NEW DELHI – While terming India an “exclusive strategic defence partner”,Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu reaffirmed his country’scommitment to extending all possible support in enhancing India’s defencecapabilities, including cooperation in advanced and cutting-edge technology.
Russia has agreed to assist India on upgrading its formidable fleet ofSu-30MKI jets with advanced weapons and avionics, which will lend theaircraft unmatched stealth features, Sputnik has reported.
As per a consensus reached at the 19th India-Russia Inter-GovernmentalCommission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC)meeting, Russia will provide support in developing a prototype at astate-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility, industry sourcessaid.
“The Su-30 MKI upgrade programme will start soon”, sources said withoutrevealing details about the programme.
Sputnik had reported in the recent past that the entire fleet of 272fighter jets will be upgraded and equipped with advanced weapons systemssuch as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the R-27P high-rangeinfrared homing system, and Russian air-to-air missiles.
The 19th IRIGC-M&MTC meeting was co-chaired by Indian Defence MinisterRajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu onWednesday.
“The Russian defence minister underlined Moscow’s commitment to extend allpossible support in enhancing India’s defence capabilities, includingcooperation in advanced and cutting-edge technology”, the Indian DefenceMinistry said it in a statement.
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The Russian side also affirmed its readiness to operationalise the jointventure lndo-Russia Rifles Private Limitedlinkforthe manufacture of world class Kalashnikov AK 203 rifles in India.
The two countries also agreed to conclude a logistical support agreementthat will provide immense help in servicing equipment at various locationsin Russia.
The much-anticipated agreement will provide immense support to the IndianArmed Forces as around 70% of equipment and platformslinklikewarships, submarines, fighter jets, and tanks are of Russian-origin.
“The ministers directed the respective teams to work closely for earlyconclusion of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Agreement on ReciprocalLogistics Support”, the Indian Defence Ministry said.
Russia has also agreed to India’s request to constitute specific workinggroups for after-sales support of key defence platforms.
