*New Delhi: *Even as Russia has started delivery of the S-400 Triumf airdefence missile to China, negotiations for the sale to India of themulti-barrel system with a range between 40 km and 400 km are at an”advanced stage” and should not be hurried up, a top Russian official hassaid.
In an interview to IANS, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec Corporation, whichwas formed over a decade ago to consolidate strategically importantcompanies, said it is important not to “rush” with the contract, and giveboth parties time for the negotiations.
“Discussions on this contract are at an advanced stage. Currently, thetechnical details of the contract are being discussed,” said Chemezov ofthe deal, pitched to be worth Rs 39,000 crore ($5.5 billion) for “thesupply of the most modern equipment for strategic purposes”.
“The inter-governmental agreement on this project was signed in Goa justone year ago,” Chemezov noted, adding, “It is important not to rush thingsand give both parties time for negotiations.”
The deal was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit toIndia in October 2016, and negotiations are being conducted on factors liketechnology transfer, the final price and training of personnel before thecontract is finalised.
According to Indian Defence Ministry officials, the delivery of the missilesystem will begin two years after the contract is finalised. India hadinitially planned to buy at least 12 S-400 systems but pared this down tofive.
Sources had also said that India was ready to waive the offset clause tospeed up the delivery. The clause requires the reinvestment of 30 per centof the contract’s value within the country.
“This is a very complex contract with many technical specifications andvariables, as well as pricing conditions, production and deliveryschedules. Everything must be carefully coordinated,” Chemezov said.
“I am confident that as soon as the negotiations are completed, thecontract will be signed. The work is proceeding according to plan and itspace fully meets our expectations,” he added.
The S-400 is designed to eliminate flying targets at an altitude of up to30 km, including those incorporating stealth technologies. It is enough tosecure an area roughly the size of the National Capital Territory of Delhi– almost 1,500 km sq.
A single regiment of the S-400 missile is usually divided into two smallerbattalions fielding, with tracking and search radar systems, eightlaunchers, 112 guided missiles and command and support vehicles.
The missile, which can simultaneously engage up to six targets, has beendeployed in Syria, where Russia is targeting the Islamic State.
China had signed a contract for the S-400 in 2014 and, according to Russiannews agency TASS, the deliveries have started. Beijing was the firstinternational customer of the missile system.
Apart from China, the missile system has also been bought by Turkey, whichhas inked a deal for four S-400 batteries for around $2.5 billion.
Russia has said that several other countries, including nations in WestAsia and Southeast Asia, have also evinced interest in the S-400.