India has reportedly signed a deal to buy Russian missiles that target support aircraft as its arch-rival Pakistan and China continue to integrate their aerial weapons profiles.
Russia has cleared the export of around 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles in a US$1.2 billion deal, according to media reports.
Malaysia-based news platform Defence Security Asia said deliveries of the missiles could begin within 12 to 18 months. India is also developing its own Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 missiles, which are expected to be ready to use around the same time.
The R-37M is among the longest-range air-to-air missiles, with an operational range of around 300-400 km (185-250 miles), according to Russia, and can be used to target airborne early-warning and tanker aircraft.
After India and Pakistan trade blows over Kashmir, will their ceasefire hold?
After India and Pakistan trade blows over Kashmir, will their ceasefire hold?
The missile can travel at six times the speed of sound and is designed to be launched from Russian Su-30MKI fighters, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force.
