Russia, India To Sign $5 Billion Deal For Delivery Of S-400 Air-Defence Systems

Indian is set to sign a multi-billion dollar deal for the purchase of S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile systems from Russia. The deal will be signed on Saturday, following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

The S-400, an upgraded version of the S-300, had previously only been available to the Russian defence forces. It is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council had approved the purchase of five batteries of state-of-the-art air defence system in December last year. The deal is said to cost India around $5.0 billion.

S-400 is a highly capable air defence system that can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, stealth fighters, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400-kilometers. The system is equipped to create a layered defence and engage 36 targets simultaneously. The system will provide defence for a large area around high-value installations including nuclear power plants and key government centres.

Negotiations for other mega defence projects with Russia, like the joint development of the futuristic fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), the $1.5 billion lease of a second nuclear-powered submarine, joint development of Kamov Ka-226T helicopter, and the upgrade of the Su-30 MKI, are also on track now.

In a recent interview with IANS, President Vladimir Putin described India as Russia’s ‘especially privileged strategic partner’ and reiterated his support for India in its fight against terrorism. His statement is thought to have set a positive tone for upcoming engagement on the sidelines of BRICS Summit.

Here is how the S-400 air defence system works: