India approves new Russian S-400 missiles under fresh $25B defense procurement plan

NEW DELHI

India’s Defense Ministry approved defense procurement proposals worth about $25 billion on Friday, including additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems and transport aircraft for the armed forces, according to an official statement.

The ministry said the Defense Acquisition Council cleared proposals for the Indian Army covering an air defense tracking system and armor-piercing tank ammunition, among other equipment.

For the Indian Air Force, approvals included procurement of medium transport aircraft, additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates.

“The induction of medium transport aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN-32 and IL-76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the services,” the statement said.

India signed a $5.3 billion agreement with Russia in 2018 to procure five S-400 air defense systems, of which two units are yet to be delivered.