India and Russia are set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the remaining two squadrons of S-400 air defence missiles. India had signed a contract for five squadrons of the missiles in 2018-19, of which three have already arrived in the country. Delivery of the remaining two squadrons has been hindered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Indian Air Force has already operationalised three squadrons of the S-400 missiles along borders with China and Pakistan. One unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, while one each has been earmarked for the China and Pakistan fronts.
The Russian side has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines for the remaining two squadrons, as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine. However, sources have mentioned that India is focused on getting its own systems and is not concerned with reports that the squadrons manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by the Russians for their own utilization.
Meanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system under Project Kusha. The system is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be able to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges of around 400 km. The LR-SAM system will complement the existing air defence systems, including the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) of the three services.
