Russia

The armed ethnic conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region (Republic of Artsakh) amounting over 4,400 Km sq.

On February 22, 2021, at the IDEX 2021 International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation) will hold a public presentation "New Approaches to Building an Integrated Counter UAV System" at its stand in Hall 12.

JSC Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation) will demonstrate the major newly-designed products of Russia’s defence industry and pieces of Russian military equipment, mostly demanded in the world arms market, at the largest international defence exhibition IDEX 2021, which will be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on February 21-25.

IDEX is extremely important as a platform for the exchange of experience and technologies, and as an international forum, offering unique opportunities in establishing new partnership links. 

In the upcoming Middles East’s premier arms expo IDEX 2021, Russian small arms leader, Kalashnikov group is introducing its new tactical vest Modular Carry System (MCS) currently in use with Russia’s anti terror force ‘Alfa’.  

Amidst the ongoing crisis in the Caucasus region, Turkey, during a military drill, first time fired the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems. The drill was held near Sinop in the Northern Turkey, reports Russian news agency TASS.

"Three missiles of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system were launched. All of them successfully hit the designated targets," Tass reports.

The test was conducted on October 16.

As India is making significant policy changes in its defence procurement policy and focusing towards increasing Indian content in imported system, Russian manufacturer of Alexandrite-E, mine counter measure vessel (MCMV), is ready to incorporate Indian content in its ship.

“We are ready to use both materials and products of Indian origin in the project,” said Alexander Shlyakhtenko.

Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has supplied 3000+ tanks and vehicles based on them abroad, including artillery, engineer and other weapon systems and military equipment, over 20 years of its activity in the international arms market.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has emphasised that, “Peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states – which is home to over 40 per cent of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other’s interest and peaceful resolution of differences." He was addressing the Combined Meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States in Moscow today.

The 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from 04 to 05 September 2020.

On Remdizel’s plan for Indian market

Matveev – First of all, we would like to say that AO Remdizel (JSC) was established in 1978 and since then has created a wide portfolio of products. These products meet the needs of both Russian armed forces and of those of other states.

With the ongoing China-India standoff on the northern border, India and Russia is expected to sign the much talked contract for purchase of MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI before the end of this year. Russian media informed quoting officials that work on the AK-203 and Igla-S is also moving at fast pace.

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has launched serial production of the upgraded Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol plant. The first serial model completed its type-specific flight tests, receiving confirmation of the declared performance characteristics and implemented changes in its design.

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will demonstrate a wide range of military helicopters at the International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2020" that will take place in the Moscow Region from August 23 through August 29.

JSC Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) will expand its participation in the Army 2020 International Military and Technical Forum through new exhibit areas and virtual promotion of Russian defense products. The company will deliver online presentations and video broadcasts to foreign customers, show video reviews of new products and forum events.

JSC Rosoboronexport and JSC Omsktransmash (part of JSC Concern Uralvagonzavod), which are subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation, have demonstrated the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system to a number of foreign customers at the Nizhny Tagil Institute of Metal Testing's (NTIIM's) Staratel Proving Ground in Nizhny Tagil.

Amidst the ongoing standoff in the Ladakh, India has sent out a Request for Information (RFI) to Russia for its Sprut light tanks. India has not yet disclosed the exact numbers of tanks to be purchased, sources informed.

In the plateau plains of Ladakh, India has deployed T-90 main battle tanks and BMP troop carriers as part of 14 corp facing China.

During the ongoing standoff, which started in May, China has deployed its ZTQ-15 light tanks.

“It is not the Big Armies that

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh is in Russia to strengthen and discuss various aspects of the unique strategic partnership with Russia. He held a high level meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov yesterday. The meeting is significant as India is urgently in need of various kinds of ammunitions as situation on Indo-Tibet border in Ladakh region between India and China is very tense.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction on the progress of defence contracts with Russia. He said this after a review meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov.

“I have been assured that ongoing contracts will be maintained and not just maintained, in a number of cases will be taken forward in a shorter time. All our proposals have received positive response from the Russian side,” he said in a press statement.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will pay a visit to Moscow to attend the Victory Parade on June 24, 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War.

