What was the defence technology that Pakistan's ISI trying to steal from Russia? Should India be worried?

On Monday, a media report claimed that Russia busted a spy network, overseen by Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, trying to smuggle out documents on air defence systems and other military technology from Moscow. A Russian national was arrested in connection with the incident.

According to an Economic Times report, the counter-espionage operation unveiled a nefarious plan by the ISI spy network to steal documents used for the development of military helicopter technology and air defence systems by Russia.

The report claimed that the spy, a Russian national, was trying to smuggle out information regarding Mi8-AMTShV and Mi8-AMTShV (VA) military transport helicopters.

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The attempted theft of technology related to these platforms does not concern India as the country does not currently operate these jets.

However, the attempted theft of technology related to air defence systems may concern India as New Delhi had deployed the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The air defence systems played a major role during the military stand-off between India and Pakistan, intercepting and neutralising multiple Pakistani drone and missile attacks. The incident comes barely a few months after Operation Sindoor.

The development also comes amid reports that India is planning to procure more S-400 defence systems from Russia in the wake of its success in Operation Sindoor. 

According to media reports, this is the first attempt by the ISI to steal sensitive documents from Russia.

Defence