Overview

• Sources cited by PTI say the S-400’s performance in Operation Sindoor is driving consideration of additional batches.
• Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh praised the system’s effectiveness and noted a requirement for more but withheld procurement details.
• India is also assessing the newer S-500 missile defense system as a possible addition to its layered air-defense network, according to the reports.
• The existing 2018 agreement was valued at about $5 billion for five S-400 units, of which three have been delivered and are operational.
• The original purchase moved forward despite U.S. warnings that CAATSA sanctions could apply, a backdrop to any future acquisition discussions.