In next three years, Russian military will induct three regiments of its redoubtable S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system. In the same time period, Almaz-Antey will also deliver four sets of S-350 ‘Vityaz’ anti-aircraft missile system, informed Russian media.

Russian news agency TASS, quoting Almaz press statement, in a report said, “All the hardware will be handed over to the Russian Armed Forces no later than 2023.”

At a time when Indo-Russia joint venture to manufacture AK-203 is far from start, Armenia will begin production of AK-103, improved version of AK-47, from coming July. An agreement for production of 50,000 rifles was signed between Russia and Armenia on May 15, reported Interfax.

As an aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, India has decided to achieve self-sufficiency in Defence through local manufacturing and by restricting the import of items. It is a fact that India, like other nations, is facing an economic slowdown, which will impact the availability of funds for defence purchases.

JSC Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec State Corporation) has started marketing work to bring on the world market of armaments the 59N6-TE mobile three-dimensional radar, developed and produced by the JSC “Federal Research and Production Center “Nizhniy Novgorod Research Institute of Radio Engineering” (NNIIRT).  

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) supplied the first Ansat helicopter for EMERCOM of Russia. The rotorcraft was handed over to the Fund supporting the development of state authorities in civil defense, emergencies and elimination of consequences of natural disasters (the Fund). The helicopter has already been handed over to the North-Western Aviation and Rescue Center of EMERCOM of Russia, and is located on Kasimovo Airfield.

Dispelling all possibility of delays in S-400 delivery, Indian Ambassador to Russia, on Saturday, said that India will receive all five regiments as per the schedule.

D. Bala Venkatesh Varma was speaking to Russian News Agency TASS.

“There was a slight shift in the supply schedule by two weeks, but all key contracts will be implemented in accordance with it, I do not expect any problems,” he said to TASS.

In February, Russian Aircraft Corporation announced the development of two systems that are going to make its aircraft family of MiG-29 and MiG-35 more capable. In a press statement, on February 21, RAC (Earlier MiG) said that it has received “the patent for the landing approach aircraft automatic control system” and again on March 4, it announced receiving “patent for an intelligent system for highly manoeuvrable combat aircraft protection against going beyond critical g-loads.”

These systems is being developed for MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 aircraft.

Rosoboronexport and UralVagonZavod (UVZ), both part of Rostec State Corporation, have first demonstrated the combat capabilities of the 155mm Msta-S self-propelled howitzer. The demonstration of the self-propelled gun system to Middle Eastern customers took place at the Nizhny Tagil Institute of Metal Testing’s (NTIIM’s) Staratel Proving Ground.

There is good news on the S-400 front for India. A top Russian official in an interview has said that Russia will complete the delivery S-400 by 2024.

“The delivery of the first regiment set is scheduled before the end of 2021. We plan to deliver all systems before the end of 2024,” said Dmitry Shugayev, of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), in an interview with Russian news agency Interfax.

One of the contenders in the Indian Navy’s requirement for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vehicle (MCMV) Russia believes that it will emerge winner, said a top Russian official.

In an interview with Russian news agency Interfax, the head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugayev, on Monday, said that Russia is waiting for the tender and will pitch its most modern anti-mine vessel Alexandrit-E.

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) will discuss joint projects with Indian partners and showcase around 1,000 pieces of military hardware at Defexpo India 2020, an International Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition, to be held from February 5 to 9, 2020 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Among the land systems presented in Russian pavilion, TOS-1A – multi-barrel thermobaric rocket system will be a unique product. World over it is termed as multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) which Russian reject, they call it flame thrower. The system is designed to destroy men, material, light armoured vehicle, structures within the range of 600-6000m using unguided rockets with thermobaric warheads. The weapon gives point blank range against enemy positions. The thermobaric warhead burns down the target in a huge ball of fire.

The Russia pavilion will witness the display of the latest version of the tracked self-propelled Buk-M3 Viking surface to air missile (SAM) system. It is a much-improved export version of the Buk-M2 system operational with many militaries across the world. 

