India Initiates Talks with Russia to Purchase Anti-Aircraft Defense Systems

India has commenced negotiations with Russia for the acquisition of five additional S-400 anti-air missile defense systems, reports Hindustan Times, citing sources from the Ministry of Defence.

“High-ranking officials from India’s Ministry of Defence are set to meet with their Russian counterparts this week to discuss the possibilities of jointly manufacturing or directly purchasing five more S-400 anti-air missile defense systems, with the aim of bolstering India’s long-range defense capabilities,” the newspaper reported.

According to India TV, both sides have already reached a preliminary agreement regarding the cost of the additional systems. It is expected that three of the five systems will be purchased directly, while the remaining two may be produced in India by private companies under a technology transfer agreement.