Russia will complete delivery of the S-400 Triumph air defence systems to India by 2026. Four units are already delivered, and the fifth will arrive next year under the $5.43 billion deal.
Russia to Finish S-400 Triumph Deliveries to India by Next Year
Russia is set to complete the delivery of the S-400 Triumph air defence missile systems to India by 2026, fulfilling a multi-billion-dollar defence contract signed in 2018. According to state-run Russian news agency TASS, four of the five systems have already been delivered, and the final unit will reach India next year.
The USD 5.43 billion (₹40,000 crore) deal was officially signed on October 5, 2018, during a high-profile meeting in New Delhi, despite strong concerns from Washington over potential sanctions.
US Sanctions Cloud: CAATSA Still in the Background
At the time of the agreement, the United States warned India that purchasing Russian-made missile systems could trigger sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). In March 2021, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin raised the issue during his India visit, underlining the risks of the deal.
However, so far, Washington has not imposed sanctions on New Delhi, as the contract has not yet been fully executed. The final delivery in 2026 will mark the formal completion of the purchase.
S-400’s Performance Praised During Operation Sindoor
India’s confidence in the S-400 system has only grown in recent years. During his Moscow visit earlier this year, Minister of State Sanjay Seth highlighted that the S-400 systems proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor, launched in May against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The limited conflict, which lasted four days, ended on May 10 after both nations reached a ceasefire understanding. Defence experts credited the S-400 with strengthening India’s air defence shield during the operation.
India Eyes Advanced S-500 Systems
Looking beyond the current deal, New Delhi has shown interest in purchasing Russia’s next-generation S-500 systems. Discussions are said to be at an early stage, with India exploring the feasibility of adding more advanced missile defence capabilities to its arsenal.
Why the S-400 Deal Matters for India
- Strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence network against regional threats.
- Sends a strategic signal of defence autonomy despite US pressure.
- Opens the door for potential cooperation on the S-500 missile system.
With the final delivery scheduled for 2026, India will complete one of its most significant defence acquisitions in recent history — a deal that has not only strengthened its air defence but also reshaped its diplomatic balancing act between Russia and the United States.