Bengaluru, February 10 (RT.Com): Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has described Russia as a “longtime and reliable partner” in the security and defense sector. Speaking to the news agency TASS on the sidelines of the Aero India show that began on Monday in Bengaluru, Singh highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, noting that Indian state-owned defense companies are now producing Russian weapons.
Russia is showcasing its most advanced warplanes, including the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter, as well as helicopters, missiles, and air defense systems at the Aero India show. Over the past two decades Russia and India have signed defense contracts worth $50 billion, according to Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned weapons export agency.
India continues to be among the largest importers of weapons globally, while Russia is a long-term supplier and technological partner for some of New Delhi’s most advanced systems, including the Su-30MKI fighter and BrahMos missiles, which are developed jointly by the two countries. Approximately 60% of the Indian military’s hardware today is of Russian origin, and the two countries have expressed their intention of deepening ties further.
Last December, India’s Defense Ministry and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a $1.5 billion contract for the procurement of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft, along with associated equipment, just before Singh visited Moscow. Notably, the indigenous content of the jets has increased to 62.6%, a significant improvement from earlier levels. This owes to the government’s policy of seeking more local procurement of components.
The joint venture for the BrahMos, a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, and fighter aircraft, has not only become a notable player in the Indian domestic market but is also exporting to third countries. India supplied the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines last year as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022, and talks are ongoing with Indonesia for a deal for the missiles reportedly worth $450 million.
Addressing the Aero India opening ceremony on Monday, Singh emphasized New Delhi’s push towards building more indigenous weapons, as well as increasing the participation of the private sector in defense manufacturing. Drawing parallels with advanced economies where private industry plays a significant role in defense, Singh emphasized that the time had come for India’s private sector to take on a “more substantial” role in this area.
He also highlighted the country’s progress in integrating its defense industrial sector into the national economy. India has made notable strides in domestically manufacturing cutting-edge defense technologies, including Astra and Akash missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and Pinaka guided rockets, Singh noted. India’s defense exports have also risen significantly since Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the “Make in India” initiative that promotes domestic production and reduces reliance on foreign procurement. According to government data, the country’s defense exports for the fiscal year 2024-25 surpassed $2.5 billion.
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https://www.rt.com/india/612464-russia-india-defense-partnership
Russian Su-57 faces off against American F-35 in India
Bengaluru, February 10 (RT.Com): Moscow and Washington have showcased their fifth generation aircraft amid rising competition for defense partnership
Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57, has made its debut at India’s largest air show, Aero India, where it was displayed alongside America’s F-35. This is the first time that both Russian and American fifth-generation fighters have been present at the show, amid intense competition between the two nations for the South Asian country’s defense market.
Speaking to the media in Bangalore, where the airshow kicked off on Monday, the head of Rosoboronexport – Russia’s state-owned arms export agency – Aleksandr Mikheev, said Moscow is ready to supply the advanced fifth-generation Su-57E multirole fighter to its partners.
“Today, we are presenting this aircraft in India for the first time with a new flight program that will showcase its outstanding flight and technical capabilities, as well as the clear advantages of the Russian aircraft over its competitors,” Mikheev told TASS. According to him, the debut of the Su-57E has generated significant interest in the global market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the US Air Force canceled planned demonstration flights of its F-35A stealth fighter and the upgraded F-16 fighter just days before the show, according to media reports. The Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, suggested that the cancelation is linked to the participation of Russia’s Su-57 in the show. “As practice shows, our competitors are not ready for fair competition,” he told TASS.
The Su-57 is the world’s only fifth-generation fighter jet that has proven its effectiveness in combat situations against Western air defense systems. The aircraft is capable of using a wide range of precision-guided munitions and features low radar visibility against enemy detection systems.
Over a dozen major Russian defense companies will take part in Aero India, showcasing advanced air defense systems, aircraft, helicopters, and aircraft engines in India for the first time.
Russia has been India’s primary partner in the defense sector, particularly in military aircraft. Up to 60% of the Indian Air Force fleet is of Russian origin, including Sukhoi-30s, MiG-29s, MiG-21s, Mi-17 helicopters, and Il-76 heavy-lifters. Some of these aircraft are assembled in India. The Su-30MKI has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company, since 2004 under a license. As many as 222 aircraft have been produced at HAL’s Nashik factory.
In September last year, the Indian Defense Ministry signed a $3.05 billion contract with HAL for 240 Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofan engines for the aircraft. HAL will supply 30 engines annually from the Koraput factory, with deliveries expected to be completed in eight years.
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https://www.rt.com/india/612439-russia-india-aircraft-partnership
