New Delhi: India is reportedly working on a plan to equip the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets with advanced long-range Russian air-to-air missiles. The Indian Defense Ministry is expected to consider a proposal to modify the Su-30MKI fleet to carry the Russian RVV BD air-to-air missiles, which can fly at hypersonic speeds and engage targets up to 300 kilometers away, ANI news agency reported.
According to Russia Today, the RVV BD is the export version of the R-37M missile, known as one of the world's longest-range air-to-air missiles. It is designed to target tanker and early warning aircraft beyond enemy fighter escort from long distances. The Defense Acquisition Council meeting on Monday is expected to review the proposal, the report said, citing sources. Additionally, the RVV BD is compatible with Russia's advanced fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet, which has already been offered to India.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit New Delhi later this week for the 18th summit of BRICS nations. A discussion on the potential sale of the Su-57 was on the agenda of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation held last month in Moscow.
New Delhi, which exchanged missile and drone strikes with nuclear-armed neighbor Pakistan last year, is rapidly modernizing its Sukhoi-30s. The aircraft have been modified to carry the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and their avionics and electronic warfare suites are being upgraded under the Super Sukhoi program.
The upgrades have gained urgency as China has moved its J-20 fifth-generation aircraft near the Indian border in Tibet and is reportedly planning to transfer its J-35 fifth-generation fighters to Pakistan. A defense acquisitions panel on Monday, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared multiple proposals worth $11.64 billion to enhance the war-fighting capability of the air force, as well as various systems for the navy and the army.
"This upgrade is going to be formidable," retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra told RT India. He mentioned that India has been diversifying its defense purchases while maintaining strategic autonomy, despite US sanctions. "Threats are being given to us for purchasing Russian oil and also weapon systems. We're continuing to upgrade and use the Russian system," he said. "Ours is a time-tested relationship."
The Indian Air Force operates about 258 Su-30MKI, an India-specific variant of the multi-role fighter aircraft, and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is producing 12 more at its Nashik facility to replace those lost in accidents over the years. The jets saw action during last year's clash with Pakistan, which India code-named Operation Sindoor, covering Indian formations and firing BrahMos missiles at Pakistani airbases.