In a major push for defense acquisition, India on Friday agreed to purchase a new batch of five S-400 missile systems from Russia and 60 medium transport aircraft as well as a few other military platforms at a total cost of Rs. $2.38 crore to enhance the combat prowess of the defense forces.
The procurement proposals are approved by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the Department of Defense’s highest decision-making body on military procurement. The meeting was chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
While the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the DAC had approved the purchase of S-400 missile systems and military transport aircraft, it did not specify the exact quantities. However, official sources said the approval includes five S-400 units and 60 transport aircraft.
The Indian Air Force is purchasing military transport aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft. The most prominent contenders for the multi-billion-dollar deal are the C-130 J Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin, the KC-390 from Embraer, and the A-400M from Airbus Defense and Space. The Indian Air Force already operates 12 C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft.
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It is learned that 12 aircraft will be purchased in flying condition while 48 aircraft will have to be produced in India.
The decision to purchase an additional batch of five S-400 air defense missile systems came months after they demonstrated their capability during Operation Sindor. The missile system played a crucial role in India’s dominance over Pakistan during the hostilities that took place from May 7 to 10 last year.
In October 2018, India signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to purchase five units of S-400 air defense missile systems, despite the US warning that going ahead with the contract could trigger US sanctions under the provisions of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Three squadrons have already been delivered. Sources said India does not expect any potential hindrance from US sanctions as the new purchases will serve as a “follow-on” order to previous purchases.
The DAC also gave the go-ahead for the procurement of remotely piloted ‘attack aircraft’ and overhaul of Sukhoi-30 aircraft engines as part of enhancing the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) besides approving the acquisition of the Dhanush gun system for the Indian Army.
In fiscal year 2025-2026, 55 proposals were approved $Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been given by the DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts amounted to 503 proposals $2.28 lakh crore has been signed in the current financial year.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the volume of approvals granted and capital contracts signed has, to date, been the highest in any given fiscal year.
The DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or in-principle approval for various proposals with an estimated cost value of approx $2.38 million crore, the ministry said in a statement regarding Friday’s decisions.
Read also | The Indian Air Force has received Defense Council approval to purchase 5 S-400 aircraft from Russia
“For the Indian Air Force, proposals have been approved for procurement of medium transport aircraft, S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine sets,” it said.
It said the introduction of medium transport aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 would meet the strategic, tactical and operational air transport requirements of the services.
The ministry said: “The S-400 system will confront long-range enemy air carriers targeting vital areas, while remotely piloted attack aircraft will enable offensive coordinated counter-air operations, and will also provide covert intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.”
“The repair of the Su-30 aero engine and its assemblies will increase the service life of the aircraft and meet the operational requirements of the Air Force,” she said.
For the Indian Army, air defense tracking system, armor-piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay, Dhanush gun system and autonomous air control system for the runway have been approved, the ministry said.
The air defense tracking system will provide real-time air defense control and reporting capability, while the high-capacity radio relay will provide “reliable, fail-proof communications,” it added.
The Dhanush gun system will enhance artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains while enhancing lethality and accuracy.
“The runway’s independent air surveillance system will provide surveillance capabilities for army units, as armored tank ammunition enhances the lethality of anti-tank ammunition,” the ministry said.
As for the Indian Coast Guard, heavy airbag vehicles have been approved.
These vehicles will be used in multi-purpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, providing assistance to ships, carrying personnel and stores including logistics.
