In a significant boost to its air defense capabilities, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of 288 advanced S-400 missiles from Russia, following their standout performance during last year's Operation Sindoor. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 168 long-range and 120 medium-range missiles in a fast-track procurement worth around ₹10,000 crore. This move aims to rapidly replenish stocks depleted in the 2025 military operation against Pakistan, where the Russian-supplied S-400 systems proved game-changing by neutralizing enemy jets, drones, and surveillance aircraft over distances up to 314 km.

During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, S-400 units at key bases like Adampur and Bhuj forced Pakistan to retreat its air assets, showcasing the system's 400 km detection and interception range. Experts hail it as a "death knell" for adversaries, blending radar precision with multi-layered missile tech that outmatched incoming threats in real time.

This approval aligns with broader DAC decisions totaling ₹3.60 lakh crore, including Rafale fighter jets, P-8I maritime aircraft, and army modernizations. India also anticipates delivery of two more S-400 squadrons by mid-2026, alongside Pantsir systems for close-in defense against drones.

The deal reinforces India's layered air defense amid ongoing border frictions, diversifying from Russian hardware with French and US platforms. It sends a strong deterrence signal to neighbors, much like proven systems such as Israel's Iron Dome, ensuring robust protection for critical