Overview

• Indian media citing PTI reports say New Delhi is exploring additional S-400 surface-to-air missile batches after the system was judged very effective in Operation Sindoor.
• The potential purchase is expected to feature on the agenda when President Vladimir Putin visits India in December, according to people familiar with the matter.
• Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh acknowledged a need for more such systems and called the S-400 a good weapon, while declining to confirm procurement plans.
• India’s 2018 deal worth about $5 billion covered five S-400 units, three of which have been delivered and integrated to date.
• Sources also indicate India may consider the newer S-500, even as officials weigh further imports alongside ongoing indigenous air-defence development and past U.S. CAATSA warnings.