India's S-400 Air Defence System: Current Status and Alternatives of this

How Many S-400 Systems Does India Have?

As of May 2025, India has inducted a total of five S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia. The final two units are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. These systems are part of a strategic agreement signed in 2018, aimed at enhancing India's air defence capabilities against regional threats.

🔄 What Are India's Alternatives to the S-400?

India is actively developing and deploying several indigenous air defence systems to complement and eventually reduce reliance on foreign platforms like the S-400. These systems are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are tailored to meet India's specific security needs.

1. Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS)

• Range: 150–350 km

• Purpose: Designed to counter high-altitude and long-range aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and aircraft.

• Status: Under development; expected to enter service in the near future. 

2. Project Kusha

• Description: A classified initiative focusing on developing advanced long-range interceptor missiles.

• Capabilities: Expected to feature multi-target engagement, advanced radar tracking, and robust electronic countermeasures.

• Integration: Intended to integrate with existing systems like Akash and MR-SAM. 

3. Akash-NG (Next Generation)

• Range: 70–80 km

• Advancements: Improved reaction time, enhanced protection against saturation attacks, and a new dual-pulse solid rocket motor.

• Deployment: Already in service with the Indian Air Force. 

4. QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)

• Range: 20–30 km

• Features: Fully automated command and control, 360° coverage, and high mobility.

• Role: Designed to protect moving formations and critical assets. 

5. Barak-8

• Range: Up to 100 km (Barak-8ER variant)

• Development: A joint venture between India and Israel, produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.

• Deployment: In service with the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army. 

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why is India developing its own air defence systems?

To reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, ensure technology transfer, and tailor systems to specific national security requirements.

Q2: How do these indigenous systems compare to the S-400?

While the S-400 offers longer range and multi-layered defence, India's indigenous systems are designed to complement each other, providing a comprehensive and integrated air defence network.

Q3: Are there concerns about the S-400's effectiveness?

Yes, recent reports from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have raised questions about the S-400's performance against advanced threats.

Q4: Will India continue to procure more S-400 systems?

India is focusing on enhancing its indigenous capabilities and has indicated that future acquisitions will prioritize domestic systems like ERADS and Project Kusha.