Overview

• India has formally approached Russia to procure additional S-400 air defence missile systems, citing their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor on May 7–8.
• The S-400 systems, known in India as 'Sudarshan Chakra,' successfully intercepted and neutralised multiple Pakistani missiles and drones during the conflict.
• India currently operates four S-400 squadrons strategically deployed across border regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• The S-400 can track targets up to 600 km away, intercept threats at ranges of up to 400 km, and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously.
• Sources suggest Russia is likely to approve India's request soon, reinforcing the longstanding Indo-Russian defence partnership.