New Delhi: India and Russia are in talks to firm up a deal to procure 5 more regiments of the S-400 Triumf air defence system, taking the total number of the Russian systems to an eventual 10, ThePrint has learnt.
It was not immediately clear whether this new deal would be through the Make in India route or would be a direct buy like the previous 5 systems, two of which are yet to be delivered, bought in 2018 for about USD 5 billion.
Sources in the know told ThePrint that the S-400s had performed exceptionally well during Ops Sindoor and was able to keep Pakistani aircraft at bay, including the J-10s.
Not only did the S-400 record its longest hit ever during the 88-hour conflict between India and Pakistan, sources said the ability of the system to shoot and scoot in a short span of time, which allows it to evade enemy fire, was also proved.
Sources said that India is keen to have the last two regiments of the S-400 delivered and is looking at placing an order for 5 more.
Sources said that both sides have been in discussion on this and could also feature in discussions between visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 December.
Speaking about the S-500, the latest air defence system in the Russian arsenal, the sources said that this was a matter of discussion and of interest to India.
However, the sources indicated that Russia is yet to fully operationalise it and India is interested, but has no plans of buying them at the moment.
“The S-400 is what we are looking at. The S-500 is meant to be better and its induction in the Russian forces has started recently and is an ongoing process. It will take time,” a source said.
No plan for the Su-57
Talking about the possibility of India buying at least two squadrons of the Su-57, the sources said that India is looking at all possibilities but no decision has been taken as yet.
The sources explained that the only true 5th generation fighter that is available right now is the F-35 of the US. The sources said that India is also studying some other programmes that are being pursued by other countries including South Korea and Europe.
While the US has not yet formally offered the F-35 to India, sources said that it has neither formally refused.
“The way ahead for India is AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) but it is slated to have its first flight in 2032 and possible induction starting 2035. We do need to have some capabilities, even in limited numbers. However, no decision has been taken,” a second source said.
Sources explained that there are no firm discussions on buying the Su-57 between India and Russia and no deal is expected to be signed during Putin’s visit.
ThePrint had earlier reported in September that India is examining the possibility of procuring at least two squadrons of Su-57 aircraft from Russia and will evaluate a Russian proposal to manufacture them in India like the earlier MiGs and the Su-30 MKI.
It was reported then that India is not looking at buying the Su-57 because the IAF feels it is a stealth aircraft but the fighter’s ability to carry long range weapons and heavy payload.
The most valued of this is the R-37 M air-to-air missile which has a range exceeding 300 km. This provides the IAF unparalleled beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement capabilities, enabling it to counter threats at extreme distances. Incidentally, the IAF is looking at integrating the same missile with the Su-30 MKI during the upgrade.
Another important missile that the Su-57 has is the Kinzhal, a hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile which enhances India’s ability to strike high-value targets with precision and speed.
The Su-57, even with limited stealth, is a long-range strike platform and its large weapons bay and extended range makes it ideal for deep-strike missions, filling a critical gap in the IAF’s arsenal.
No Kinzal on agenda but upgrade of Su-30 MKI
Asked whether India is looking at buying the Kinzal missile, the sources explained that the country does not have any aircraft that can fire it and hence no deal is being pursued.
Sources said that India and Russia are in talks over the upgrade of the Su-30 MKI. They added that modalities are being worked out by the two sides and currently technical discussions are on.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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