India and Russia are currently discussing a significant new missile procurement deal valued at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, or about $1.2 billion. This potential agreement aims to acquire a large number of missiles for India's advanced S-400 air defense systems. The discussions follow the S-400's reported success in recent aerial engagements. The Indian Air Force seeks to further strengthen its air defense capabilities with this acquisition.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]} ### Bolstering Air Defense Capabilities The proposed Rs 10,000 crore deal is primarily for additional missiles to replenish and enhance the existing S-400 Triumf air defense systems, which India refers to as "Sudarshan Chakra."^{[1][3][9][10][11]} Indian defense officials indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to acquire these missiles in substantial numbers. They believe this will bolster the operational readiness and endurance of its S-400 squadrons.^{[1][2][3][4][5][7]} The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to review the IAF's proposal at a meeting scheduled for October 23.^{[2][4][5][6][7]} This rapid consideration highlights the strategic importance India places on its air defense network. ### S-400's Proven Performance The push for new missiles comes after the S-400 system demonstrated significant effectiveness in recent operations. During a four-day conflict, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," the S-400 reportedly brought down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane. These engagements occurred at distances exceeding 300 kilometers inside Pakistani territory.^{[1][2][3][4][12][5][10][11][13][14][15]} The Indian Air Force has described the S-400 as a "game-changer" for India's air defense strategy.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} The S-400 Triumf is a highly advanced long-range surface-to-air missile system. It can engage various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic or cruise missiles. The system can detect targets up to 600 kilometers away and engage them at ranges up to 400 kilometers.^{[1][3][9][11][16][17]} It uses four different types of missiles to cover various altitudes and ranges, providing a multi-layered defense shield.^[10][11][16] ### Completing Initial Deal and Future Outlook India initially signed a $5.43 billion (approximately Rs 40,000 crore) deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons.^{[18][1][2][3][4][19][5][20][10][11][7][13][14][15]} Three of these squadrons have already been delivered and are fully operational within India's defense network.^{[1][2][3][4][12][19][5][10][11][7][16][13][14][15]} However, the delivery of the remaining two squadrons faced delays due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which impacted supply chains and production.^{[1][2][3][4][5][10][11][7][21]} Russia has now committed to completing the original contract. It expects to deliver the fourth S-400 unit in February 2026 and the fifth unit in August 2026.^{[18][19][20][6][10][11][13][14]} Beyond the current discussions for missiles, India and Russia are also exploring further defense cooperation. This includes the potential acquisition of additional S-400 squadrons and possibly the more advanced S-500 air defense systems.^{[1][3][4][12][5][22][6][7][15]} Discussions also cover buying new air-to-air missiles from Russia to enhance India's beyond-visual-range combat capabilities.^{[1][3][4][7][15]} Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December, with defense cooperation high on the agenda.^{[3][12][22][7][15]} ### India's Strategic Autonomy and Defense Ties India's continued engagement with Russia for defense equipment underscores its policy of strategic autonomy. This approach allows India to source military hardware based on its national security interests, even amid pressures like potential US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).^{[18][12][19][20][14]} While India actively diversifies its defense suppliers and promotes indigenous manufacturing, Russia remains a crucial partner. A significant portion of the Indian Air Force's strike capability is of Russian origin.^[7][21][23] The two nations also maintain institutionalized structures for military and military-technical cooperation, including annual meetings between their defense ministers.^[23] Ongoing joint projects include the licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI aircraft, as well as the successful BrahMos supersonic cruise missile joint venture.^{[1][3][4][7][8][15][23]} India and Russia are discussing further enhancing the capabilities of the BrahMos missiles and their variants.^{[1][3][4][7][15]} This robust partnership ensures India continues to modernize its military. The ongoing discussions for a Rs 10,000 crore missile deal highlight India's commitment to strengthening its air defense systems and its enduring strategic defense relationship with Russia. ---

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