Russia has confirmed the delivery schedule for the fourth squadron of the S-400 Triumf air defence system to the Indian Air Force by late May 2026. The fourth squadron is undergoing final testing in Russia before delivery, and the fifth squadron under the 2018 contract is expected by the end of 2026 or in 2027.
S-400 Triumf System
The S-400 Triumf is a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Almaz-Antey. It is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at multiple ranges and altitudes.
India-Russia S-400 Contract
India signed a contract in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons at a value of about $5.43 billion, or Rs 35,000-40,000 crore. Three squadrons have already been delivered to India, and the first squadron became operational in December 2021 in Punjab.
Operational Deployment
The S-400 systems in India are deployed for air defence coverage in western and northern sectors. The system is used by the Indian Air Force for long-range air defence against aerial threats.
Delivery Timeline and Delays
Delivery delays have been linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions, and global supply chain disruptions. The fourth squadron was earlier expected in June 2026, and the final squadron is linked to the same contract timeline.
Sanctions Context
India has continued the S-400 acquisition despite the possibility of sanctions under the United States Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, known as CAATSA. CAATSA was enacted by the United States in 2017 and covers defence and intelligence transactions with Russia. The S-400 system was used by India during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The S-400 is one of the main air defence systems in India’s layered air defence network.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026