New Delhi: In a significant step toward enhancing its aerial defenses, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) approved the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) request on Monday to acquire five additional S-400 air defense squadrons from Russia, sources with knowledge of the discussions confirmed. This decision unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, where ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones have become central to ongoing conflicts.
The defence ministry anticipates submissions from the IAF and Indian Army for procuring 13 Russian Pantsir S-1 self-propelled missile systems, designed to intercept medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
Chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the DPB endorsed the IAF’s initiative, paving the way for review by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to issue the acceptance of necessity (AoN). Following AoN approval, a cost negotiation committee will determine pricing, culminating in final endorsement from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) through the finance ministry.
At present, India operates three S-400 squadrons, with two more slated for integration into the armed forces this year. The system’s effectiveness was evident during Operation Sindoor, where it grounded Pakistani fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, and electronic intelligence platforms on May 10, enabling Indian strikes on adversary airbases, radar installations, and command centers.
On the early morning of May 10, 2025, a BrahMos missile assault crippled the Pakistan Air Force’s Northern Command and Control hub at Chaklala Airbase in Rawalpindi, prompting swift capitulation from Pakistan.
Sources indicated that the ministry is also awaiting the joint IAF-Army bid for 13 Pantsir S-1 units, which neutralize medium-range surface-to-air missiles, short-range rockets, and kamikaze drones. Of these, 10 will safeguard the eventual 10 S-400 squadrons across the forces, while three will bolster Army capabilities against cruise missiles, assault helicopters, loitering munitions, armed drones, rockets, and short-range border threats.
Negotiations on S-400 terms remain fluid, but Hindustan Times has learned that the five squadrons will involve direct procurement, with maintenance, overhauls, and repairs outsourced to Indian private entities.
For the Pantsir acquisition, an expedited outright purchase is planned initially, supplemented by domestic manufacturing through private companies to address the pressing urgency.
The Pantsir’s reliability is underscored by its deployment with UAE forces, where it has successfully downed Iranian kamikaze drones.
Given India’s vast expanse, threats from western and northern frontiers, and an extended 11,000-km coastline recently revised upward from 7,500 km by the government—advanced air defense networks are essential. These must deter long-range enemy aircraft and bombers while countering ballistic missiles.
The protracted Iran-US conflict has underscored the global imperative for anti-ballistic defenses, exacerbated by the spread of Chinese long-range missiles across the Indian subcontinent and West Asia. Compounding this, Turkey’s exports of affordable kamikaze drones and loitering munitions to Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Maldives, and Bangladesh promote tactics centered on overwhelming saturation attacks.
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