India Turns To Russia For Rs 2.38 Lakh Cr Military Upgrade; To Get More S-400s, Strike Drones, Guns

India has stepped up its defence preparations following Operation Sindoor. On Friday, New Delhi approved defence procurements worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore for the Army and the Air Force, according to reports. The package includes the purchase of five S-400 missile systems from Russia, as per reports.

Air Force to get S-400 systems and strike aircraft

The Indian Air Force will receive remotely piloted strike aircraft along with five additional S-400 Triumf missile systems. These systems are capable of destroying hostile aircraft, missiles and drones at a range of up to 400 km.

A defence ministry official said the decision was based on the air defense system’s performance during Operation Sindoor. “Considering its operational effectiveness and performance, the IAF plans to procure another five S-400

systems,” the official said. The systems played a key role in intercepting incoming threats and strengthening air defence.

Boost along China and Pakistan borders

Defence officials said the new S-400 systems will further strengthen India’s defence along the borders with China and Pakistan. India had signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 to procure five squadrons of the S-400 system. Three units have been delivered so far, while the remaining two have been delayed due to the Ukraine conflict.

Army to receive new defence systems

For the Army, approvals include an air defence tracked system, armour-piercing tank ammunition, a high-capacity radio relay system, the Dhanush gun system and a runway-independent aerial surveillance system.

The defence ministry said the Dhanush gun system will improve the Army’s ability to strike targets at longer ranges across all terrains with greater accuracy and impact.

Apart from the S-400 systems, approvals for the Air Force include medium transport aircraft, remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates.

The ministry said the transport aircraft will replace the AN-32 and IL-76 fleet and meet strategic, tactical and operational airlift needs. The remotely piloted aircraft will support offensive missions and provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Upgrading Su-30 engines will extend the aircraft’s service life.

However, sources in the Defence Ministry said no timeline has been fixed for these proposals. It usually takes at least three years for approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council to turn into contracts.

Record defence approvals this financial year

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he chaired the Defence Acquisition Council meeting that cleared the proposals. He noted that the current financial year has seen record approvals and contracts. “It’s heartwarming to note that in the financial year 2025-26, acceptance of necessity for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded,” he said.

He added that contracts for 503 proposals worth Rs 2.28 lakh crore have been signed this year, the highest in any financial year.