India to buy Russian S-400 missile system
Indian authorities decided to buy S-400 missile system from Russia since these systems are used in China, reports Moneycontrol news website.
According to the publication, India doesn't intend to use the Russian S-400 missile system for defense purposes but plans to research their tactical and technical capabilities. The country also plans to test its Rafale fighter aircraft — in particular, their ability to penetrate China's airspace, which is protected by the S-400 missile systems.
Also, it is noted that the refusal of New Delhi to develop an aircraft fighter based on Su-57 in cooperation with Russia "seriously hit the budget of the Russian industry."
The contract with India for the supply of S-400 Triumph missile systems with a cost of more than $5 billion was signed in October 2018. India will receive five regimental sets of the system. The first one of them should be delivered to the country in the autumn of 2020.