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Russia has confirmed that the fourth squadron of the S-400 Triumf long-range air defence system will be delivered to India by the end of May 2026, as New Delhi and Moscow press ahead with the execution of their landmark defence contract despite geopolitical headwinds.
Defence Security Asia reported that the remaining two S-400 regiments under the contract are on track, with the fourth unit scheduled for delivery in 2026 and the fifth and final squadron expected to reach India by 2027, according to a senior defence official familiar with IndiaтАУRussia discussions.
India signed a Rs 40,000-crore deal for five regimental sets of the S-400 air defence system in October 2018, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi. This agreement followed years of negotiations that began in 2015. To date, three squadrons have been delivered and inducted into service, making the S-400 a key component of India’s layered air defence architecture.
The S-400 has been integrated into India’s multi-tiered air defence network, which is being developed and known as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra.’ The system became operational with the Indian Air Force in December 2021, with the first squadron deployed in Punjab. Its performance during last year’s four-day military confrontation during Operation Sindoor with Pakistan is believed to have strengthened confidence in its deterrent capabilities.
Indian officials have previously indicated that New Delhi may consider additional air defence acquisitions in the future. Separately, the Indian Air Force is reported to be planning to purchase air defence missiles worth around Rs 10,000 crore to strengthen national airspace security further.
The S-400 deal has drawn scrutiny from Washington, with both the Donald Trump and Joe Biden administrations warning that the acquisition could trigger sanctions under the Countering AmericaтАЩs Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Despite the risk of punitive measures, India has maintained that national security requirements and strategic autonomy drive its defence procurements.
With the fourth S-400 squadron now confirmed for delivery in 2026, IndiaтАЩs long-range air defence shield is set to expand further at a time of heightened regional and global uncertainty.
Team BharatShakti
