New Delhi

India is likely to receive the fourth unit of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system in the first half of next month, a move expected to further strengthen the Indian Air Force’s defensive capabilities, according to sources in the security establishment.

India had signed a USD 5 billion agreement with Russia in October 2018 for five S-400 units, of which three have already been delivered. Sources said the fifth and final unit under the original contract is now expected to arrive by November under a revised delivery schedule.

Officials indicated that the fourth unit has already been dispatched and is likely to reach India within the next few days. The S-400 systems reportedly played a significant role during Operation Sindoor.

Last month, the government also approved the purchase of an additional five S-400 systems from Russia, which would increase India’s total inventory to 10 units.

When India finalised the original deal more than seven years ago, the United States had cautioned that the purchase could trigger sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). However, sources said New Delhi does not anticipate any obstacle from Washington regarding the latest order, as it is considered a follow-on purchase linked to the earlier agreement.

The Indian Air Force made extensive use of the S-400 during the military confrontation with Pakistan from May 7 to 10. Following that conflict, a proposal was initiated for another batch of the missile systems.

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Russian authorities have already trained Indian personnel to operate the platform. The S-400 Triumf is regarded as one of Russia’s most sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile defence systems.