A view shows a new S-400 “Triumph” missile system. File picture used for representation.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The Ministry of Defence has identified an Indian firm to establish a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for S-400 air defence system in the country.
India presently has three S-400 missile system. Officially named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, the S-400 had played a crucial role in taking down Pakistani drones and missiles fired towards more than 15 Indian cities, in retaliation for Operation Sindoor launched by India in May.
A senior official in the Defence Ministry has confirmed that the plan to establish an MRO facility was in the pipeline for some time but after Operation Sindoor, it was fast-tracked and an Indian firm has been identified for the job. The selection was done after several phases of security clearance and capability testing. Rules of engagement (RoE) have been drafted. Russia’s lmaz-Antey, the manufacturer of the S-400 system, will collaborate with an Indian firm to establish the facility in India. A formal announcement will made soon.
“It is a huge step for the armed forces as the role of S-400 was appreciated in Operation Sindoor and it was a long-pending demand to establish a maintenance facility for S-400 firing units in India. It will ensure operational readiness and reduce the dependence on foreign support,” the official added.
Also Read | India to get remaining S-400 missile systems by 2026, says Russia
‘Landmark move’
Another official who was aware of the development said that it is a landmark achievement under India-Russia military technical cooperation. “Now India will be self-reliant in maintaining advance air defence systems and it aligns with the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government. It will help to overcome the challenges posed by international sanctions and supply chain disruption,” the official said.
India launched Operation Sindoor in the first week of May targeting terror camps in Pakistan, in response to the attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. On the intervening night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted to engage more than 15 military targets using drones and missiles in northern and western part of the country. The Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems intercepted and neutralised the ballistic missiles and drones aimed at military installations.
Three delivered
On June 26 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a comprehensive bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, over cooperation in defence and aviation sector between the two countries.
India had earlier placed an order with Russia for five S-400 missile systems, and three have been delivered. During the SCO meeting, Russia confirmed that of the remaining two S-400s, one will be delivered in 2026 and the last in 2027.
In Indian service, the S-400 was officially named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ after the mythological weapon of Lord Vishnu. It has capability of engaging targets at ranges of up to 400 km.
Published – July 10, 2025 10:26 pm IST
