Russia Set to Deliver Remaining S-400 Squadrons to India in 2026, With Plans for Five More

Russia is on track to deliver the fourth squadron of the advanced S-400 Triumf air defence system to the Indian Air Force in April or May 2026, followed by the fifth and final squadron by November 2026, completing the original 2018 contract valued at around $5.4–5.5 billion.

Three squadrons have already been inducted and are operational. The remaining deliveries were delayed due to Russia’s commitments in the Ukraine conflict and associated supply chain issues from Western sanctions. However, Moscow has now firmed up the revised timeline through high-level defence discussions, significantly enhancing India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities along its sensitive borders.

The proven combat success has prompted the Indian Air Force to propose acquiring five additional S-400 squadrons. The Defence Ministry is expected to review and likely clear this proposal in the near future, with preliminary talks already progressing with Russia. If approved, the expansion would nearly double India’s S-400 fleet, complementing indigenous systems like Project Kusha and addressing growing aerial and missile threats in the region.