Overview

• Discussions cover five additional systems to bolster long‑range coverage, including coastal protection and a northern air‑defense gap, according to the report.
• Sources say the sides have agreed on cost terms tied to the 2018 price with annual escalation, with a potential mix of outright purchase and local manufacture under transfer of technology.
• The proposed procurement would be government‑to‑government with maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities planned in partnership with Indian private sector firms.
• The report indicates the government aims to clear the plan before the Russian president’s visit to India on December 5.
• Officials cited in the report dispute claims of an S‑500 purchase, while the Air Force weighs options such as the RVV‑BD long‑range missile and a possible Su‑57 buy with no decision yet.