India-Russia S-400 Missile Deal: Current Status

April 24, 2024

India signed a USD 5.5 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to acquire five units of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems.

Delivery Timeline

Russia has already supplied three units of the S-400 missile systems to India as of April 2024.
The remaining two regiments are set to be delivered by 2025, following some delays due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The original timeline aimed to complete deliveries by 2024.

Deployment

The first regiment of S-400 systems was delivered by Russia in December 2021.
It has been deployed to cover parts of India’s borders with China in the northern sector and the frontier with Pakistan.

About S-400 missile systems

Advanced Russian surface-to-air missile system
India signed $5.5 billion deal in October 2018 for five units
3 units delivered as of April 2024, remaining 2 by 2025
Deployed to cover borders with China and Pakistan
Significantly enhances India’s air defense capabilities
India has not directly criticized Russia’s Ukraine invasion
India is procuring the S-400 missile systems as part of efforts to bolster its air power capabilities, primarily to address security challenges posed by China.
The acquisition significantly enhances India’s air defense capabilities.

Potential Sanctions

The United States warned India that proceeding with the S-400 deal could invite sanctions under CAATSA, a law that provides for punitive actions against countries engaged in transactions with the Russian defense and intelligence sectors. However, India decided to move forward with the purchase.

India’s Stance on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Unlike many other leading powers, India has not directly criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Instead, India has been advocating for a resolution to the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.

Indigenous Efforts

Alongside the S-400 acquisition, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is spearheading Project Kusha.
Set for deployment by 2028-29, this indigenous long-range air defense system aims to detect and neutralize enemy threats at extended ranges of up to 350 km.

Key Facts of Deal

Deal value: USD 5.5 billion for five S-400 units
Signed: October 2018
Delivery status: 3 units delivered, 2 pending as of April 2024
Original delivery timeline: 2024
Revised timeline: 2025
Deployment: Covering borders with China and Pakistan

About Notable projects of DRDO

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
Agni and Prithvi missile systems
Arjun battle tank
Network of 50+ labs across India
Developed India’s lightest bulletproof jacket (April 2024)

This decision of buying S-400 was made despite warnings from the United States about potential sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The S-400 is renowned as one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.

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