India clears $25 billion in defence acquisitions, including Russian S-400 missile systems, aircraft upgrades, and advanced military equipment for air force and army modernization.

India has approved defence procurement deals valued at approximately $25 billion, including additional acquisitions of Russian-made S-400 long-range missile systems, according to an official statement from the defence ministry.

The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a meeting held on Friday.

The ministry further noted that a total of 55 proposals, collectively worth 6.73 trillion rupees (around $71 billion), have been cleared during the 2025–26 financial year so far. Additionally, capital procurement contracts worth 2.28 trillion rupees ($25 billion) have already been signed, marking the highest value recorded in a single fiscal year.

For the Indian Air Force, the approved procurements include medium transport aircraft intended to replace ageing AN-32 and IL-76 fleets. The package also covers additional S-400 air defence systems, deployment of advanced drones, and upgrades to Su-30 fighter jet engines.

Despite India’s increasing defence purchases from countries such as the United States, France, and Israel, the latest approvals highlight Russia’s continued role as a key defence partner. The inclusion of new S-400 systems and upgrades to Su-30 aircraft underlines this ongoing strategic relationship.

According to the ministry, the S-400 systems are designed to counter long-range aerial threats effectively. Meanwhile, the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft—armed drones—will enhance both offensive capabilities and surveillance operations.

For the Indian Army, the council approved several critical acquisitions, including an advanced air defence tracking system, armour-piercing ammunition for tanks, communication radios, artillery systems, and aerial surveillance platforms aimed at improving battlefield monitoring.