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  "path": "/latest/india-boosts-military-with-25b-defence-spend-including-russian-s-400s/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-28T07:54:54.000Z",
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    "India boosts military with $25b defence spend, including Russian S-400s”",
    "HUM News"
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  "textContent": "WEB DESK: In a significant move to modernise its armed forces, the Indian government has green-lit a massive defence procurement package worth approximately $25b (£19.8b).\n\nThe decision, finalised during a high-level meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Friday, includes the acquisition of additional Russian-made S-400 Triumf long-range missile systems, signaling that Moscow remains a cornerstone of India’s strategic defence despite growing ties with the West.\n\n## Russian resilience in India’s arsenal\n\nDespite a decade of diversifying its suppliers increasingly turning to the United States, France, and Israel New Delhi’s latest approval for more S-400 units and extensive upgrades to its Su-30 fighter jet engines underscores a persistent reliance on Russian hardware.\n\nThe Ministry of Defence noted that the S-400 system is vital for countering \"enemy long-range air\" threats and protecting critical infrastructure.\n\nThis latest tranche is part of an aggressive spending spree. For the 2025-26 financial year, the ministry has cleared 55 proposals worth a staggering 6.73tr ($71b). Of this, capital procurement contracts worth 2.28tr rupees ($25b) have already been signed the highest ever recorded in a single fiscal year for the nation.\n\n### Modernising the Skies and the Frontline\n\nThe Air Force is set for a major overhaul, with the DAC approving the purchase of new **medium transport aircraft** to phase out the ageing Soviet-era AN-32 and IL-76 fleets.\n\nThe shopping list also features \"Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft\" armed drones designed for both precision attacks and covert surveillance.\n\nThe Army has received approvals for air defence tracking systems for real-time battlefield monitoring, armour-piercing tank ammunition and advanced artillery, as well as new high-capacity radio relay systems to ensure fail-proof communication\n\nThe Ministry stated that these acquisitions are designed to meet \"strategic, tactical, and operational requirements,\" ensuring the forces remain \"future-ready\" in an increasingly volatile regional landscape.\n\nIt can be observed that India’s massive $25b procurement is less a sign of strength and more an admission of the widening \"obsolescence gap\" within its ageing Soviet-legacy inventory.\n\nBy doubling down on the S-400 a system whose efficacy has been repeatedly questioned in modern electronic warfare environments New Delhi is committing to a high-maintenance, \"prestige\" platform that offers diminishing returns against Pakistan’s increasingly sophisticated and indigenous cruise missile and drone capabilities.\n\nMoreover, India’s continued reliance on Russian technology, despite Western pressure, creates a strategic patchwork that could lead to serious interoperability challenges for the Air Force.\n\nIn contrast, Pakistan’s emphasis on cost-effective, indigenous technological development ensures a credible and sustainable deterrent without dependence on external suppliers.\n\nThe post India boosts military with $25b defence spend, including Russian S-400s” appeared first on HUM News.",
  "title": "India boosts military with $25b defence spend, including Russian S-400s”"
}