“Performed efficiently in Operation Sindoor”: Russia assures S-400 delivery on schedule

Russia has confirmed that India will receive the remaining regiments of the S-400 air defence missile system by 2026 as per the original delivery schedule, despite earlier delays caused by the Ukraine conflict. Russian deputy ambassador to India Roman Babushkin said on Monday that the strategic system showed impressive performance during Operation Sindoor, India’s military operation against Pakistan in May 2025.

“We heard that S-400 performed very efficiently during the situation between India and Pakistan,” said Babushkin, acknowledging its successful interception of Pakistani drones and missiles during the brief conflict. The system, rebranded as “Sudarshan Chakra” by the Indian military, significantly boosted India’s aerial defence capabilities during the operation.

India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 regiments. Three units have already been deployed along the western and northern borders with Pakistan and China, while the remaining two will be delivered over the next two years. Babushkin also hinted at possible expansion of defence cooperation, especially in air defence systems.

The S-400 system can detect and neutralize aerial threats at ranges up to 380 km, covering strategic bombers, stealth jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It comprises advanced radar, missile launchers, and a centralized command system, capable of targeting multiple threats simultaneously at varying altitudes and speeds.