Indian Air Force Wants to Buy Second Lot of S-400 Missile Systems from Russia

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed its desire to buy a second lot of S-400 missile systems from Russia, according to a senior IAF officer. The officer said that the IAF needs the additional S-400 systems to protect its airspace from a range of threats, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as cruise missiles.

The S-400 is a state-of-the-art long-range surface-to-air missile system that can engage targets at ranges of up to 400 kilometers. It is considered to be one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.

The IAF first signed a deal to buy five S-400 systems from Russia in 2018. The first two systems were delivered to India in December 2021 and April 2022, respectively. The remaining three systems are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.

The IAF’s decision to buy a second lot of S-400 systems is a sign of the growing threat posed by China and Pakistan. Both countries have been modernizing their air forces in recent years, and the S-400 would provide the IAF with a much-needed boost in its air defense capabilities.

The purchase of the S-400 systems is also likely to be met with opposition from the United States. The US has imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S-400 systems, and it is possible that the US could impose similar sanctions on India. However, the IAF is confident that the S-400 systems are essential to its air defense needs, and it is likely to go ahead with the purchase regardless of US objections.

The purchase of the S-400 systems is a major development in India’s defense modernization program. It is a sign of India’s growing military capabilities and its determination to protect its airspace from external threats.