India to Receive All S-400 Systems by 2026

According to reports, Russia will complete the delivery of the final unit of the S-400 Triumf air defense system to India in 2026 under the $5.43 billion deal signed in 2018. So far, four systems have been delivered, and the fifth is scheduled for delivery next year. This deal was executed despite threats of sanctions from the United States.

During Operation Sindoor in May, the S-400 systems proved to be highly effective in defense capabilities.

S-400 Triumf Air Defense System

As per Russian state news agency TASS, quoting a defense source: "Russia will complete the contract to deliver five S-400 Triumf air defense systems to India by 2026. Four systems have already been delivered, and the fifth will be supplied next year."

Deal Signed in 2018 Despite Sanction Warnings

The formal contract was signed on October 5, 2018, ignoring U.S. sanctions warnings. In March 2021, then-U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the issue with India, cautioning that acquiring the S-400 systems could invite sanctions.

S-400 Proved Effective for India

Minister of State Sanjay Seth, during his visit to Moscow for Victory Day Parade at Red Square, said that the S-400 air defense missiles proved very effective during Operation Sindoor in May. He was representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India Shows Interest in More Advanced Missile Systems

Seth added that India has expressed interest in purchasing additional missile systems, including exploring possibilities of acquiring the advanced S-500 systems. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.