"No, because only preliminary consultations are ongoing so far. Contract negotiations will begin when the framework of the project is given," Victor Kladov, Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy Department, said.
The S-400 Triumf is Russia's next-generation air defense system, carrying three different types of missiles capable of destroying aerial targets at a short-to-extremely-long range. The weapon is capable of tracking and destroying all existing aerial targets, including ballistics and cruise missiles.
Deliveries of Russia's S-400 air defense systems to India can begin two to three years after signing the contract, Kladov added.
"It is impossible to talk about timing for now, everything will depend on the Almaz-Antey manufacturing enterprise's workload, because supplies to the Russian Defense Ministry are carried out first. But based on the experience of implementing these countries, the delivery could begin within two to three years after signing," Kladov told reporters.
The actual time terms will depend on Almaz-Antey, the defense manufacturer which makes the surface-to-air missile systems, he said while speaking at the ongoing Aero India international aerospace exhibition in India's Bengaluru.
The 11th edition of the Aero India exhibition will be held until February 18. The expo is expected to be attended by over 750 companies from India and around the world. The Russian delegation is showcasing over 400 pieces of military equipment, including the S-400.
Russia may participate in a bid for supplying the Indian army with medium-range air defense systems offering the Tor surface-to-air missile system, Kladov added.
"India launched a tender for medium-range air defense complexes, if it is compatible with Tor, we will offer it. At first we should see technical requirements," Kladov told reporters.
Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Deputy Director Vladimir Drozhzhov told Sputnik on Tuesday that the S-400 Triumf delivery contract is expected to be signed by the end of 2017.
Also, according to Kladov, Russia will take part in the development of India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
"We will certainly take part in this project. Once we see the terms of reference, we will determine the aircraft that will participate in the tender. We can offer the latest modernization of the MiG-31, MiG-35, the brand new PAK FA and the modernized version of the Su-30MKI," Kladov told reporters.
According to local media reports, the AMCA project is being developed by an aerospace industry team comprising the Indian Aeronautical Development Agency as the design firm and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the manufacture. A single-seat, twine-engine, mutirole fighter aircraft equipped with stealth technology is reportedly expected to make its first fly by 2023-2024.
Earlier this week, Russia and India agreed a draft contract for the joint development of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), which is based on the Russian Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. It is a single-seat, twin-engine multirole jet fighter designed for air superiority and attack roles.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!