India to buy more S-400s, eyeing advanced S-500 systems

India Sep 29, 2025

India is set to step up its air defense game by buying more Russian S-400 missile systems and is also eyeing the newer S-500s.
This move follows the strong performance of existing S-400s, which reportedly shot down five Pakistani jets during Operation Sindoor.
The original 2018 deal lets India buy extra units under similar terms, with some flexibility for changing economic conditions.

Russia to deliver last 2 systems by September 2026

Russia aims to deliver the last two S-400 systems by September 2026, though this could shift due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India has shown interest in the advanced S-500 system since 2018—even before it was available—highlighting a push for cutting-edge tech.
These upgrades are part of India's bigger plan to modernize its defenses.