India Set to Buy 5 More S-400 Systems After Operation Sindoor Success, Russia Sends Price Proposal

India’s plan to acquire five additional S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia has gained momentum, with Moscow sending a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) proposal to New Delhi.

The document details the estimated costs of construction and materials, paving the way for price negotiations between the two sides. The final unit of the five S-400 systems contracted by the Narendra Modi government in 2018 for $5.43 billion is expected to be delivered to India in November this year.

No Decision Yet on Su-57 Purchase

Contrary to some media reports, India has not yet taken a final decision to acquire two squadrons of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets. However, the Indian Air Force has expressed interest in Moscow’s proposal, particularly amid the deployment of China’s J-20 fifth-generation fighters at airbases in Tibet, including Hotan, Lhasa and Nyingchi.

S-400 Expansion Likely to Face CCS Approval

According to sources, the proposal to procure five more S-400 squadrons will require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The decision is expected only after India and Russia finalise the cost and the proposal receives clearance from the Finance Ministry.

One of the additional S-400 systems is expected to be deployed in India’s eastern sector to strengthen air defence along the China-facing frontier.

S-400 Performance During Operation Sindoor

The S-400 played a key role during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, with the system demonstrating its long-range interception capabilities. According to the report, an S-400 missile targeted a Pakistani airborne early warning aircraft at a range of around 314 kilometres.

Pakistan also reportedly used kamikaze drones in attempts to target S-400 batteries deployed at Adampur and Bhuj. However, the air defence system helped keep Pakistani fighter aircraft at a distance from the Indian border.

The report further claims that Pakistan subsequently moved several of its air assets towards bases close to the Afghanistan border after Indian strikes hit multiple Pakistani airbases.

India-Russia Defence Cooperation

With Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to visit New Delhi for the BRICS summit from September 11 to 13, defence cooperation between India and Russia is likely to receive further attention.

The discussions could also provide fresh momentum to collaboration in advanced weapons technologies, including hypersonic missile systems.