Bharat Dynamics Partners with Russia on Advanced Air Defence Systems

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia's Rosoboronexport to collaborate on the Pantsir air defence missile-gun systems. The agreement signifies a continuation of India's defense partnership with Russia, highlighted by the S-400 Triumf air defence systems acquisition.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) announced a significant agreement with Rosoboronexport, the Russian state defense exporter, to collaborate on the advanced Pantsir air defence missile-gun systems. The partnership was formalized during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission subgroup meeting in Goa, with BDL's Chairman and Managing Director, A Madhavarao (Retd), and Kovalenko German, Rosoboronexport's Deputy Director General of the Naval Department, signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Pantsir-S1 system is a versatile, mobile short-range air defence solution, integrating both missile and gun capabilities to target numerous aerial threats. According to Rosoboronexport, the system is adept at protecting small military and industrial facilities against aircraft, cruise missiles, and high-precision weapons. It engages targets using missiles within a range of 1,200 to 20,000 meters and gun systems between 200 to 4,000 meters. Moreover, it manages threats at altitudes spanning from 15 to 15,000 meters with its missiles, and up to 3,000 meters with its guns.

This collaboration is part of India's broader defense strategy, building on existing ties with Russia, exemplified by the acquisition of the S-400 Triumf system. This deal, overseen by Rostec State Corporation, is celebrated as a landmark in defense relations between India and Russia. It is described as the "biggest-ever deal" in Rosoboronexport's history. In a related initiative, the Indian Army has recently issued a Request for Information for carrier air defence tracked vehicles, reflecting ongoing enhancements in military capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)