India clears ₹2.38 Lakh Crore defence boost with S-400, UCAVs

The Defence Acquisition Council on Friday approved a military capability boost worth ₹2.38 lakh crore to equip the country’s armed forces with more Russian-origin S-400 Triumf air defence systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft, transport planes, artillery guns and tank ammunition. The additional air defence systems will bring the number of S-400 units in the IAF to 10, with three already deployed and the rest expected to be delivered by year-end. The five new S-400 units come alongside four squadrons of remotely piloted strike aircraft that have been cleared, marking a significant acceleration in the air force’s modernisation drive. The IAF’s deployment of the S-400 is central to a broader national defence shield envisioned under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at safeguarding key defence and civilian installations against aerial threats by 2035. The package also includes upgrades in transport and strike capabilities to enhance detection, identification, tracking and engagement of hostile fighters, missiles and drones, while reducing risk to personnel in high-threat environments. The remotely piloted strike aircraft, or UCAVs, will sharpen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enable offensive counter and coordinated air operations from safer stand-off distances. The government has previously ordered five S-400 units under a 2018 government-to-government deal for ₹39,000 crore. Deliveries are expected to be completed in phases, with the fourth squadron under the earlier contract arriving in Russia and the remaining systems slated for delivery by the end of the year. The broader push comes as the IAF and other services look to bolster deterrence in a rapidly evolving regional security environment, while ensuring the ability to strike back at adversaries with overwhelming capability if needed.

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