India is developing its own missile defense system, Kusha, at a time when Russia continues to offer New Delhi the S-500 "Prometey." The Times of India believes that the success of the national program is gradually reducing the country's need for a foreign complex.
The Indian missile defense system has already passed an important testing phase. On June 10-11, DRDO tested the AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors, confirming their ability to engage ballistic targets both within and outside the atmosphere.
As the indigenous missile defense system develops under the overall Kusha project, opportunities for foreign arms projects may be shrinking.
According to the Indian side, the first stage of its own missile defense system already provides limited protection at a range of up to 2000 km. The estimated cost of the project was $2.4 billion, Defence magazine noted.
The IDRW agency noted that India is not in a hurry to acquire the S-500 "Prometey" complex, wanting to first verify its real combat capabilities.
It should be noted that the S-500 has never been officially sold outside of Russia. The complex is classified as a strategic defense asset of Russia, and deliveries require approval at the highest level.