India’s Ministry of Defence is set to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of nearly 300 missiles for its S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, valued at over ₹10,000 crore, to replenish the inventory expended during Operation Sindoor. This procurement underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its air defence capabilities amid evolving regional threats, particularly after the S-400’s demonstrated effectiveness in intercepting multiple Pakistani aircraft and drones during recent conflicts, including a record kill of an enemy aircraft at a distance of 314 km. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is also considering acquiring five additional S-400 squadrons, which would further enhance its layered air defence architecture, especially along the western frontier, where the system has proved to be a formidable deterrent. Discussions surrounding this expansion are expected to be prominent during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although no formal announcements are anticipated. The ongoing procurement reflects the strategic partnership between India and Russia, utilizing proven Russian missile technology to ensure national security and operational readiness in the face of growing aerial militarization in the Indo-Pacific region.