The acquisition of 288 S-400 missiles from Russia at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This choice is a major step in restocking supplies that were depleted during last year’s Operation Sindoor.
To speed up delivery, these missiles—which come in 120 short-range and 168 long-range varieties—will be purchased under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP). Two more S-400 systems that are currently under contract are expected to arrive in June and November of this year, according to sources.
Five more full S-400 squadrons with Pantsir short-range systems are being proposed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The goal of this endeavor is to strengthen a strong two-layer air defense system that can destroy approaching airborne threats, such as armed and Kamikaze drones from hostile borders.
In May 2025, Operation Sindoor demonstrated the S-400’s effectiveness on the battlefield. With engagement ranges of 400, 200, 150, and 40 kilometers, the system played a key role in taking down drones, early warning planes, fighter fighters, and intelligence systems from Pakistan.
One notable achievement was the use of a long-range S-400 missile to stop a wide-bodied Pakistani aircraft over Punjab at an unparalleled 314 kilometers. In order to avoid more exposure, Rawalpindi moved the majority of its operational aircraft westward to bases close to Afghanistan and Iran as a result of this strike.
The Pakistani Air Force was noticeably absent during the crucial May 9–10 window as a result of subsequent Indian precision strikes on radar installations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Pasrur. Enemy pilots were deterred from challenging Indian airspace by the deployments at the Adampur and Bhuj sectors.
The procurement chain in India guarantees close examination. A thorough justification of operational demands is given at the outset, followed by a review by the Defence Procurement Board under the Defence Secretary and DAC’s AoN. Negotiations with vendors, financial approvals, and the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) final approval are also part of the subsequent stages.
The AoN for proposals totaling ₹3.60 lakh crore across services was approved at the DAC meeting on Thursday. Airship-Based High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites to improve surveillance, combat missiles for precise standoff deep strikes, and Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) like the Rafale were among the major clearances for the IAF.
In order to increase air supremacy, deterrent, and long-range offensive capabilities across conflict spectrums, the MRFA contract places a strong emphasis on indigenous production for the majority of units. With remarkable accuracy, combat missiles will increase ground-attack reach.
To ensure mechanized fleet preparedness, the Indian Army obtained AoN for Vibhav anti-tank mines and overhauls of T-72 tanks, BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles, and Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs).
In order to improve maritime patrol and power redundancy, the Navy approved a 4 MW electric power generator based on marine gas turbines as well as more P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
In light of growing border tensions, this S-400 resupply is consistent with larger modernization. By integrating the system with Pantsir, layered defenses are created against a variety of threats, including low-flying drones and ballistic missiles.
According to Hindustan Times, India initially made these announcements in November 2025, emphasizing the need to increase both long- and short-range surface-to-air inventories and resupply post-Sindoor.
Russia continues to be a key supplier despite geopolitical tensions, including as attempts to waive CAATSA. By avoiding delays, the FTP route puts operational urgency ahead of drawn-out bids.
These purchases, which combine imports and indigenous manufacturing, demonstrate India’s strategic shift towards independence. The IAF’s S-400 fleet, which is currently growing, will serve as the foundation for its air defenses in the north and west against changing aerial threats.
Training and integration tests will come after the increase in delivery to guarantee a smooth rollout. In addition to replenishing exhausted arsenals, this action gives India the best asymmetric air defense in South Asia.
DAC Approves 288 Russian S-400 Missiles, Successfully Used in Operation Sindoor