AU-220M autocannon

The centrepiece of Russian display at the expo is its 57 mm autocannon designed for installation on all kinds of armoured vehicles. AU-220M is a remote-controlled, fully automatized unmanned artillery module. It can be used both as part of the combat vehicles and as a stationary system. There is also the naval version of the system. 
The system is exhibited in India for the first time. 

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has signed the first export contract to supply a foreign customer with the Mi-38T medium-range multi-purpose helicopters manufactured by the Kazan Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Rostec’s Russian Helicopters Company

One year after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia, to co-manufacture AK-203 in India, the joint venture is yet to submit a response to the tender. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is expiring in February, sources informed.

“The two sides are working to finalise the final price before submitting the response, after which the joint venture will negotiate the price with MoD,” sources informed.

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) and representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense started joint state tests of Mi-26T2V heavy-lift military transport helicopter which are to last until the end of 2020.

As part of Russian Helicopters' program on upgrading the heavy Mi-26 helicopter for the Russian Aerospace Forces, in 2018 Rostvertol produced a prototype of the modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter.

Rostec's holding company Russian Helicopters has delivered over 20 attack helicopters to the Russian Defense Ministry, fully completing the state defence contract for 2019. The machines successfully passed acceptance tests and were received by the Aerospace forces.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos, on Tuesday jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests today, one each from land and air platforms.

Mi-171A2 helicopter was certified in India and Colombia. It allows Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) to start exporting the latest modification of the multirole civilian helicopter.

Pakistan and China all-weather friendship have sprung a surprise for India. In what could be a serious dent to India’s offensive air capability, Pakistan, reportedly, has installed Chinese made anti-stealth radar at one of its airbases.

In spite of sharing strategic relationship and multiple multi-billion dollar defence purchase deals, India and the United States have failed to come up with any co-production or co-development programme in the defence sector. Considered as one of the major failures of Indian defence diplomacy, the two governments, till date, have failed to explain this.

But, finally, the answer is out. And the culprit is the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

During the Dubai Airshow 2019, the Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will make the first foreign presentation of its newest Mi-38 civilian helicopter. The rotorcraft featuring a luxury cabin will be showcased at the static exposition, and will also take part in the flight program.

A delegation led by the visiting Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh paid a business visit to the UEC-Klimov plant in St. Petersburg (part of the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Rostec State Corporation), UEC has officially reported.

During the visit Minister of Defence was introduced to the main product line of the enterprise and the key stages of the production process. The guests visited the mechanical, assembly and testing workshops.

Indian Navy’s quest for the modern minesweepers, at last, appears to be over. Russia, India’s all-weather strategic and defence partner, during the recently concluded military-technical cooperation meeting, offered its latest Project 12701 Alexandrit-E class minesweepers Transfer of Technology (ToT).

India and Russia, on Wednesday, agreed to form working groups for after-sales support to India on key defence systems. The two strategic partners also discussed the Logistic Support Agreement (LSA), north ocean joint passage of ships, sources informed.

The Indian Air Force today conducted a successful test firing of BRAHMOS surface-to-surface cruise missile in combat mode at 0930 hrs at the Trek Islands in Car Nicobar Islands region off India’s Eastern coast. The successful launch comes a day after another successful test of the weapon in practice configuration by the IAF carried out in the same location. 

The twin successful launches were conducted by the IAF’s user unit in operational configuration to assess mission readiness and swift deployment of the tactical missile over long distance.  

The last few years have seen a gradual decline of American power in west Asia balanced by a rapid rise in the influence of Russia and China. The European Union has been sidelined in the region as a result of its ancillary position towards the United States and its failed policies in the Libyan and Syrian conflicts.

On September 17, 2019, in the framework of the research and practice conference, devoted to the 100th anniversary of Mikhail Kalashnikov, JSC Rosoboronexport, part of the Rostec State Corporation, signed an agreement on cooperation and partnership with Non-profit Organization “M.T. Kalashnikov Union of Russian Gunmakers”. 

