No Plans for Making S-400 in India: Defence Secretary
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: India has firmly ruled out any plans to manufacture the S-400 air defence system domestically, according to defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. While Russia remains committed to delivering the remaining S-400 units by 2026, Singh clarified in an interview to CNBC-TV18 that local production of the system is not on the table.
“There are no plans for making the S-400 in India,” the defence secretary stated, ending speculation about possible technology transfer or joint manufacturing with Russia.
India had signed a USD 5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf missile system, with three already delivered. The remaining two have been delayed but are now expected to arrive by 2026.
The defence secretary’s latest comments rule out any possibility of S-400 being made in India, though the possibility of starting an MRO could be explored by India. Singh also refused to divulge any specific plans for upgradation of the BrahMos missile system, arguing that improvement is a constant process.
India is actively negotiating with global partners for the acquisition of fifth-generation fighter aircraft as an interim solution, while the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program continues.
“We are talking to our partners on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme. As of now, those discussions have not reached a stage where we can start sharing this with the media,” he said.
Among the options reportedly under consideration is Russia’s Su-57, with Moscow offering co-production and full technology transfer.
India plans to raise its defence expenditure from the current 1.9% of GDP to 2.5% in the next five-year plan. The defence secretary confirmed that the Ministry of Defence will seek additional allocations from the 16th Finance Commission to meet future requirements.
“Based on a faster pace of expenditure, we can ask for additional money during the revised estimate stage if needed. It depends on the industry’s absorptive capacity and our ability to take faster procurement decisions,” Singh explained.
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