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Introduction

Vladimir Putin’s 4–5 December visit to Delhi holds significant meaning in a turbulent geopolitical climate, enabling India to reaffirm its strategic autonomy amid intense Western pressure over the Ukraine conflict while strengthening its longstanding partnership with Russia. The visit underscores India’s careful balancing act of relations with both Washington and Moscow to protect national interests. Defence cooperation—long the foundation of the relationship—will be central to discussions, including next-generation platforms, assured spares, potential collaboration on the Su-57, and the expansion of India’s S-400 air-defence units. An important focus will be India’s assessment of the S-500 Prometheus system, especially after the S-400’s demonstrated operational success during Operation Sindoor, where it compelled Pakistani aircraft and missile platforms into retreat. Energy security remains a priority, with a focus on long-term supply agreements and exploring Indian investments in the Russian Far East. The outcomes of the visit will convey carefully calibrated signals to Washington, Beijing, and European capitals about the firmness, depth, and strategic importance of the India–Russia partnership.

The S-400 and S-500 Systems

India’s S-400 air defence system, known to NATO as the SA-21 Growler, is a highly advanced long-range surface-to-air missile platform developed by Russia’s Almaz bureau. Experts regard it as superior in several ways to the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system. India purchased five S-400 regiments in 2018 for $5.43 billion (₹35,000 crore), each equipped with 16 launchers, mobile command posts, and powerful radar complexes. Three of these are already deployed along the western and northern fronts, with the fourth and fifth regiments scheduled for delivery in 2026. Capable of detecting and engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes of 30 km, the system can track 160 targets and engage 72 simultaneously. Its rapid deployment time—about five minutes—gives it a decisive operational edge. The S-400 entered service in India in 2021, but its acquisition sparked concerns in Washington due to the US CAATSA law, which mandates sanctions on major Russian defence purchases. India maintained that the system was vital for national air defence, and in 2022 secured a congressional waiver allowing uninterrupted induction. Integration of the S-400 into India’s multi-layered air defence network has been seamless, complementing indigenous Akash batteries and Israeli MRSAM and SpyDer systems. Collectively, these capabilities significantly enhance India’s deterrence posture and its ability to protect critical airspace.

Recent conflicts—including Operation Sindoor, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel–Iran strikes—have reaffirmed the critical need for a robust, layered air-defence shield. Operation Sindoor particularly demonstrated how an integrated system can prevent large-scale destruction by neutralising aerial threats with near-perfect precision. During Operation Sindoor, India’s S-400 system proved decisive: it detected, tracked, and engaged multiple Pakistani aircraft hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan’s airspace, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, later confirming five enemy fighters were shot down. This forced Pakistan to abandon the use of long-range glide bombs, as its aircraft could not penetrate the S-400 envelope. Reports also indicate the system achieved a rare long-range kill at over 300 km. These results reflect the S-400’s broader capabilities—engaging aircraft, drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes of 30 km, with the ability to track 160 targets and engage 72 simultaneously. Its rapid five-minute deployment gives it a further operational edge. Integration of the S-400 with India’s layered air-defence network, including Akash, MRSAM, and SpyDer systems, has been seamless. Collectively, these platforms have transformed India’s defensive posture, demonstrating the decisive value of an advanced air-defence ecosystem in modern warfare.

Besides Russia, several countries operate the S-400. China became the first foreign buyer in 2014, followed by Turkey in 2017. Algeria is also believed to have acquired and deployed the system, though details are limited. Belarus has received multiple units from Russia, with some reportedly operated by Russian personnel. New Delhi is now contemplating not only expanding its existing S-400 air defence regiments but also the potential acquisition—and partial co-production—of the much more advanced S-500 Prometheus system.

The S-500’s enhanced performance range is key to its appeal. While the S-400 has a maximum interception distance of about 400 km and can engage targets up to 30 km in altitude, the S-500 greatly extends these limits. It can reportedly target threats at ranges of 500–600 km and altitudes of 180–200 km, enabling it to operate in near-space, far beyond most current air defence systems. This significantly broadens India’s strategic coverage and improves its ability to detect and neutralise long-range threats.

Regarding the target profile, the difference between the two systems is equally notable. The S-400 can intercept aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, forming the core of theatre-level air defence. The S-500, however, broadens this range to include long-range ballistic missiles and potentially hypersonic glide vehicles—capabilities that elevate the system from tactical and operational defence to national-level strategic defence. Defence analysts also point out that the S-500’s 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 hit-to-kill interceptors might even be capable of shooting down aircraft such as China’s J-20 stealth fighter.

A key difference between the two systems is the interceptor missiles they use. While the S-400 employs 48N6 and 40N6 missiles, the S-500 features advanced 77N6-series interceptors designed for exo-atmospheric engagement, enabling it to neutralise threats at much higher speeds and altitudes. Another important aspect of the proposed S-500 acquisition is the co-production model under discussion. Unlike the S-400 deal, which involved an off-the-shelf purchase, the S-500 proposal is expected to involve partnership with Russia’s Almaz-Antey for manufacturing components in India. This supports New Delhi’s broader drive for defence indigenisation and long-term technology absorption.

India’s operational experience with the S-400 has already been positive. The system has integrated smoothly with India’s layered air defence grid—comprising indigenous Akash batteries and Israeli MRSAM and SpyDer systems—demonstrating compatibility with a diverse set of platforms. Given its cost, scale, and strategic implications, the S-500 may become India’s largest defence acquisition from Russia to date, marking a significant transformation in India’s air and missile defence architecture.

COMPARISON CHART: S-400 VS S-500 AIR & MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Conclusion

With regional missile and emerging hypersonic threats rapidly evolving, India needs an air and missile defence system that is prepared for the future. The S-500 supports this vision not as a replacement for the S-400, but as a strategic addition that broadens India’s protective shield from the atmosphere into near-space. India’s strong operational experience with the S-400 has naturally increased interest in its successor, and a joint IAF–DRDO team has already tested the system in Russia. Moscow’s willingness to offer full technology transfer and co-production aligns well with India’s Make in India initiative and could enable local manufacturing of launchers, command posts, and engagement radars. However, Russia’s capacity to sustain large-scale production while fighting a prolonged war in Ukraine and facing sanctions will affect timelines and availability. Ultimately, India’s decision will depend on whether the S-500 can be delivered, deployed, and integrated smoothly enough to bolster the country’s evolving layered air and missile defence architecture for the decades to come.

Reference:

“Sky Sentinels: A Deep Dive into S-400 and S-500 Missile Systems”, United Service Institution of India

“India to Acquire More S-400 & S-500 Missiles | Boosting Air Defense Across the Country”| NewsX, 22 October 2025

“What is the S-400, Su-57 deal? Key agenda at India-Russia summit ahead of Putin-Modi talks”, Financial Express.com, 03 December 2025

What Makes Russia's S-500 Different From Its Predecessor S-400, NDTV.Com, 02 December 2025