India And Russia To Discuss Delivery Schedule Of Two Remaining S-400 Squadrons, Delayed Due To Russia-Ukraine War

Indian and Russian officials are set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule of the two remaining S-400 air defence missile squadrons, reported ANI.

Earlier in 2018, India signed an agreement with Russia to purchase five S-400 air defence surface-to-air missile (SAM) squadrons, valued at $5.43 billion.

Russia has already delivered three S-400 squadrons to India, with the latest squadron delivered in early 2023.

These three squadrons have been operationalised, with the first squadron deployed in Punjab in the western sector opposite Pakistan. The other two squadrons are deployed in the Chicken Neck region in Sikkim, opposite China, and in Ladakh, facing both Pakistan and China.

The delay in the delivery schedule of the two remaining S-400 squadrons is likely due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Some reports also suggest that payment issues may have contributed to the delay, following Russia's expulsion from the international payment settlement service — the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications.

There have been reports suggesting that the squadrons initially intended for the Indian Air Force may have been used by the Russians for their own purposes, though nothing has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently approved the procurement of a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system under 'Project Kusha', following clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The IAF is collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation to expedite the LR-SAM's delivery schedule.

This three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile defence system is designed to target enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges of approximately 400 kilometres.

It will complement existing air defence systems, including the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile deployed across the three services, which are already operational.