Russia assures timely delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft systems to India, confirms senior Russian defence export official.
India, being the largest arms importer in the world, heavily relies on Russian technology for conventional weaponry. However, concerns had been raised about the impact of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine on the planned deliveries of weapons and equipment.
Dmitry Shugaev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, stated, “The production of S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems is being carried out as per the agreed schedule” during an event for armed forces. He further added, “The delivery of the S-400 Triumf equipment is expected to be completed within the agreed time frame.”
India had purchased the S-400 Triumf air defence system units for $5.4 billion in 2018. As of now, three units have been delivered, with two more units yet to arrive.
According to Interfax, the remaining deliveries are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
In March, the Indian Air Force had expressed concerns that the conflict in Ukraine could cause delays in vital defence supplies from Russia.
In recent years, India has been diversifying its imports and seeking alternatives to Russian weaponry, including French fighter jets, Israeli drones, and US jet engines. However, Russia still accounted for $8.5 billion out of the $18.3 billion India spent on arms imports since 2017, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.