Bengaluru: Sanctions-hit Russia is leaving no stone unturned to woo India, which has in the last 20 years inked defence contracts worth USD 50 billion with Moscow.
At the Aero India being held here, the prized Russian equipment on display is their 5th generation fighter aircraft, Su-57, which Moscow is offering to India for co-production. But it is not just the fighter that Russia is showcasing.
More than 10 major Russian defence companies are participating in Aero India and showcasing advanced Russian airplanes, helicopters, engines and air defence systems.
In total, 500-plus products are being presented. “India is Russia’s most important strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region and one of Rosoboronexport’s key partners in the world. Over the last 20 years alone, from 2005 to 2025, Rosoboronexport has signed contract documents with India worth $50 billion, and the total value of Russian military products supplied to that country is about $80 billion,” Rosoboronexport director general Alexander Mikheev said here at the Aero India. He said Rosoboronexport, the umbrella organisation responsible for defence exports, and India are working to expand bilateral technological cooperation within the framework of the “Make in India” programme.
“We offer our partners large-scale projects to develop and produce military aircraft, helicopters, air defence equipment, armoured vehicles and ammunition. We are also ready to discuss the possibility to jointly promote these products in third countries,” he said.
Russia is also exhibiting advanced guided air-launched missiles designed to be integrated into aircraft armament systems of both Russian- and foreign-made Gen 4++ and 5th generation fighters.
Among missiles being showcased are the RVV-MD2 and RVV-B (for engaging air targets), Kh-35UE (for destroying warships and transport ships), Kh-38MLE (for precision engagement of ground targets), Kh-58UShKE (for destroying emitting radars of anti-aircraft missile systems), and the Kh-69 new-generation stealthy cruise missile.
In the special aircraft sector, Russia is showcasing the IL-78MK-90A refueling aircraft, which can be quickly converted into transport, sanitary, firefighting and medical hospital versions.
For the first time, United Engine Corporation will demonstrate Item 177S, a new engine proposed for equipping Gen 4++ and 5th generation multirole fighters, as well as VK-650V (for light multirole helicopters).
The VK-650V is designed for installation on the Ka-226T helicopter. An Indo-Russian joint venture for its production has been registered in India and is expecting orders from the country’s security, defence and law enforcement agencies.
In the air defence sector, the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation will exhibit long- and medium- and short-range weapons designed to engage targets of various sizes and purposes, from ballistic missiles to small commercial UAVs. The Pantsir-S1M SPAAGM system from NPO High-Precision Systems will be on display at the Rosoboronexport booth. Russia is also showcasing its Lancet-E loitering munition system.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
Also Read: With improved avionics & ultra-modern cockpit, HAL upgrades Hindustan Jet Trainer-36 to ‘Yashas’