India’s defence sector received a significant boost after Russia submitted a proposal for the supply and local production of Su-57 fighter jets, TASS news agency reported.
According to India Today, a source in Russia’s military-technical cooperation system said that India may receive deliveries of five S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile systems by 2026.
‘There is potential to expand our cooperation’
“India already has our S-400 system. There is potential to expand our cooperation in this area as well. That means new deliveries. For now, we are in the negotiation stage,” TASS quoted Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, as saying.
India inducted the S-400 systems to strengthen its air defence
India had signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 systems. The remaining two units are now scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. India inducted the S-400 systems to strengthen its air defence against adversaries like Pakistan and China.
Russia was expected to deliver all the systems by 2024
The air defence system is capable of hitting targets at 400 Kms and can be very effective against fighter jets, and cruise missiles. The Russian side was expected to deliver all the systems by 2024 but had to change plans due to its own requirements in the ongoing conflict there.
The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities in recent years. The Indian Air Force has now started working on its own Project ‘Kusha’, which would allow it to have an indigenous system developed by DRDO to take down enemy platforms at long ranges.