The much-celebrated $ 5.4 billion S-400 purchase deal could see setting up of production line of the missile system in India. The Russian media informed quoting Sergey Chemezov, CEO, Rostec, the Russian technology and defence conglomerate.

“Yes, we are discussing the localization [of S-400 production] with India as well,” he said to RBK broadcaster.

India, on Thursday, signed contract with Russia for up gradation of air defence capability of Delhi class Destroyers. The contract was signed between Ministry of Defence (MoD) and JSC Rosoboronexport, the Russian defence exporter, said a statement.

“The modernisation of Radar and Missile systems would substantially enhance the Air Defence capability of the P-15 Ships,” MoD said.

As part of its joint exposition with the Buryat Republic, Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation)  will present  its latest civilian helicopter Mi-171A2 and Ka-226T light-weight multi-purpose helicopter, which are planned to be supplied to India, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Within the framework of MAKS-2019, the International Aviation and Space Salon running in Moscow satellite town of Zhukovsky, from August 27 till September 01, 2019, the professional community of Rosoboronexport, belonging within Rostec State Corporation, has held over 200 pre-bid negotiations, conferences and technical presentations for foreign delegations, following which the refill of the company booking by a handful of billions of dollars is anticipated.  

Bringing an end to the speculation on the S-400 payment issue, Russia has confirmed that the two sides have worked out the mechanism for payment and the first system is expected to arrive in 2023, according to Russian media reports.

The delivery will follow the delivery schedule of the contract signed between the two sides in 2018. India is purchasing five regiments of the long-range-surface-to-air-missile systems for over $5.4 billion.

IAF flies two sorties on Mig-35

The visiting Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent had look at the Russian fifth-generation-fighter Su-57, the latest aircraft to come out of Sukhoi Design Bureau. The IAF test pilots also flew the Mig-35, one of the main contenders of IAF’s 110 aircraft tender.

“The Indian delegation was shown MiG-35 and Su-57 aircraft,” IAF said in a tweet.

Export version of its multipurpose Korsar UAV debuts

Ruselectronics Holding Company of Rostec State Corporation introduced the prototype of the export model of its Korsar UAV with a set of target payloads at the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon. The Korsar unmanned aerial vehicle has obtained the necessary export permits and will be offered to foreign customers.

The new-found bonhomie between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was on full display during the first day of the Russian air show MAKS2019. The shutterbugs did not miss to capture the single moment of the budding friendship and camaraderie between the two leaders.

Six months after the inauguration of the much anticipated Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) to manufacture AK-203, the Indian soldiers will have to wait a bit more for a modern assault rifle. The JV failed to honour the Request for Proposal (RFP) sent out by Indian Army as it could not finalise the price of the gun, sources informed.

Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) will make presentations of the Russia’s latest combat and transport aircraft at the MAKS 2019 International Air Show.

In its response to Indian tender for six submarine, Russia is offering a proposal to co-design and development programme a new submarine based on its latest Amur 1650 submarine. These vessels are one generation ahead of the Russian Kilo-class which are operational with Indian Navy.  According to Russian Media, the first vessel of this class is operational since 2010 and four more are under various stages of construction. 

At a time when the world is hotly debating the geopolitical repercussions of the S-400 long-range-air-defence-system, Russia is ready with a new medium-range surface-to-air-missile system capable of intercepting aerial targets up to 120km. Based on the S-300PS, the S-350 Vityaz, armed with 9M96E/E2 missiles, can intercept aerial targets in all direction, said a Russian expert in an interview to Red Star, the Russian defence ministry’s mouthpiece.

In 2019, Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec) is planning to re-engineer approximately 30 different helicopter parts to be manufactured using 3D printing technology and integrate them to serial production starting from 2020.

Amidst the American opposition and threat of sanctions, Russia, on Friday, delivered the first batch of S-400 to Turkey. In a series of tweets with of pictures of Russian transport aircraft delivering the S-400, the Turkish Ministry of Defence said, “Turkey received the first batch of S-400 air defence systems components. The deliveries are sent to the Murted air base in Ankara province.”

