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Following the success of Operation Sindoor, India has requested additional S-400 missiles and batteries from Russia to further bolster its air defense capabilities. This move aims to counter the growing threats along the country's border, particularly from Pakistan, including drone and missile attacks.

Sources from India's defense sector suggest that Russia has responded positively to the request. The country is likely to fulfill the order in the near future. The S-400 system played a critical role during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully intercepted and destroyed Pakistani cruise missiles and armed drones, providing the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a distinct advantage due to its rapid response and high accuracy.

The S-400 is a cutting-edge multi-range missile defense system equipped with several advanced features:

• Multi-range Missile System: The S-400 includes four different types of surface-to-air missiles capable of targeting various flying objects at different altitudes and distances.
• Stealth and Missile Defense: The system can take down stealth aircraft, drones, and both cruise and ballistic missiles.
• Advanced Radar: The system’s radar can simultaneously track 300 targets and target 36 of them at once, with a range of up to 600 kilometers.
• Rapid Deployment: The S-400 can be combat-ready within five minutes, allowing swift reactions to threats.
• Mobile Launchers: Its mobile units ensure the system can be quickly deployed to any location, offering flexibility in response.
• Joint Command System: Each S-400 squadron consists of two batteries, each capable of handling up to 128 missiles, integrating with land, air, and naval command centers for coordinated defense.

India signed a ₹35,000 crore ($5.4 billion) deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system. To date, three squadrons have been delivered and deployed, significantly enhancing India’s air defense. However, the remaining two squadrons have been delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine war and its impact on Russia’s military production and exports.

The acquisition of additional S-400 systems underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure amid rising tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan. The system’s strategic value is seen in its capacity to counter a range of airborne threats, ensuring the protection of Indian airspace and military assets.