IAF activates 3 units of S-400 on Pak, China border, to talk with Russia over delivery of 2 more

The Indian Air Force has operationalised three of its S-400 missile systems which it got from Russia on the Indo-Pak and Indo-Sino borders. Amidst this activity, the Indian officials are also set to soon meet the Russian officials to discuss the final delivery schedule of the two remaining squadrons of S-400 missile systems which were a part of the original deal.

India had signed a contract of more than Rs 35,000 with the Russians in 2018-19 for five squadrons of the S-400 missile systems, out of which 3 have already been delivered and now operationalised. However, the delivery of the last two squadrons had been delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war. “The three squadrons have already been operationalised in important sectors. While pne unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts,” defence sources told ANI.

Sources have mentioned that some reports which said the squadrons which were originally made for India were used by Russia itself during its conflict with Ukraine. However, it should be noted that these reports are not confirmed and the Indian side is focused on getting its own systems.

Meanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently gave its approval for the procurement of the Indian long-range surface-to-air missile systems under Project Kusha after the project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Saturday. The Indian Air Force is working with the DRDO to quicken the delivery schedule of the three-layered Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR SAM) defence system which would be able to strike down enemy aircrafts and missiles at around 400 kms. This new system would be accompanied with the existing air defence systems including the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MR SAM).

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