India has moved a step closer to strengthening its air defence shield, with the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) clearing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) proposal to acquire five additional S-400 air defence systems from Russia. The proposal will now be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN).
The board, chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, approved the IAF’s request amid growing global concerns over missile and drone warfare, especially in light of recent conflicts in West Asia. India currently operates three S-400 systems, with two more scheduled for induction later this year. If approved, the new purchase will take the total number of S-400 units in service to ten.
The S-400 system, considered one of the world’s most advanced long-range air defence platforms, is designed to detect and neutralise enemy aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at extended ranges. According to officials, the system proved effective during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when Indian forces carried out precision strikes on Pakistani airbases and command networks. The air defence shield reportedly ensured that hostile fighter aircraft and surveillance platforms did not engage during the operation.
After the DAC grants AoN, a cost negotiation committee will be formed to finalise pricing and contractual details. The proposal will then require final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
In addition to the S-400 acquisition, the defence ministry is also awaiting proposals from the IAF and the Indian Army to procure 13 Russian Pantsir S-1 self-propelled air defence systems. Of these, 10 are expected to be deployed to protect the S-400 units, while three will support the Army in countering cruise missiles, drones, attack helicopters and short-range rockets along border areas.
Officials indicated that the S-400 systems will likely be purchased outright, while maintenance and overhaul work may be assigned to Indian private sector firms. The Pantsir systems, meanwhile, could involve a mix of direct imports and limited domestic production under an urgent procurement route.
With its vast geography, 11,000-km coastline and active borders, India is focusing on building a multi-layered air defence network to address emerging aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and low-cost kamikaze drones.
