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Putin Can’t Deliver: War in Ukraine Derails Russia’s S-400 Exports to India

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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Tetiana Frolova
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Putin Can’t Deliver: War in Ukraine Derails Russia’s S-400 Exports to India
A Russian S-400 Triumf system vehicle moves in front of a huge Z letter, a tactical insignia of Russian troops in Ukraine, towards Red Square in central Moscow on May 4, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

One of Russia’s most important arms export deals—the $5.4 billion sale of S-400 air defense systems to India—has been significantly delayed due to the war in Ukraine, The Times of India reported on June 27, citing senior defense sources.

Although the contract, signed in 2018, stipulated delivery of five S-400 regimental units by 2024, Indian forces are still awaiting the final shipments.

“Deliveries were delayed because of the war in Ukraine,” a source told The Times of India, noting that Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov informed Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh that the fourth S-400 unit will arrive in late 2026, with the fifth not expected before the end of 2027.

Each S-400 division consists of two batteries, equipped with 128 interceptor missiles capable of targeting aircraft, missiles, and drones at ranges of up to 380 kilometers, along with associated radar systems and all-terrain launch vehicles.

The delays underscore growing frustration in New Delhi over Russia’s inability to fulfill contracts on time. In recent years, India has increasingly turned to Western defense suppliers, reflecting both strategic recalibration and mounting dissatisfaction with Russian technology and logistics.

Earlier this year, India canceled plans to purchase additional Russian Su-30MKI fighters and instead signed a $7.4 billion deal for 26 French Rafale jets.

The government has also walked away from potential deals involving Ka-226T helicopters, the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter co-development project, and Amur-class submarines. In each case, Indian officials cited either technological shortcomings or logistical challenges on Russia’s part.

In 2022, Indian military leaders rejected Russian T-72 and T-90 tanks, opting instead for the French Leclerc XLR, which performed better in high-altitude terrain, critical for India’s standoffs with China and Pakistan.

India’s long-standing reliance on Russian arms is now visibly eroding. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the share of Russian-origin weapons in Indian imports dropped from 72% in 2010–2014 to just 36% in 2020–2024. Western countries like France, Israel, and the United States have emerged as preferred suppliers.

“India is clearly shifting its procurement policy westward,” SIPRI analysts wrote. “Despite official rhetoric about a strong friendship with Russia, the change is evident in India’s major new defense orders, most of which now favor Western manufacturers.”

Earlier, reports emerged that India planned to offer its weapons to countries that have long been dependent on Russian arms.

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