Russia Clears Export of 300 R-37M Ultra-Long-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to India in $1.2 Billion Deal
Quick Look
- Russia has approved the export of approximately 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles to India in a US$1.2 billion deal.
- Deliveries could begin within 12 to 18 months, coinciding with India's development of its own Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 missiles.
- The R-37M has an operational range of 300-400 km and can travel at six times the speed of sound.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The R-37M is among the longest-range air-to-air missiles globally, designed primarily to target high-value aircraft such as airborne early-warning and tanker aircraft. The Su-30MKI is a mainstay of the Indian Air Force and forms the backbone of its fighter fleet.
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. 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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
India will likely deploy R-37M missiles on Su-30MKI fleet within 2 years
Likely · Within months
Pakistan may seek counter-measures or advanced air defense systems in response
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the exact timeline for contract finalization?
- Are there any US or Western sanctions that could affect this deal?
- How will Pakistan or China respond to this capability addition?
