The Indian government has approved the purchase of five units of Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense systems.

The S-400 Triumf air defense system is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at an effective range of 250 miles. The system is capable of engaging up to six targets at once, including enemy aircraft, incoming missiles, and unmanned combat aerial vehicles. The purchase of approval comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Russia at the end of December, according to Hindustan Times.

The S-400 Triumf is a follow-up to the S-300, featuring a faster firing rate. Russian defense officials consider it to be the most modern air defense system in its arsenal. If the purchase moves forward, India will become the system's second buyer after China.

However, Indian defense sources remain uncertain of Moscow's intentions, with defense ministry sources calling Moscow's response "lukewarm," Defense News reports.

In addition to moving forward with plans to purchase the missile system from Russia, India is in the process of developing its own anti-missile system, including the Prithvi Air Defense system for high-altitude interceptions, and Advanced Air Defense system for low-altitude interception.

BAE Systems to perform maintenance services for U.S. Navy
Washington (UPI) Dec 18, 2015 - BAE Systems has received a $16.5 million contract to perform maintenance and overhaul services for the U.S. Navy's USNS Washington Chambers.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will overhaul the vessel's main engines, perform maintenance work on its bow thruster and propeller systems, and work on the ship's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The company will also conduct underwater hull cleaning and painting.

"The Washington Chambers is the latest of Military Sealift Command's dry cargo ammunition ships to come to our yard for overhaul and upkeep services," BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair general manager Hugh Vanderspek said. "Our highly skilled workforce has completed dry dock projects on nine of these complex diesel-electric drive ships."

USNS Washington Chambers is a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ammunition ship, used by the U.S. Navy to provide logistic lift services to the fleet. This can include ammunition, food, fuel, repair pars and ship store items. They are designed to commercial specifications and standards. All dry cargo ammunition ships are operated by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.

BAE Systems is expected to begin its work on the vessel in January, and complete the work in April.