India is preparing to receive a delivery of 120 advanced surface-to-air missiles from Russia, a development following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow for their annual summit. These 40N6 missiles are designed to target airborne threats, including bombers and hypersonic missiles, and will enhance India’s military capabilities, providing a strategic edge over Pakistan.
The decision to acquire these missiles came in the wake of the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019, where Indian Mirage 2000 jets targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pulwama attack. The supply of these missiles has faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, Modi’s Moscow visit has expedited the delivery process, including the remaining two S-400 systems still pending from Russia.
These surface-to-air missiles, among the world’s most advanced, have a range of about 400 kilometers. Russia’s ongoing support is seen as vital for India’s defense strategy, especially in maintaining an upper hand over Pakistan. In 2019, India and Russia agreed on a procurement deal for five squadrons of this advanced air defense system, with three already operational and deployed along the China and Pakistan borders. The remaining two squadrons, initially expected by 2024, have faced delays due to Russia’s internal issues and the Ukraine conflict.
