India to Set Up Indigenous Facility for S-400 Missile System Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul

 India to Set Up Indigenous Facility for S-400 Missile System Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul

In a significant move towards bolstering India’s defence self-reliance and reducing long-term dependency on foreign defence contractors, the Ministry of Defence has identified a domestic firm to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the powerful S-400 air defence system. This facility will mark the first time India will be able to service and maintain the high-end Russian missile system locally.

Currently, India operates three S-400 Triumf missile systems, officially renamed Sudarshan Chakra by the Indian armed forces. These systems proved vital during the recent cross-border conflict following the launch of Operation Sindoor in early May, which was India's military response to the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. In retaliation, Indian forces launched coordinated strikes on terror camps across the Pakistan border. Following this, on the night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted a large-scale drone and missile attack targeting over 15 Indian cities and military installations across the northern and western sectors.

India’s robust Integrated Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Grid, supported by the S-400s, played a key role in neutralising these threats. The S-400’s precision targeting and long-range detection capabilities allowed Indian air defence forces to intercept and destroy incoming Pakistani drones and ballistic missiles, thereby preventing large-scale damage and potential casualties.

A senior official from the Defence Ministry stated that while the plan to create an MRO facility had been under active consideration for some time, it was fast-tracked after the events of Operation Sindoor revealed the strategic importance of having in-country support for advanced defence systems. “The firm we’ve selected went through rigorous levels of capability assessments and security clearances. The rules of engagement for the facility have already been drafted,” the official added.

Russia’s Almaz-Antey, the original manufacturer of the S-400 system, will collaborate with the selected Indian company to establish the facility. The partnership aligns with India’s longstanding defence relationship with Russia, particularly under the military-technical cooperation framework. The move is also seen as a direct boost to the Indian government’s Make in India initiative in the defence sector, as it enables greater control over critical system readiness and lifecycle management.

A second official familiar with the development called the move a “landmark achievement,” especially in the context of global geopolitical uncertainties, international sanctions, and supply chain disruptions. “Having an indigenous MRO facility means we can now independently maintain and support our most advanced air defence systems without having to rely entirely on external help. It also means reduced downtime and faster turnaround in the event of technical faults or the need for upgrades,” the official explained.

India had originally signed a deal with Russia to procure five S-400 systems, making it one of the most significant arms purchases in recent years. While three systems have already been delivered and are operational, the remaining two are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

By establishing this MRO facility, India not only ensures the long-term operational readiness of its S-400 fleet but also lays the groundwork for future domestic support of other sophisticated defence systems. The move is a strategic step forward in building a resilient and self-sufficient national defence ecosystem.