India and Russia are all set to meet soon to discuss the final delivery schedule for the remaining two squadrons. Meanwhile, the Air Force already has operationalised three of its S-400 air defence missile squadrons along borders with China and Pakistan.India, Russia to meet soon to discuss squadronsIn 2018-19, India signed over Rs 35,000 crore contract with the Russian side for five squadrons of the S-400 missiles of which three have already arrived in the country, however, the delivery of the remaining two was hindered due to the Russia-Ukraine row.According to defence sources, “The three squadrons have already been operational in important sectors. While one unit is looking at both China and Pakistan, one each has been earmarked for China and Pakistan fronts,” reported ANI.Officials from Russian and Indian officials would be soon meeting again to discuss the final delivery schedule of the remaining two missile squadrons, said the sources.Despite the upcoming meeting, Russia has not been very clear about the final delivery timelines as they are also busy with the conflict with Ukraine.There are some reports that these squadrons manufactured for the Indian Air Force were used by the Russians for their own utilisation but nothing is confirmed and India is also focused only on getting its own systems, they said.Project KushaMeanwhile, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface to Air Missile system under Project Kusha after the development project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.The IAF is currently working with the DRDO to squeeze the delivery schedule of the LR-SAM.The three-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) defence system would be able to strike down enemy aircraft and missiles at around 400 Km ranges.The system would be ably complemented by the existing air defence systems, including the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) of the three services which is already operational.
