India rushes to replenish failed S-400 Systems after losses in 2025 conflict with Pakistan
New Delhi: India is set to receive the fourth unit of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system in early May in an apparent bid to replenish and strengthen its air defence capabilities after suffering losses during the May 2025 military conflict with Pakistan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the fourth unit has already been shipped from Russia and is expected to arrive in India within the next few days. The induction is aimed at reinforcing the Indian Air Force’s air defence network following setbacks during the conflict.
In October 2018, India signed a $5 billion deal with Russia for the procurement of five S-400 systems, of which three units have already been delivered. The fifth and final unit under the original agreement is expected to be delivered by November under a revised timeline.
Reports said that last month New Delhi also approved the procurement of an additional five S-400 systems, taking the total number to ten. The decision reportedly came weeks after the May 7-10, 2025 military conflict with Pakistan, during which India’s air defence capabilities came under scrutiny.
The S-400, widely described as Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system, reportedly failed to counter Pakistan’s aerial operations during the conflict, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of India’s costly defence acquisitions.
Political and defence analysts said India’s urgent move to replenish and expand its S-400 inventory reflects concerns over vulnerabilities in its air defence mechanism and the limitations exposed during the confrontation with Pakistan.
