India is moving to further strengthen its air defence and air power. According to reports, the Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity to buy five additional S-400 squadrons from Russia.
Key points
- The new S-400 deal is estimated at about Rs 1 lakh crore
- The fourth squadron is deployed in Rajasthan; the fifth unit of the first batch is due by November 2026
- A request has been issued to France for 114 Rafale jets (about $31 billion)
Per reports, Rafale negotiations are expected to conclude in 2027, with many jets proposed to be built in India under licence.
