India Approves $25 Billion Russian Defence Package Including S-400 Systems, Drones and Aircraft Upgrades

India has approved a major defence procurement package worth approximately $25 billion that includes additional S-400 air defence systems, transport aircraft, strike drones and a range of supporting military equipment from Russia. The decision forms part of a broader modernization effort aimed at strengthening the country’s air defence, surveillance and battlefield readiness capabilities, according to statements released by the Ministry of Defence and reported by Reuters.

The package includes armour piercing tank ammunition, artillery systems, aerial surveillance equipment and hovercraft intended for coast guard operations. It also features a life extension program for India’s fleet of Su-30 fighter aircraft, which remain a central component of the country’s air force. Officials said the procurement reflects ongoing efforts to maintain operational effectiveness while upgrading legacy systems that have served for decades.

In addition to the large modernization agreement, India signed a separate contract valued at 4.45 billion rupees, or about $47 million, with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for the supply of Tunguska anti-aircraft missile systems for ground forces. The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that during the current fiscal year ending March 31, the government approved 55 defence proposals worth roughly 6.73 trillion rupees, equivalent to about $71 billion, with contracts finalized for more than 500 additional proposals.

The Russian procurement follows other major defence acquisitions earlier this year. In February, India approved the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets along with Boeing P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft from the United States as part of a separate deal valued at approximately $40 billion. These parallel agreements highlight New Delhi’s strategy of diversifying its defence partnerships while continuing to rely on long standing military cooperation with Moscow.

India remains one of the world’s largest defence importers even as it expands domestic production through joint manufacturing and technology partnerships with international suppliers. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the country ranks among the world’s top military spenders and continues to modernize its armed forces following last year’s military escalation with Pakistan linked to tensions in Kashmir. Alongside defence cooperation, recent high level talks between Indian and Russian officials also explored expanding energy ties, including the possible resumption of direct liquefied natural gas shipments and a potential increase in Russia’s share of India’s crude oil imports.