The Interfax news agency quoted a senior Russian defense export official stating that Russia will deliver an order of S-400 anti-aircraft systems to India within the predetermined timeline.
Russia supplying air defence systems to India: The world’s largest arms importer is India, and it primarily depends on Russian technology for conventional weapons. However, authorities in New Delhi are concerned that the Russian military conflict in Ukraine could potentially lead to a delay in the shipment of planned weaponry and equipment.
According to Dmitry Shugaev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, “the production of S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems is proceeding according to schedule.” During an event for the armed services, he declared, “We expect to complete the delivery of the S-400 Triumf system equipment within the agreed time frame.”
In 2018, India paid $5.4 billion for the S-400 Triumf air defence system. Two more of the systems are still awaiting delivery, leaving three delivered.
According to Interfax, the deliveries are expected to be finished by the end of 2024. In March, the Indian Air Force said that the conflict in Ukraine was preventing Russia from sending crucial supplies for defence.
In recent years, New Delhi has sought to diversify imports or replace them with locally made gear.
Further, It is purchasing US jet engines, Israeli drones, and French fighter jets. However, records from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute show that of the $18.3 billion India has spent on weaponry imports since 2017, $8.5 billion of that amount came from Russia.