To overcome the US imposed sanctions on the Russian defence exports, India and Russia have created a payment system which will not be vulnerable to any international sanction, said a Russian official. 

Specialists of the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of Rostec) finished a series of Mi-38 flights conducted under the instrument flight rules (IFR), as well as in conditions of extremely high temperature and high altitude.

The Korsar drone system, designed by the Lutch R&D company of the Roselectronics holding, consists of several separate UAVs and a control station. The UAV is designed for all-weather aerial terrain reconnaissance, patrol and observation flights, and aerial photography. It weights 200 kg, has a wingspan of 6.5 meters and fuselage length of 4.2 meters.

Avtomatika Concern (part of Rostec) has presented the Sapsan-Bekas mobile system for detecting and disabling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2019. The system can detect an UAV at a distance of 10 km, track its movement and disable it at a distance of over 6 km by suppressing communications and control of the UAV. The design has much better tactical and technical characteristics compared to all similar Russian and foreign systems that are currently available.

TsNIITochMash research institute (part of Rostec) has for the first time presented four modifications of the new semi-automatic Udav pistol at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2019, held on June 25-30 near Moscow. 

JSC TsNIITochMash (part of Rostec) plans to start R&D work of new third generation combat gear for the military in 2020. This new equipment, replacing the Ratnik combat gear, will be called Sotnik.

JSC Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is expecting the arrival of over 100 foreign delegations to the ARMY 2019 International Military and Technical Forum, which will be held from 25 to 30 June 2019 on the premises of the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center of the Russian Armed Forces in Kubinka near Moscow.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is arriving in New Delhi on June 25 for a two-day visit. This is the first visit of a senior minister from the USA after the formation of the new government in India. The significance of this visit has increased due to heightened hostility in the Middle East, the trade dispute between the two countries and US’ opposition to Indo-Russian S-400 missile deal.

Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is taking part in the 10th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues (18 – 20 June 2019, Ufa), organized by the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

Rostec showcases state-of-the-art civilian aircraft and engines at the international aerospace industry exhibition Paris Air Show 2019. Russian civilian helicopters are presented at the biennial exhibition for the first time in 30 years: multi-purpose Ansat helicopters by Russian Helicopters take part in a static exposition and the flight program forming part of the air show. The concept of upgrading this model was also presented at the event.

Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is the organizer of the single Russian display at the International Paris Air Show 2019, which will be held at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions from 17 to 23 June.

Recently, a news piece on NDTV's website suggests that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to procure a longer range non-Russia air-to-air missile for its Su-30 fleet. The report claims that post-Balakot strike India is planning to procure Israel made I-Derby ER, an air-to-air missile with 100 km range. This is 20 km more than the range of R-77, a Russian medium-range air-to-air missile which is part of Indian Su-30 MKI arsenal. 

Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is providing support to the largest international exhibitions of armaments and military equipment, which are to be held in Russia in 2019. The company is sponsoring the International Maritime Defence Show “IMDS-2019”, the International Aviation and Space Salon “MAKS-2019”, as well as the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2019”.  

Today, IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.  The launch from the aircraft was smooth and the missile followed the desired trajectory before directly hitting the land target.

Nineteen years after the first flight of the aircraft, Russia has decided to induct the first batch of its Su-57 fifth-generation-fighter aircraft. This will make Russia the third country to induct indigenously designed stealth fighter.

Quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian news agency TASS, in a report said, “The 2028 arms program stipulated the purchase of 16 such jets.”

India and Pakistan have not been on talking terms since the turn of events that marked this year beginning with Pulwama attack and the following Balkot strikes by India; and then the ensuing stand-off between the two countries. However, there has been one platform where the defence ministers of the two countries have shared dais in April and very soon the Foreign Affairs Ministers will come face-to-face by the end of May – the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The Defence Acquisition Council, the apex procurement body of the Ministry of Defence, on Friday, approved a proposal to buy 10 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters for Rs 3600 crore ($500million) from Russia. The Ka-31s are expected to be deployed on the aircraft carrier and the Grigorovich-class frigates.

