India announces further delay in delivery of last two S-400 Air Defense Systems from Russia.

According to an article from India Today published on March 21, 2024, the delivery of the last two of five long-range S-400 air defense systems to India, originally scheduled for early 2024, has been postponed to late 2026 due to delays caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. India had ordered five S-400 squadrons in 2018, three of which have already been delivered and are fully operational. These systems are strategically deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan.
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Russian S-400 Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Facing significant security challenges along its borders with China and Pakistan, India decided to acquire five S-400 regiments under a contract worth $5.5 billion signed in October 2018. This move is part of a rapid militarization effort aimed at bolstering India's defensive capabilities against these threats. Despite concerns from the United States that the acquisition could trigger sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Washington has shown flexibility, acknowledging India's strategic importance in the region as a counterbalance to China. It's noteworthy that the US has sought to enhance military cooperation with India, particularly through the signing of the COMCASA agreement, which facilitates India's access to secure US Air Force communications.

The first two S-400 missile squadrons, designated SA-21 Growler in NATO terminology, arrived in December 2021 and April 2022, respectively. These deployments were strategically made to ensure border security and enhance defense capabilities against neighboring nations. According to ANI reports, the first two squadrons have been specifically tasked with monitoring the Ladakh sector, covering the critical 'Chicken Neck' corridor in West Bengal and the entire northeastern region.

The S-400 is a sophisticated air defense system known for its ability to neutralize aerial threats such as aircraft, missiles, and drones at ranges of up to 400 km. It can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, further enhancing India's defense capabilities.

In October 2018, the Indian Ministry of Defense entered into a $5.43 billion agreement with Russia for the purchase of S-400 missile systems. In response to additional requests from Delhi, Russia expedited the delivery process, a capability enhanced by substantial investments in its defense sector throughout the 2010s. These investments significantly increased Russia's production capabilities, allowing these systems to export to various countries, including Belarus and India. However, the onset of the Ukraine invasion and consequential losses suffered by Russia, particularly in air defense systems, necessitated a considerable delay in the delivery of S-400 units to India. Despite these delays, Russia's commitment to fulfilling its contract is indicated, as evidenced by the delivery of two systems in October 2023, albeit two years behind schedule.

The first three squadrons have already been deployed in the northern and eastern sectors and have participated in aerial exercises. These squadrons were received along with simulators.

In addition to acquiring S-400 systems from Russia, India is also in the advanced stages of developing its air defense system similar to the S-400 class. This project is valued at over Rs 20,000 crore and is expected to be completed in the coming years. The indigenous air defense system will feature three different types of missiles, each designed to neutralize enemy targets at varying distances, with the maximum range being close to 400 kilometers. Further details on this subject are not yet available.