Not afraid of US, India to purchase S-400, R-37M and…, govt set to give a tough reply to…, not Pakistan, China
New Delhi: India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has had a very important meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China. The clarity and frank language in which India’s defense needs and technical cooperation with Russia have been talked about in India’s official press release are an indication that India is now moving towards entering into a much-needed defense agreement with Russia to rapidly upgrade its air defense and air-to-air missile capabilities.
What was the agenda?
The official press release issued after the meeting between Rajnath Singh, and the Russian Defense Minister specifically talks about air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities and air platforms. Defense industry experts have already been indicating that India wants cooperation from Russia for indigenous production of air-to-air missiles and their integration in Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. A report this week said that India has seriously advanced the talks towards purchasing the S-500 air defense system from Russia.
Production of long-range missiles in India
At Aero India 2025, Russia officially proposed the sale of its long-range R-37M air-to-air missile, which is exported as RVV-BD, to India. In the Russian proposal, this missile was proposed to be locally produced in India under ‘Make in India’. In March this year, the Russian state-owned arms company Rosoboronexport (ROE) confirmed that Russia and India are discussing joint development and production of modern guided aircraft missiles. The purpose of this partnership is not only to meet India’s military needs, but also to export to friendly countries. That is, if this agreement is reached between India and Russia, India can make air-to-air missiles under Make in India and sell them to any third country, just like India sells BrahMos missiles.
Increasing striking power of Su-30 MKI
During Operation Sindoor, India fired BrahMos missiles on Pakistani military bases from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The block-upgrade plan for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force was already underway, but after Operation Sindoor, it has now gained momentum. Russia has made it clear that it will work with Indian defense companies in this upgrade.
This upgrade will be carried out in India under the leadership of HAL, and it includes new AESA radar, electronic warfare system, infrared search and track (IRST) and modern cockpit interface. This upgrade will prepare the aircraft according to the needs of 5th generation warfare.
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