The delivery of Russia’s S-400 air defense systems to India is expected to be completed by 2025, according to Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Singh confirmed that Russia has already supplied three of the five promised units and has committed to delivering the remaining two systems by next year.
This statement comes amid revelations by the cyber-activist group Cyber Resistance, which, in partnership with the international intelligence community InformNapalm, began releasing a series of documents named BaumankaLeaks in July 2024. The leaked data originates from hacked emails of senior Russian officials, exposing sensitive details about Russian-Indian defense contracts, including the high-profile S-400 missile systems deal.
InformNapalm published the full details of the Russian-Indian defense contracts, including a complete inventory of the S-400 supply agreement, which had originally been intended for a redacted release.
The S-400 “Triumf” contract, signed in 2018 during Putin’s visit to India, was valued at over $5 billion and marked a significant boost to Russia’s defense industry. The agreement not only involved the supply of advanced missile systems but also long-term training for Indian personnel, binding India more closely to Russian military technology.
However, the deal has faced repeated delays, largely attributed to Russia’s ongoing military commitments in Ukraine. Despite these setbacks, Russia has insisted on completing the deliveries to India as part of its broader strategy to maintain influence over its key defense partners.
The leaked emails from the BaumankaLeaks include detailed inventories of the S-400 systems, down to the specific codes and quantities of each component, including spare parts and munitions. One key email, reportedly sent by Vladimir Chervakov, head of the Air Defense Department at Bauman Moscow State Technical University, outlined the complete breakdown of the S-400 divisions meant for India.
These disclosures have cast a spotlight on Russia’s vulnerability in handling sensitive defense information, raising concerns about the security of its military partnerships. By exposing such detailed contract information, the leaks serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with engaging in defense deals with Russia in the current geopolitical landscape.