This deadly weapon made Rafale more dangerous, Russia’s offer to India increased the tension of Pakistan and China
The R-37M is Russia’s long-range air-to-air missile with a range of up to 400 km. It can fly at a speed of Mach 6 and is designed to shoot down AWACS (aerial surveillance aircraft) and high-value targets.
If the Indian Air Force (IAF) deploys it on its Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets, it will be able to counter the missile capabilities of Pakistan and China.
The R-73E is a short-range infrared-guided missile that can be deployed on the Su-30MKI, MiG-29 and other fighter jets. There is speculation about local production of Adani Defense and Aerospace’s R-73E missile. However, there has been no official confirmation from Adani Defense or the government yet.
Russia and India will not be limited to missile manufacturing only, but may also plan to export to third countries in the future. This partnership may become stronger after the success of the BrahMos missile.
In the clash between India and Pakistan after the Balakot airstrike (2019), the Indian Su-30MKI was equipped with R-77 missiles, which had a range less than AMRAAM (AIM-120) missiles. After this, India ordered more than 1,000 air-to-air missiles and is now considering long-range missiles like the R-37M.
If India buys the R-37M, it will be a big boost to the long-range air combat capability of the Indian Air Force. This can make the Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft more lethal.
Many military projects like Su-30MKI, T-90 tanks, Brahmos missiles, AK-203 rifles have been successful through the partnership of India and Russia. The Gandiva (Astra MK-3) missile also started as a joint project of Russia and India, which was later developed independently by DRDO.
Russia has offered to develop the destructive R-37M missile to India. Russian arms company Rosoboronexport (ROE) has confirmed this.
