Russia to Complete S-400 Deliveries to India by 2025-26; Hints at Broader Defence Cooperation in Air Defence and Anti-Drone Technology
Russia remains firmly committed to completing the delivery of the remaining units of the advanced S-400 Triumf air defence system to India within the stipulated timeline of 2025–2026, a senior Russian diplomat confirmed on Monday.
Speaking to PTI Videos, Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, underscored the strong strategic partnership between the two nations in the realm of defence and hinted at the potential expansion of bilateral cooperation, especially in air defence and anti-drone systems.
Babushkin highlighted that the S-400 system had demonstrated high effectiveness in real-time situations, specifically referencing recent India-Pakistan tensions.
“We heard from various sources that the S-400 operated with high efficiency during the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan,” he said, alluding to the system’s critical role in bolstering India’s aerial security during those high-alert periods.
Timely Deliveries and Strategic Relevance
According to Babushkin, the supply chain for the remaining two units of the five total S-400 squadrons that India purchased is progressing as per the agreed timeline.
“The contract implementation is on track,” he confirmed, stating that the final deliveries will be completed by 2025 or 2026, aligning with the timeline previously made public.
India had signed a USD 5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for the procurement of five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf system—an advanced, long-range, surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting multiple types of airborne threats, including aircraft, UAVs, and ballistic or cruise missiles, at ranges of up to 400 kilometers.
To date, three of these squadrons have already been delivered, significantly enhancing India’s layered air defence architecture.
Scope for Expanded Defence Cooperation
In addition to fulfilling the S-400 contract, Russia appears keen on exploring new avenues for deepening defence collaboration with India, especially in areas that reflect the evolving nature of global and regional threats.
Babushkin hinted at intensified discussions around future projects in air defence, anti-drone technologies, and modernised electronic warfare systems.
“We are very open to enhancing this partnership and holding deeper discussions on the expansion of our cooperation in the field of air defence,” Babushkin stated.
He emphasised the mutual benefit of such cooperation, especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and the growing security threats in Asia.
The Growing Drone Threat and Countermeasures
Acknowledging the rising threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—or drones—especially following their extensive and tactical use in recent India-Pakistan engagements, Babushkin said this is an area where Russia has developed substantial expertise.
He noted that drone warfare has become a complex and persistent security issue globally, and that Russia has been actively developing and upgrading anti-drone systems to neutralise such threats.
“We have been dealing with this challenge for years, particularly in conflict zones. Our systems have been constantly updated and refined.
We believe there is great potential for both India and Russia to collaborate on these technologies to address emerging threats,” he said.
He also confirmed that anti-drone defence systems are already a component of the broader India-Russia defence cooperation dialogue.
Diplomatic Engagement and Future Visits
Babushkin also provided a brief update on ongoing diplomatic engagements and high-level meetings expected to take place shortly. Specifically, he mentioned the potential visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to India.
“While the exact dates are yet to be finalised, we anticipate that Foreign Minister Lavrov could visit India very soon—possibly within this month,” he said, without elaborating further.
Such a visit would be seen as a significant diplomatic development, potentially laying the groundwork for further strategic cooperation, not only in defence but also in energy, space, and economic sectors.
Both countries have reiterated the importance of their “special and privileged strategic partnership”, which has remained resilient despite global pressures and realignments, including the ongoing war in Ukraine
As the S-400 contract nears completion and the India-Russia defence relationship matures further, both nations appear poised to deepen their strategic ties in critical areas such as missile defence, electronic warfare, and drone countermeasures.
With shared concerns over regional stability and increasing technological convergence, the future of India-Russia defence cooperation looks robust and promising.
