ISLAMABAD: Reports emerging from defence circles indicate that India hasformally approached Russia to procure an extra regiment of the S-400 Triumfair defence missile system, following claims that a unit was damaged duringthe brief but intense military confrontation in May 2025, known asOperation Sindoor. This development underscores the strategic importance ofthe Russian-origin platform in India’s layered air defence architectureamid ongoing regional tensions.
The request comes amid conflicting narratives surrounding the performanceand survivability of the S-400 during the four-day escalation. Indiamaintains that its S-400 batteries played a pivotal role in interceptingPakistani missiles and drones, achieving a reported 100 per cent successrate in neutralising incoming threats and even claiming long-rangeengagements against aerial targets.
During the conflict, which began on 7 May 2025 after India’s missilestrikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, the S-400 systemswere deployed at key locations including Adampur Air Force Station inPunjab. Indian officials have highlighted the system’s “shoot and scoot”mobility and layered interception capabilities, which reportedly forcedPakistani aircraft to alter courses or abort missions.
Pakistan, in response, launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, asserting thatits Pakistan Air Force units successfully targeted and neutralisedcomponents of the S-400 at Adampur using CM-400AKG missiles delivered byJF-17 Thunder Block 3 fighters. Satellite imagery analysis from independentsources has shown evidence of strikes, including disturbed ground andpossible damage to radar elements. International Media Reports suggest thatcertain components faced sustained damage.
The original 2018 agreement between India and Russia, valued atapproximately $5.43 billion, covered five regiments of the S-400, withthree already delivered and deployed along borders facing Pakistan andChina. The remaining two are scheduled for delivery, with the fourthexpected by May 2026 and the fifth in 2027, despite earlier delaysattributed to global supply chain disruptions.
Defence analysts note that the S-400’s combat debut in South Asia hasenhanced its reputation, prompting discussions on potential additionalacquisitions. Russian officials have confirmed ongoing negotiations forfurther supplies, emphasising the system’s proven effectiveness againstdiverse aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles.
The May 2025 crisis originated from a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammuand Kashmir, on 22 April, which killed 26 civilians and prompted India’sretaliatory strikes. The ensuing exchanges involved precision-guidedmunitions, drone swarms, and missile barrages, highlighting the evolvingrole of advanced air defence in modern regional conflicts.
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India’s pursuit of an extra regiment reflects a broader strategy to bolsterdeterrence capabilities in a multi-domain threat environment. The S-400,capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 400 kilometres and trackingmultiple objects simultaneously, forms the outer layer of India’sintegrated air defence grid.
Experts observe that such procurements strengthen bilateral defence tiesbetween New Delhi and Moscow, even as India diversifies its sources. Therequest also signals a response to perceived vulnerabilities exposed duringthe recent hostilities.
The outcome of these talks could influence the balance of air power inSouth Asia, where both nations continue to modernise their arsenals amidpersistent strategic competition.
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