Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal moment in India’s air‑defence modernization, commemorating the induction of the first S‑400 Triumf system in 2022. As the anniversary approaches, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a fourth S‑400 squadron will be operational by May 2026, with the final unit slated for delivery in 2027. The announcement also includes the launch of a dedicated missile‑refill programme, ensuring sustained readiness across all squadrons. This article examines the strategic background, the phased rollout, logistical preparations, and the broader security implications of completing the S‑400 fleet.
Operation sindoor: a strategic milestone
The name Operation Sindoor was chosen to symbolise India’s resolve to protect its skies, much like the traditional vermilion that signifies commitment. The first S‑400 system, delivered in 2022, dramatically extended the country’s air‑defence envelope, allowing engagement of targets up to 400 km away and at altitudes of 30 km. Since then, successive squadrons have been integrated, each bringing additional radar and command‑and‑control capabilities that synergise with existing indigenous platforms.
The rollout of the fourth s‑400 squadron
The upcoming fourth squadron will be stationed at the Gwalior Air Base, a location chosen for its strategic proximity to the northern frontier. According to defence officials, the unit will comprise 12 launchers, each equipped with a mix of 48N6E2 and 40N6 missiles, mirroring the configuration of earlier squadrons. The delivery timeline aligns with the broader procurement plan, which envisions a total of four squadrons—each fully operational by the end of 2027.
Missile refill programme and logistical challenges
Maintaining a high‑readiness posture for the S‑400 fleet requires a robust supply chain for missiles and spare parts. The newly announced refill programme will establish two dedicated depots—one at the existing Gwalior facility and another at Jodhpur. These depots will stock an initial inventory of 200 missiles, enough to sustain all four squadrons for a minimum of 30 days of continuous operation. Logistics experts highlight the need for specialised handling equipment and trained personnel, prompting a joint training initiative with Russian partners.
Timeline to full deployment by 2027
| Squadron | Base | Expected arrival | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Gwalior | Jan 2022 | Operational |
| 2nd | Jodhpur | Oct 2023 | Operational |
| 3rd | Udhampur | Mar 2025 | In‑service |
| 4th | Gwalior | May 2026 | Pending |
| 5th (final) | Panagarh | 2027 | Planned |
Implications for regional security
With the fourth squadron on the horizon, India will possess the world’s largest non‑NATO S‑400 fleet. Analysts argue that this capability will act as a deterrent against high‑altitude threats, including advanced fighter jets and ballistic missiles. The expanded coverage also complements indigenous projects such as the Akash‑II and Barak‑8, creating a layered defence architecture. While neighbouring countries have voiced concerns, the Indian government maintains that the deployment is purely defensive, aimed at safeguarding sovereign airspace.
In summary, the arrival of the fourth S‑400 squadron by May 2026, coupled with a dedicated missile‑refill programme, signals the culmination of a multi‑year effort to fortify India’s aerial shield. The phased rollout, logistical groundwork, and strategic positioning underscore a clear intent: to ensure continuous, high‑precision air‑defence capability well into the late 2020s.
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