Russia to deliver third squadron of S-400 air defence missile system from Jan-Feb next year

New Delhi, Dec 26: Notwithstanding its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia will start supplying the third squadron of the S-400 air defence missile system to India from January-February next year. Indian teams including Air Force personnel were in Russia for the equipment.

 

 

 

 

According to the reports of ANI, the supplies for the third squadron are planned to begin from early next year in the January-February timeframe. Sources said the only issue between the two countries regarding the supplies is that of making payments in view of the international restrictions on financial transactions with Russia. India has already operationalized its first two squadrons of missile systems.

 

 

 

 

 

The first two squadrons have been deployed to take care of the Ladakh sector along with the sensitive Chicken's neck corridor in West Bengal and the entire northeastern region. The system with its missiles of different ranges can take on enemy ballistic and cruise missiles, fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles flying at distances up to 400 kilometres. India has signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore to acquire five squadrons of the S-400 air defence missiles from Russia over three years and deliveries of all units are expected to get over by end of the next financial year.

 

The S-400 is believed to be a game changer by the Indian Air Force which has strengthened itself in terms of the air defence capabilities in a big way in the last few years with the arrival of the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems along with the Israeli Spyder quick reactions surface to air missile systems. The S-400 missile systems have also taken part in exercises and the adversaries have been rattled as they are aware of the additional capabilities of the Indian system over the Chinese ones, sources said.