New Delhi: India is in discussions with Russia to procure a large number of missiles worth around Rs 10,000 crore for its S-400 air defence system, sources said, following the system’s successful use in Operation Sindoor.

The S-400 system of the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly brought down five to six Pakistani fighter aircraft and one spy plane at a distance of over 300 km deep inside Pakistan during the four-day conflict. The system has been described as a game-changer by the IAF.

"The Indian Air Force is looking to buy the missiles in significant numbers to further bolster its air defence capabilities. The discussions with the Russian side are already on in this regard," defence sources told ANI.

The Defence Ministry is likely to take up the proposal for approval at a Defence Acquisition Council meeting scheduled for October 23, sources added.

India and Russia had earlier signed a deal in 2018 to purchase five squadrons of the S-400 missile systems. Three squadrons have already been delivered and operationalised, while India is now seeking to acquire the remaining two squadrons. The delivery of the fourth squadron had been delayed due to the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine.

The two sides have also discussed plans to induct additional S-400 and S-500 air defence systems. The Russian military is currently focused on producing equipment for its operations in Ukraine.

"Indian side is also looking at the option of buying new air-to-air missiles from Russia to bolster its beyond visual range capability," the sources said.

Additionally, India and Russia are exploring ways to enhance the capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and their variants. A significant portion of the IAF’s strike capability continues to rely on Russian-origin hardware.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December, during which the two countries are expected to discuss further strengthening military hardware cooperation.