Russia submits cost proposal for five additional S-400 systems for India

Russia has submitted a Bill of Quantities proposal to India for the acquisition of five additional S-400 Triumf air defence systems. The proposal outlines costs for construction and materials, setting the stage for upcoming negotiations between Moscow and New Delhi.

Final approval for the purchase awaits clearance from the finance ministry and a decision by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security. This move follows a 2018 contract for five S-400 systems valued at $5.43 billion, the final unit of which is expected to arrive in India by November 2026 for deployment in the eastern sector facing China.

The push for expanded air defence capabilities follows the performance of the S-400 during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During that operation, an S-400 missile reportedly engaged a Pakistani airborne early-warning aircraft at a distance of 314 kilometres. The systems also successfully countered kamikaze drone attempts against batteries at the Adampur and Bhuj air bases.

While the Indian Air Force has expressed interest in Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft due to China’s deployment of J-20 fighters in Tibet, officials clarified that no formal decision has been made regarding the acquisition of those aircraft.