India’s decision to acquire five more S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia has gained further momentum with Moscow sending in Bill of Quantities (BOQ) proposal, which details the cost of construction and materials, to Delhi for the cost negotiations to begin.
The last of the five S-400 system contracted by the Narendra Modi government in 2018 at a cost of USD 5.43 billion will be reaching India in November this year. Contrary to what a section of the media is reporting, India has taken no decision on the acquisition of two squadrons of fifth generation SU-57 fighter aircraft from Russia, but the Indian Air Force has shown interest in Moscow’s proposal as Chinese fifth generation fighter J-20 has been deployed by the Xi Jinping regime in Hotan, Lhasa and Nyinchi airbases in Tibet under the PLA’s western theatre command. The decision to approve five more squadrons of S-400 air defence system will be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security after the cost is finalised with Moscow and a green signal obtained from the Indian finance ministry, according to authoritative sources. The fifth S-400 system will be deployed in India’s eastern sector facing China.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to be in Delhi for BRICS summit on September 11-13, the Indian defence cooperation with Russia will be further cemented in the hypersonic missile sector.
