India clears purchase of S-400 missiles – media

India has cleared the purchase of more S-400 missiles from Russia, the Hindustan Times reported on Friday.

The Defense Acquisition Council has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for purchasing 288 missiles for the Russian S-400 surface to air missile system, according to the report, which estimated the cost of the missiles at $1.1 billion.

On Thursday, India’s Defense Ministry said it was according the AoN for purchases worth $39 billion for modernization and operational needs.

The statement did not mention S-400 missiles, but referred to the procurement of combat missiles, Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, Rafale, and an Air-Ship-Based High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking S-400 systems from Russia, to be integrated along with the Pantsir short-range system, the HT report said. The reported AoN is for 120 short-range missiles and 168 long-range missiles, and the purchases will be fast-tracked, the newspaper added.

India, which has four S-400 systems, is scheduled to receive two more this year.

The Russian missile system is considered essential in combating armed and kamikaze drones. It played a key role in India’s Operation Sindoor in May, which involved a series of missile strikes against suspected militant facilities in Pakistan and Islamabad-controlled territory. The strikes were in response to a terrorist attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in April.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the air defense system’s performance in the military standoff with Pakistan. “Platforms like the S-400 have given unprecedented strength to the country,” Modi said in an address to troops after Operation Sindoor.

Media reports have also indicated that Russia has offered joint production of the S-500 system with India.