India receives fourth S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence squadron from Russia in May 2026

Key facts

• India is receiving the fourth squadron of the S-400 Triumf air defence system, officially designated as Sudarshan Chakra by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The procurement of five squadrons was finalised in October 2018 for approximately US$ 5.43 billion (Rs 40,300 crore) from the Russian state-owned conglomerate Almaz-Antey.
• The system employs a layered interceptor structure including the 40N6E (400 km), 48N6 (250 km), 9M96E2 (120 km), and 9M96E (40 km) missiles to engage diverse aerial threats.
• It functions as a central node within the IAF Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), integrating data from Netra and Phalcon airborne early warning systems.
• Operational squadrons are strategically deployed at the Siliguri Corridor, Pathankot, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to protect the western and northern frontiers.