US dropping/not enforcing CAATSA re. India's purchase of Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense systems for service in the Indian Air Force would paradoxically be a concrete sign for closer US-India ties.
India and Russia signed a $5.5 billion contract for the S-400 systems in 2018. Russia has reportedly delayed delivery of S-400 system to December 2021 due to Covid-19. Delivery of 1st unit was expected by October 2020 with delivery of all 5 squadrons completed by April 2023.
Russia pushed back date to 2025. India, per media reports, wants accelerated delivery schedule now.
In 2019, US reportedly offered India the MIM-104F Patriot (PAC-3) SAM defense system and Terminal high Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in lieu of the S-400.
In 2019, US reportedly offered India the MIM-104F Patriot (PAC-3) SAM defense system and Terminal high Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in lieu of the S-400.
CAATSA decrees sanctions on nations engaging in “significant transactions” — defined as any purchase above $15 million — with the Russian state-owned defense industry. The US president, however, retains the authority and right to issue a waiver.
US imposed sanctions in September 2018 on the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Equipment Development Department (EDD) for the procurement of S-400s. China ordered 2 S-400 regimental sets for an estimated $3 billion under a 2014 government-to-government contract.
