India faces further delay in getting final S-400 Russian air defence system

India is bracing for a longer-than-anticipated wait for the remaining two units of the Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system. The delivery, initially delayed, was expected by 2025 but is now projected to extend into early 2026, sources said.
This delay comes at a time when regional security remains tense, particularly along the northern border with China.
The procurement of the S-400 air defence system, widely regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, was finalised in 2018 when India and Russia signed a $5.43 billion deal for five units.
The system is capable of tracking and neutralising multiple aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 400 km.
TIMELINE OF DEPLOYMENT AND BACKGROUND
The first S-400 unit arrived in India in December 2021, with swift deployment in the western sector to bolster national security. This was followed by the delivery and operationalisation of the second and third units over the next two years, reinforcing India’s defence posture along both the western and eastern sectors.
The induction of these units has been pivotal in fortifying India’s air defence grid, particularly against potential aerial threats from adversaries like Pakistan and China.
However, the road to full deployment has been challenging. The initial deliveries were delayed due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained global supply chains.
Compounding these delays is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has severely impacted Russia’s military-industrial complex and its capacity to fulfil defence contracts.
CONCERNS AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES
The delay in the arrival of the remaining two S-400 units has raised concerns within the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has consistently highlighted the importance of these systems in safeguarding the nation’s airspace.
Considering these delays, the IAF and the Ministry of Defence are exploring alternative solutions to ensure preparedness. This includes potential procurement of additional air defence systems to fill the gap and maintain readiness along the border, where tensions with China have been high since 2020 following the Galwan Valley clash.
The deployment of these three existing S-400 system has already enhanced India’s defensive capabilities, allowing for more robust surveillance and engagement capacity across high-risk sectors. However, the strategic importance of completing the deployment remains critical, especially given the escalating regional dynamics and China’s military advancements.
REGIONAL CONTEXT AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
The continued stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has underscored the necessity of maintaining a formidable air defence network. The S-400’s delay poses a significant challenge as India aims to strengthen its deterrence posture.
Additionally, with China’s investments in advanced missile systems and fifth-generation aircraft, India’s full complement of S-400 system is vital to maintaining a strategic edge.
The decision to procure the S-400 system in 2018 was part of a larger initiative to modernise India’s defence forces and reduce vulnerabilities.
With the projected extension of the timeline to 2026 for the final two S-400 units, India’s defence strategy is at a critical juncture. The ability to adapt, including seeking interim air defence solutions and strengthening existing defences, will be crucial in maintaining national security in the face of evolving threats.
The delays, while a setback, have underscored the importance of a multifaceted approach to defence acquisition and readiness.
As India waits for the completion of the S-400 deployment, the focus will remain on ensuring that its borders are safeguarded and that any operational gaps are minimised through effective planning and alternative solutions.