New Delhi: India is taking another big step towards strengthening its air defence. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the purchase of 288 new S-400 missiles from Russia. The estimated cost of the deal is estimated to be around ?10,000 crore. The decision was taken to replenish the stock of missiles used during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025 and further strengthen the country's air defence capabilities. According to sources, the purchase will include 120 short-range and 168 long-range missiles, which will be purchased under a fast-track process.
The aggressive use of the S-400 system by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 surprised neighbouring India. During the operation, Indian missiles shot down a Pakistani fighter jet, an early warning aircraft and an armed drone. According to defence sources, Pakistan was stunned when India used the S-400 to shoot down a large aircraft 314 km away in Pakistan's Punjab province.
The fear was such that Pakistan withdrew almost all its operational aircraft from the Indian border to airfields near Afghanistan and Iran. The S-400s deployed in the Adampur and Bhuj sectors prevented the Pakistan Air Force from even taking off on May 9 and 10.
Apart from the new purchase, India plans to acquire two more S-400 systems in June and November this year under an agreement signed earlier with Russia. The Air Force has also proposed to buy the Russian "Pantsir" system to protect the S-400 and counter short-range threats. The system is considered very effective in intercepting drones and kamikaze (suicide) drone attacks.