Three S-400 Units Supplied To India, Delivery Of Remaining Two Postponed To 2026 Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has notified India of a delay in the delivery schedule for the S-400 long-range air defence missile system, now set for completion by August 2026.

The delay in the S-400 missile defence system is reportedly due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has impacted Moscow's ability to meet the original timeline.

Under a deal signed between the two nations, India was to receive five squadrons of the S-400 system.

To date, three squadrons have been delivered, but the delivery of the remaining two has been postponed due to the conflict in Ukraine.

"The Russian side has informed that they would now supply the two remaining squadrons of the highly capable air defence systems by August 2026," defence sources were quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The S-400 system is capable of hitting targets up to 400 kilometers away and is effective against various aerial threats, including fighter jets and cruise missiles.

Russia was expected to fulfill the entire delivery by 2024. However, due to the reallocation of resources towards the conflict in Ukraine, the timeline has been extended.

The acquisition of the five squadrons of S-400 missile systems, which is part of an over Rs 35,000 crore deal, was anticipated to be concluded by the end of the fiscal year 2023-24, but now faces delays.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which has recently enhanced its air defence arsenal with the inclusion of the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems, as well as the Israeli Spyder missile systems, considers the S-400 as a significant upgrade to its defensive capabilities.

In response to regional security dynamics, the IAF has been focusing on strengthening its air defence mechanisms, including the initiation of 'Project Kusha' with DRDO, aimed at developing an indigenous system for long-range engagements.

This initiative comes as both India and China have increased their deployment of air defence systems along the Line of Actual Control.

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