The Ka-31 is an upgraded version of the Ka-28, operational with the Navy. Since 2003, India has purchased 14 Ka-31 helicopters.

Leading an Indian delegation, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, on Friday, visited the Russian shipyard to overview the manufacturing of the Project 11356 Frigates. The Kaliningrad based shipyard is currently manufacturing the hull and the body of the ship. The Shipyard is also involved in the capability enhancement of the Ministry of Defence owned Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in building the other ships of the project.

JSC Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a contract on the supplies of BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles and amphibious armoured personnel carriers (APCs) BT-3F developed and produced by JSC Kurganmashzavod in the interests of the country’s Marine Corps. 

Post Pulwama suicide attack, India and Pakistan are maintaining a very delicate peace which may not survive another similar attack. Since the Uri terror attack, India has given up the policy of restrained and is now believes in punishing retaliation.

In case such situation arises, India wants to be ready for it.

Continuing with the trend of showing confidence in Russian weapons, India, reportedly, on Monday agreed to procure 464 T-90MS tanks. The new batch is expected to be manufactured in India through the extension of the production license, Russian news agency TASS reported.

In the last two decades of war, the Middle East has seen American Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) firing missiles and dropping bombs but reportedly, their Russian counterparts have also made its operational debut. According to a video, uploaded on April 4, on Agency Step News’ YouTube channel which claims the Russian UAV launched an air assault on a village north of Hama, a city in Western Syria.

Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) is holding negotiations regarding delivery of up to eight rotorcraft units of three types to Malaysian customers. Contract details are to be specified during the fifteenth Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2019 through March 26 to 30 on Langkawi island.

As the dust and din of last week's Indo-Pak crisis settle down, it is now time for India to reflect on the events of the last few weeks and review the state of its military power, the air force in particular.  The horrendous suicide bomb attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14th breached the limits of India’s patience with Pakistan, expecting it put an end to cross-border terrorism.

Just four days after the inauguration of a joint facility for manufacturing of AK-203 rifles in Amethi, India, on Thursday, signed a three billion dollar deal with Russia for the lease of second Akula class nuclear submarine. This is the third nuclear submarine lease agreement between the two nations.

India, currently, operates INS Chakra, an Akula Class nuclear attack submarine (SSN), operational with the Eastern Naval Command. Russia leased the SSN to India for a period of ten years in 2012.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, inaugurated Indo-Russian joint venture to manufacture AK-203 assault rifle. The Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd, a partnership between Indian Ordnance Factory Board and Russian Kalashnikov Concern, will manufacture around 7.5 lakh rifles which will go on to replace the INSAS rifle, the current standard issue to Indian soldiers. These guns are also expected to equip other Indian forces.

The Director General of JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation ‘MiG’, Ilya Tarsenko said the MiG-35 which is used by the Russian Air Force is the latest offering to India with features that will outbeat the competition.  The Russians have responded to the Indian Air Force’s requirement of 110 medium multi role combat aircraft RFP (request for proposal).

Russian Helicopters Holding Company (a part of State Corporation Rostec) and a number of Indian companies signed Memorandums of Understanding at Aero India 2019. The parties agreed to explore the producing a number of assemblies and components for Ka-226T helicopter in India.

India and Russia share not just one of the longest and best collaboration chronicles, they are fated to proceed with more historic partnerships as the two nations are working to grow respective ties.

During the Zhuhai, China’s aviation shows a new wide-body aircraft developed jointly by Russia and China was unveiled.

1. In what areas cooperation is most active between Russia and India?

At a time when Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a rapid decrease in its fighter strength, the trusted old friend of India, Russia has once again came up to its rescue with the offer of 21 MiG-29, enough to populate one fighter squadron. The offer was made when last month when an IAF delegation was on a visit to Russia. 

India-Russia defence ties, a critical pillar of Indo-Russian strategic partnership, have come under scrutiny and some stress in recent times. Despite some irritants, the Indo-Russian partnership is time tested and rests on very strong strategic foundations. It is a relationship that is based on mutual trust, and a long history of strategic interdependency that has been strengthened by people to people interactions in social, cultural, scientific, economic, and technological domains.

