the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed three squadrons of S-400 air defence missiles along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian media said on Tuesday citing defence sources.
Indian and Russian officials are expected to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the remaining two squadrons of S-400 air defence missiles.
India and Russia have agreed on a contract worth over Rs 35,000 crore for five squadrons of S-400 missiles in 2018-2019, three of which have already reached India. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has delayed the delivery of the remaining two squadrons.
“The three squadrons have already been deployed in key sectors. While one unit will look after both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for the Chinese and Pakistani fronts," Indian defence sources said, according to Indian media.
The Indian defence source also said that the final delivery schedule for the two remaining missile squadrons would be discussed at the upcoming meeting between Russian and Indian officials.
Following the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security's approval of the development project, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently approved Project Kusha, which calls for the acquisition of - an Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system.
In an effort to expedite the LR-SAM delivery , the Indian Air Force is collaborating with DRDO.
The medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM), which is now-used by all three services, is one of the technologies that would effectively supplement current air defences.