The Indian Express reported on November 27 that India plans to procure additional Russian S-400 air defense systems and surface-to-air missiles, while simultaneously advancing defense trade with the United States. On one hand, India-Russia defense cooperation is strengthening. In 2018, India ordered five S-400 squadrons for $5.4 billion, of which two were delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Russia has guaranteed delivery by November 2026. India has approved $1 billion in funding to purchase S-400配套 missiles with interception ranges of 120 km, 200 km, 250 km, and 380 km, and has also established a maintenance and repair center for the S-400 system in India. It is reported that Air Chief Marshal A P Singh referred to the S-400 as a "game-changer" in the "Zardh Operation" - capable of downing at least five Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets. In addition, India is planning to approve a major upgrade program worth Rs 63,000 crore, with Russian assistance in upgrading 84 Su-30MKI aircraft to ensure their air combat capabilities. On the other hand, U.S.-India military trade continues to deepen. In November 2025, India signed an agreement worth over $1 billion with General Electric to purchase 113 F404 engines for the "Tejas" MK-1A fighter jet, and approved a subsequent support plan worth 70 billion rupees, intending to purchase 24 U.S.-made MH-60R "Seahawk" helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 15,157 crore. Notably, the Russian fifth-generation fighter Su-57 and the U.S. F-35 "Lightning II" are competing in the Indian market, but India has not yet made a procurement decision.
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