Russia Confirms Remaining S-400 Squadrons to Be Delivered by 2026–27

India will receive the fourth S-400 air defense squadron in 2026, and the fifth in 2027, according to formal confirmation from Russia. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov made this reaffirmation at the SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, which also included Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

The delivery is a component of a 2018 agreement for ₹40,000 crore ($5.43 billion), which originally called for the delivery of all five squadrons by the end of 2023. However, the conflict in Ukraine had a major impact on financial routes, logistics, and supply chains, leading to considerable delays.

Both nations are determined to finish the delivery in spite of these obstacles, which will improve India's air defense capabilities even further.

In order to establish a robust air defense shield around its western and eastern borders, India has already stationed the first three S-400 squadrons in three strategically important areas: Rajasthan-Gujarat, Sikkim, and Punjab-Jammu & Kashmir. These devices strengthened India's defense posture and assisted in neutralizing aerial threats during Operation Sindoor in May.

India and Russia also had significant conversations during the most recent SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in Qingdao on:

• Enhancing the fleet of Su-30MKI fighters
• Project Kusha, a DRDO-led effort to create long-range domestic air defense systems, is being accelerated with a 2028–2029 deployment date in mind.
• These initiatives show India's increasing emphasis on bolstering its own defense capabilities as well as its international alliances.

The two missile batteries (128 missiles each) in each S-400 squadron have engagement ranges ranging from 120 km to 380 km.

It connects with India's IAF command structure and is made to counter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.