Why not go for MiG-35?

By Rohit Srivastava

Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) certified the increase in take-off/landing altitude of Ansat helicopter to 3,500 m. Major change approval is issued on the basis of trials conducted in summer 2018 at Mount Elbrus. The document allows Ansat to operate in high-altitude conditions.

“Russian SU-30 and indigenously manufactured SU-30MKI are not the same. Hence, one to one comparison of cost may not be appropriate,” said Union Minister of State Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on January 2.

The recently concluded 18th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), chaired by the defence ministers of the two countries,  discussed various ongoing projects including the joint manufacturing of the Kamov-226 helicopters.

The 18th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) was held here today. The meeting was co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu.

For the next two days, the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission is going to sit together to discuss various bilateral issues including strategic, military and payment related challenges. Post-CAATSA India is facing tremendous challenges in making payment to Russia for the import of weapon systems. To solve this problem, the two sides, reportedly, are exploring various options including Rupee-Ruble route.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman met today and accorded approval for acquisition of defence equipment for about Rs 3,000 crore.

As a follow up of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision in October 2018 for procurement of four P1135.6 Follow-on Ships, the DAC granted approval for procurement of indigenous BrahMos Missile for two Indian Navy ships to be built in Russia. The indigenously designed BrahMos Missile is a tested and proven supersonic cruise missile and will form the primary weapon on-board these Ships.

The Russian man-portable air defence system (MANPAD) Igla S has won the Indian Army’s competitive bid for very short range air defence (VSHORAD) system defeating French MBDA Mistral and Swedish Saab’s RGS 70NG. Indian Army is looking for around 5100 VSHORAD missiles to replace its existing arsenal of Russian Igla missiles inducted some four decades back.  

From November 6 to 11 UAC will take part in the international Airshow China Exhibition taking place in Zhuhai, China. The airshow is the largest in the region being held since 1996 under the patronage of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

UAC’s stand in the pavilion D (№ Н4В3-1) will showcase the Corporation’s civil, military and special purpose products such as the Su-35, Su-32, MC-21-300, Yak-152, Yak-130, IL-96-400M, IL-112V, MMTA, Be-200, Be-103, Superjet 100 and CR929.

As expected, India and Russia, during the ongoing Russian President’s visit to India for the Annual Bilateral Summit October 4-5, signed the S-400 long-range-surface-to-air-missile deal for $5.43 billion. India is purchasing 5 squadrons of the missiles system which will begin arriving in 24 months.

The deal which saw last moment to and fro was clinched by the personal decision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Commercial and cultural relations between Russia and India have a long history and are grounded in civilisational affinities going back thousands of years. In the 19th century, Russian rulers and elites took a keen interest in India and sometimes caressed the idea of pushing the British colonial power out of the subcontinent as part of the Great Game.

S-400 is all over in the media space. High decibel, high frequency breaking news (es) are at work to make their audience believe the many combat virtues of this "one solution for all ills" weapon system. Many sweeping statements are doing the rounds; it will provide an "impregnable missile shield" over our skies; it will care of "all aerial attacks" from our western or northern borders; no aircraft/ missile dare attack us now - we have S-400!

At a time, when India is awaiting nod for the signing of one of the most significant weapons deal of the recent time – the S-400 missile systems – with Russia, the two countries are at verge of finalizing the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the local manufacturing of the AK-103 Assault Rifle, a modern upgraded version of the AK-47.

India is planning to acquire National Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) from the United States. Reportedly, the system will provide protection to Indian capital against a range of threats from aircraft to drones to cruise missiles. Indian capital will be the world’s third capital, after the US’ Washington DC protected by NASAMS II and Moscow by Buk missile system, to have such an air defence shield.  

Indian Air Force (IAF) has restarted its two decades old quest for replacement of decades-old Russian fighter jets through a competitive tender. IAF is still relying on the Russian single engine MiG-21s and twin-engine MiG-27s. These aircraft are still part of the IAF’s inventory even when most of the air forces have retired them. This is only because IAF has not been able to replace them.