*New Delhi/Islamabad* – Reports emerging from Indian defence circlessuggest that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is lobbying for two additionalS-400 air defence batteries from Russia. If the procurement is delayed,insiders say India may instead pursue the next-generation *S-500 “Prometey”system*, considered one of the most advanced anti-missile and anti-aircraftplatforms in the world.
This move comes on the heels of India’s recent large-scale exercise, *OperationSindoor*, where the IAF tested joint strike capabilities along withlong-range missile deployment. According to defence analysts, India’spursuit of such high-tech systems is directly linked to its desire tocounter Pakistan’s growing *Missile Rocket Force (MRF)* – a newly emergingwing within Pakistan’s strategic arsenal designed to deploy advancedlong-range and precision-guided missile systems.A New Phase in the Arms Race?
Military experts warn that India’s acquisition of S-400 and possible S-500batteries could destabilize South Asia’s already fragile securityenvironment. The S-500 is reportedly capable of intercepting ballisticmissiles, stealth aircraft, and even low-orbit satellites, making it agame-changer in modern warfare.
For Pakistan, the Indian buildup poses a grave challenge. Pakistan’s MRFhas been developed to ensure deterrence against Indian aggression byfielding *long-range precision strike missiles*. However, the deployment ofnew S-series systems by India may threaten the effectiveness of Pakistan’smissile deterrent.
“India is clearly trying to neutralize Pakistan’s rocket and missile forcesby creating a defensive shield. This could undermine strategic stabilityand force Pakistan to respond with even more advanced offensive systems,”said a regional security analyst.The Threat to Pakistan
Pakistani security circles fear that if India operationalizes the S-500, itwould gain unprecedented interception capabilities, giving New Delhi afalse sense of military superiority. Such developments could push theregion into another dangerous spiral of *arms modernization and nuclearbrinkmanship*.
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While Pakistan has invested heavily in its indigenous missile programs suchas *Shaheen, Ababeel, and Nasr*, experts believe that the MRF may now needto accelerate research into *hypersonic glide vehicles and advancedcountermeasures* to overcome India’s prospective shield.
India’s ambition to acquire additional S-400 or the futuristic S-500 systemrepresents more than just an arms purchase – it reflects a strategiccompetition where both sides are preparing for *deterrence dominance*. ForPakistan, the threat is not just military but strategic: a direct challengeto the credibility of its missile force and nuclear deterrent posture.
As the subcontinent edges closer to a high-tech arms race, internationalobservers fear that the *next crisis may arrive faster – and with fardeadlier consequences – than before*.