Defence Acquisition Council clears procurement of 288 S-400 missiles from Russia, replenishing stocks deployed during Operation Sindoor

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring 288 S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore, sources familiar with the decision said.

The approval covers 120 short-range and 168 long-range missiles, with the acquisition to be executed under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP). The move is aimed at replenishing inventory expended during Operation Sindoor and strengthening India’s layered air defence capabilities. India is also scheduled to receive two additional S-400 systems later this year under existing contracts, sources added.

The Indian Air Force is reportedly advocating the purchase of five more S-400 units, alongside the Pantsir short-range air defence system, to enhance protection against a range of aerial threats, including armed and kamikaze drones. Defence planners note that integrating the S-400 and Pantsir platforms would enable a two-tier shield capable of intercepting targets at varying ranges.

India’s defence procurement process involves multiple stages of scrutiny, beginning with the statement of case and progressing through the Defence Procurement Board and DAC for AoN, followed by cost negotiations, financial approvals, and final clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Separately, the defence ministry announced that the DAC cleared AoN for a range of proposals valued at approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore. For the Air Force, approvals include Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Rafale jets, combat missiles, and an Air-Ship-Based High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite system. Officials said the MRFA programme would significantly boost the Air Force’s air dominance and long-range strike capabilities, with most aircraft slated for domestic manufacture.

For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for anti-tank mines and upgrades to armoured vehicle recovery and combat platforms. The Indian Navy received approvals for marine gas turbine-based power generators and additional P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The replenishment of S-400 missiles of various ranges was deemed critical following their extensive deployment during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Defence officials credit the system with playing a decisive role in countering aerial threats and reshaping regional air operations dynamics during the conflict.