India is set to receive the remaining regiments of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system from Russia by 2026, according to Roman Babushkin, Russia’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi. Despite earlier delays caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which disrupted supply chains and production, the delivery timeline remains on track.
In 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion agreement with Russia for five regiments of the advanced S-400 system, designed to engage multiple aerial threats at long distances. So far, three regiments have been delivered and deployed along India’s western and northern borders with Pakistan and China. The final two regiments are expected to arrive between 2025 and 2026.
Babushkin emphasized the system’s operational effectiveness, highlighting its role during recent India-Pakistan tensions, particularly in Operation Sindoor, where the S-400 successfully intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles. He described the S-400 as a “potent system” that greatly enhances India’s air defence capabilities, capable of simultaneously targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles across varying ranges and altitudes.
The Russian diplomat also expressed Russia’s willingness to deepen its defence cooperation with India, including further discussions on air defence and anti-drone technologies, reflecting the changing landscape of global security challenges.