Russia assures India of full S-400 delivery by 2026: Reports

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the remaining S-400 air defence missile systems to India by 2025–2026, according to media reports quoting Roman Babushkin, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Russian Embassy in India.

Speaking to media, Babushkin reportedly noted that the S-400 system had shown strong performance during recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He also suggested that the two countries may expand cooperation in air defence and anti-drone technologies.

According to reports, Babushkin said Russia sees defence collaboration with India especially in the area of air defence as a key area for future partnership, particularly in light of ongoing global security challenges.

India had signed a deal with Russia in 2018 to buy five regiments of the S-400 Triumf missile system. So far, three units have been delivered and deployed. The remaining two are expected to arrive by 2026.

During the ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan, the S-400 system was used and the BrahMos missiles were engaged. Judging by the reports available, the performance of these weapons was exemplary.

India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. The cooperation is guided by the IRIGC-M&MTC mechanism, headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries.

New Delhi and Moscow acknowledge that the military technical cooperation has evolved over time from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems.