The Indian Ministry of Defence is preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate, Rosoboronexport, for the purchase of approximately 300 missiles for the S-400 Triumf air defence systems. The procurement aims to replenish inventories used during Operation Sindhur and expand India’s stock of long-range and short-range surface-to-air missile delivery systems, according to officials familiar with the development.
The acquisition, valued at over ₹10,000 crore, is being fast-tracked. Officials indicate that the purchase could be finalised within the current financial year once approvals are secured from the Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has already cleared the proposal and accepted the operational requirement.
India Evaluates Additional S-400 Systems and Russian Pantsir Units
Alongside the missile procurement, India is also considering the purchase of five additional S-400 air defence systems to reinforce its layered aerial shield against hostile rockets, missiles, and aircraft. Furthermore, the Russian Pantsir short- and medium-range missile system is being evaluated to counter emerging threats from armed drones and kamikaze UAVs.
Officials noted that integrating the S-400 with the Pantsir system would create a dual-layered defence network capable of neutralizing airborne threats launched from across the border. Both procurement proposals remain under active discussion, with decisions expected soon.
Private Indian Firms Show Interest in MALE Drone Programme
At least 20 Indian private-sector companies have expressed interest in supplying 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, a programme estimated at around ₹20,000 crore. Foreign defence manufacturers—including Israel’s Elbit Systems and U.S.-based General Atomics and Bell—have partnered with Indian companies to produce MALE drones domestically.
Separately, delivery of 31 U.S.-manufactured Predator High Altitude Long Endurance armed drones is expected by 2028–29.
Stock Replenishment After Operation Sindhur
India is currently sourcing long-range air-to-air missiles from Russia as part of its emergency replenishment drive. During Operation Sindhur in May 2025, India’s armed forces extensively relied on air defence systems to neutralize Pakistani fighter jets, airborne early-warning aircraft, reconnaissance platforms and armed drones.
The operation resulted in significant utilisation of S-400 missile stocks across its 400 km, 200 km, 150 km and 40 km engagement envelopes. India notably struck a wide-body aircraft 314 km inside Pakistan’s Punjab using a long-range S-400 missile, prompting Pakistan to relocate operational aircraft to western bases near Afghanistan and Iran.
Multiple Pakistani radar installations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Pano Aqil were also targeted. Following the strikes, concerns over S-400 deployments in Adampur and Bhuj reportedly restricted Pakistan Air Force operations on May 9–10.
Under the current delivery schedule, two of the five remaining S-400 systems are expected to be inducted next year.
No Major Defence Pact Expected During Modi-Putin Summit
Despite ongoing military cooperation, officials do not anticipate any major defence agreement being signed during the December 5 summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Several Russian proposals for major air, surface and sub-surface platforms remain under consideration, with final decisions pending.
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