The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 288 S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore, officials familiar with the development said.
The approval aims to replenish inventory expended during Operation Sindoor and enhance India’s long- and short-range air defence preparedness.
Details of the Acquisition
The AoN covers 120 short-range missiles and 168 long-range missiles for the Indian Air Force. The procurement will be undertaken through the Fast Track Procedure (FTP) to expedite delivery.
India is also scheduled to receive two additional S-400 systems under a previously signed contract later this year. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force is pursuing a proposal for five more S-400 systems, along with the Russian Pantsir short-range air defence system, to further strengthen layered protection against aerial threats.
The S-400 and Pantsir systems can be integrated into a two-tier defence architecture capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and other aerial threats at varying ranges.
Broader Defence Approvals Worth Rs 3.60 Lakh Crore
In a separate statement, the defence ministry announced that the DAC accorded AoN to multiple proposals worth approximately Rs 3.60 lakh crore across the armed forces.
For the Indian Air Force, approvals include procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Rafale fighter jets, combat missiles, and Air-Ship-Based High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite systems. The MRFA acquisition is expected to enhance air dominance capabilities and strengthen long-range strike deterrence, with the majority of aircraft to be manufactured in India.
For the Indian Army, approvals were granted for anti-tank mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks, and BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles. The Indian Navy received AoN for a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and additional P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
Operational Context: Replenishment After Operation Sindoor
The replenishment of S-400 missiles across their 400 km, 200 km, 150 km, and 40 km engagement ranges was considered essential following extensive deployment during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
During the operation, Indian air defence systems were used to intercept hostile aircraft, early warning platforms and armed drones. Officials indicated that the long-range capability of the S-400 system played a significant role in deterring further aerial activity along sensitive sectors.
Defence Procurement Process
India’s defence acquisition process follows a structured framework. It begins with a statement of case outlining operational requirements, followed by review by the Defence Procurement Board. After DAC grants Acceptance of Necessity, detailed cost negotiations are conducted with the vendor. Final approval is accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The latest approvals underline India’s continued focus on strengthening its air defence network and enhancing preparedness amid evolving regional security dynamics.
