The escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought unexpected delays to India's defense enhancement; Russia has postponed the delivery date of the next batch of the crucial S-400 missile system citing the conflict.
In 2018, India and Russia agreed to acquire five squadrons of S-400 air defense missiles. Three squadrons have been delivered, with the expectation that Russia would complete the rest by 2024. Given the current war situation, Russia has now refused to honor this timeline.
Delivery Possible by August 2026
Amidst the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russia has indicated to India that the delivery of the remaining two S-400 squadrons might be feasible by August 2026.
Despite warnings from then U.S. President Donald Trump, India went ahead with the $5 billion deal (roughly 350 billion INR) for five S-400 squadrons in October 2018. Trump had warned of U.S. sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
CAATSA is a strict U.S. law aimed at imposing sanctions on countries that purchase significant defense hardware from its adversaries. This law was enacted in response to the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.
The S-400 Missile System: A Game-Changer for India
The Indian Air Force believes the Russian S-400 to be a potential game-changer. The air force recently acquired MR-SAM and Akash missile systems and has begun work on its own Project Kavach.
The S-400 Air Defence Missile System is recognized for its unparalleled precision and capability to obliterate aerial threats in moments. It's deemed vital for maintaining a balance of power in Asia, with an effective range of 400 kilometers against fighter jets and cruise missiles alike.
First developed in 1967, Russia's S-200 system initiated the esteemed S series. Subsequently, the S-300 was introduced in 1978 and the S-400 in 1990, with Russia finalizing the S-400 system on April 28, 2007.
