent authority. The final clearance is granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, Rafale, combat missiles, and Air-Ship-Based High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite.

For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for the procurement of anti-tank mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). 

For the Indian Navy, AoN was cleared for 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.