Bharat is anticipated to receive the remaining two S-400 air defence systems from Russia by the end of next year, marking a delay in the delivery schedule originally agreed upon.
The $5.4-billion deal, which was inked in October 2018, had stipulated a completion timeframe of five years for all deliveries. However, complications arising from the conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions have disrupted the timeline, affecting payments and logistics.
The S-400 deal between Bharat and Russia proceeded despite warnings from the United States about potential sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Notably, while Turkey faced secondary sanctions for its S-400 purchase under the same law, Bharat has so far avoided such actions, attributed to the deepening security ties between New Delhi and Washington.
Of the five S-400 systems outlined in the agreement, Russia has already delivered three to Bharat. The initial delivery commenced in December 2021, with one battery deployed along the border with China in the northern sector, and another safeguarding the border with Pakistan. These deployments aim to enhance Bharat’s air defence capabilities in strategically significant regions.
The S-400 is Russia’s advanced long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system, designed to neutralize various threats including aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and hypersonic weapons.
With a striking range of up to 400 km and an altitude coverage of 30 km, the S-400 is a formidable addition to Bharat’s defence arsenal, offering protection against aerial and missile threats.
Additionally, to the S-400 systems, Bharat is also awaiting the delivery of two Talwar-class stealth frigates from Russia. Initially scheduled for delivery by mid-2022 under a $1-billion deal signed in 2016, the project encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
However, the first frigate, named Tushil, is expected to arrive by September, followed by the second, named Tamal, by January 2025.
Both the S-400 and Talwar-class frigate projects have experienced setbacks due to Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions. These delays have necessitated the implementation of alternative payment mechanisms to bypass restrictions and ensure the progress of the projects.
Despite challenges, the cooperation between Bharat and Russia remains steadfast in strengthening defence capabilities.
As Bharat awaits the final delivery of S-400 air defence systems and Talwar-class frigates from Russia, the timeline underscores the complexities involved in major defence agreements amidst geopolitical tensions.
The successful completion of these projects will significantly bolster Bharat’s defence infrastructure, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two nations in matters of security and strategic cooperation.
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