Russia begins final S-400 deliveries to India, talks more
The fourth regimental set started arriving in June 2026; Delhi sounds out a fresh batch even as Moscow's own war drains stocks
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Summary
Russia began delivering the fourth S-400 Triumf regimental set to India on 3 June 2026, by sea, with completion of the $5.4B 2018 contract planned for late 2026, years late owing to the Ukraine war. Delhi is already in talks for an additional batch, deepening a defence tie that has survived US sanctions pressure. The contrast with Turkey is sharp: Ankara's own S-400s remain inactive under a US deal, it has excluded them from its new "Steel Dome" project and reportedly asked Moscow to take them back to unlock F-35 access, even as Russia, short of air-defence stock for its own war, is said to want them returned. The Indian deliveries follow the 2025 India– Pakistan clashes that put the system's performance on display.
By the numbers
- $5.4B, the 2018 India–Russia S-400 contract (five regiments).
- 3 June 2026, start of the fourth regiment's delivery.
- Dec 2026, planned completion of the contract.
- 3 of 5, regiments delivered by 2023 before the war-driven delay.
Why it matters
The deliveries cement India's strategic dependence on Russian air defence despite Western courtship, and show Moscow can still export big-ticket systems mid-war. Turkey's reverse trajectory, sidelining its S-400s for F-35 access, marks how differently the same Russian system plays inside NATO.
What to watch
- Whether India signs for an additional S-400 batch.
- US reaction (CAATSA pressure) to expanded India–Russia arms ties.
- Resolution of Turkey's S-400-for-F-35 standoff.