A day after India announced the purchase of 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft from France, a Hindustan Times report states, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also approved the purchase of 288 S-400 missiles worth ₹10,000 crore from Russia. This marks a significant replenishment of India’s air defence capabilities following their extensive use during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

The report states that proposed buyout will include 120 short-range missiles and 168 long-range missiles, through the Fast Track Procedure (FTP). India is expected to get two more S-400 systems, already contracted, in June and November this year, it added.

On Thursday, an official statement said that the defence minister accorded AoN for various proposals at an estimated value of about ₹3.60 lakh crore. Government’s procurement inventory includes – anti-tank mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). For the Indian Navy, AoN was cleared for 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.

The deal includes 114 rafale fighter aircraft out of which 90 will be made in India, Indian Express reported.

“The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long-range offensive strikes,” the defence ministry’s statement said. The majority of the MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India. The combat missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy,” the ministry stated.

What is the S-400 Missile System?

The S-400 Triumf is an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system capable of engaging aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges of 40 km to 400 km. It is considered one of the world’s most advanced air defense systems.

Why India Needs More S-400 Missiles

According to the report, the missile inventory was significantly depleted during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when Indian armed forces used the S-400 system to intercept Pakistani fighter aircraft, destroy early warning and intelligence-gathering aircraft, take down armed drones and hit a wide-bodied aircraft inside Pakistani Punjab at a distance of 314 km

The operation demonstrated the system’s effectiveness, with India successfully targeting Pakistani radar installations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Pasrur. The Pakistani Air Force reportedly relocated operational aircraft to western airbases near Afghanistan and Iran following the S-400 deployment at Adampur and Bhuj sectors.