India is stepping up its air defence preparedness through a multi-pronged strategy involving the expansion of its S-400 missile arsenal, a possible procurement of the advanced Russian S-500 system, and the development of a new air defence radar centre in Kerala. This comprehensive approach is aimed at addressing emerging security challenges and delays in indigenous missile development, while reinforcing India’s air and maritime surveillance grid.
The renewed interest in acquiring two additional S-400 squadrons comes after the system’s success during Operation Sindoor. According to reports, the S-400 intercepted multiple Pakistani fighter jets and airborne early warning aircraft during the operation. In one instance, it successfully struck an aerial target over 300 kilometres away, highlighting its long-range engagement capability.
India had signed a USD 5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five regiments of the S-400 Triumf system. Three of these have already been delivered and deployed along critical borders with China and Pakistan. The first unit arrived in December 2021, the second in April 2022, and the third in October 2023. Named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ by Indian forces, the S-400 can neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including bombers, fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, within a range of up to 380 kilometres.
However, the delivery of the remaining two regiments was delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with reports suggesting the systems meant for India were redirected for Russian use. Following high-level discussions, Russia has now assured India that the remaining squadrons will be delivered in the next financial year.
Meanwhile, India has also expressed interest in acquiring Russia’s next-generation S-500 Prometey system, which offers enhanced range and capabilities, including anti-ballistic missile defence. A potential deal for the S-500 would require clearance from the top Russian leadership and has yet to be approved.
In a parallel development, the Indian Air Force has proposed an advanced air defence radar facility in Chaliyam, in Kerala’s Kozhikode district. The proposed site, spanning 40 acres, lies near the Beypore Port and is part of the now-underutilised NIRDESH facility under the Ministry of Defence. The radar centre will host advanced detection systems capable of tracking aircraft, drones, and ballistic and cruise missiles, and will be integrated into the IAF’s nationwide surveillance grid through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
The establishment of this radar facility is part of a broader strategic response to China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and other dual-use infrastructure projects.
With this focus on southern India, a crucial question now arises: will one of the remaining S-400 squadrons be deployed in Kerala to work in tandem with the planned radar centre in Kozhikode? Such a move could significantly strengthen India’s air defence posture over the Indian Ocean Region and reinforce maritime security in the region.
