Russia has resumed negotiations with India on the supply of the latest S-500 "Prometey" anti-aircraft missile systems, IDRW reports. The offer followed India's confirmation of its intention to purchase an additional five S-400 divisions in addition to the five already acquired.
According to the publication, Moscow is ready not only to export the S-500, but also allegedly to transfer technology for assembly in India with the participation of a Russian partner. The condition is India's commitment to purchase five or more S-500 divisions in addition to five S-400s. The cost of such a package is estimated at more than $5 billion.
The S-500 is a new generation air defense system, sometimes called the "upper echelon" of air defense. It is designed to intercept a wide range of threats, including aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and even low-orbit satellites. In late 2025, the first S-500 regiment entered combat duty in Russia. Earlier it was assumed that exports would not be allowed before 2029.
Four S-400 divisions have already been deployed in India, with deliveries of the fifth expected by the end of 2026. The integration of the S-500 into this network will create a multi-layered air defense system capable of protecting key facilities from massive air strikes.
We have already written about Russia's proposal to create a joint air defense system based on the S-500 "Prometey". At that time, it was about India's possible participation in the development of a new complex within the Sudarshan Chakra program. In December 2025, it was reported that India was considering purchasing the S-500 in response to the Chinese HQ-29. By June 2026, the fourth division of the S-400 "Triumf" had been delivered to India, and its combat use against Pakistan strengthened New Delhi's interest in Russian air defense systems.