Page 8 - The Indian EYE 050925

OPINION MAY 09, 2025 | The Indian Eye 8

Balancing Legacy and Innovation:

Russia, US and India’s Defense

Procurement Policies

t the February 2025 India–US
summit, President Donald
ATrump and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi emphasized on sever-
al promising initiatives in Defense and
Technology. Both leaders announced
new co-production projects, includ-
ing Anduril-Mahindra’s autonomous
drone and anti-drone systems, and
L3 Harris-Bharat Electronics’ towed
array sonars, advancing defense in-
dustrial cooperation and accelerating
technology partnerships. Similarly,
the visit of Defense Minister Rajnath
Singh to Russia in December 2024
highlighted the prospect of signing a
US$ 4 billion deal for the Voronezh
radar system, with Russian reports
claiming the deal includes a provision
for at least 60 per cent of the radar
system to be manufactured in India.
These developments reflect India’s
balancing partnerships and advancing India’s existing Russian inventory requires ongoing cooperation for maintenance, spare parts and upgrades (Agency file photo)
co-production defense ties with both
Russia and the US, despite strained BrahMos cruise missiles, Su-30MKI by 32.5 per cent compared to last year amid ongoing sanctions on Russia.
US–Russia relations. Nevertheless, a fighters, various ships for the Indian in 2023. These developments contrib- Similarly, the IAF’s negotiations to
closer look at India’s defense partner- navy and the production of AK-203 uted to reduced reliance on foreign acquire MiG-29’s and SU-30s also did
ships with both the countries in recent assault rifles. Nevertheless, the large equipment and systems, including not see any fruition. Further, Russia’s
years reflect a changing paradigm. number of Russian systems in India’s Russia. Although Russia remains the United Shipbuilding Corporation has
There is a strategic shift from depen- inventory attests to a long-standing primary arms supplier to India ac- announced a six-month delay of two
dence on Russia and a drift towards security co-operation between India counting to 36 per cent of India’s cur- frigates currently being constructed
the US. and Russia prior to India’s ‘Make in rent defense imports, this is the first for the Indian Navy due to difficulties
India’, and the war in Ukraine. Fur- period since the 1960s when deliveries in procuring components amid sanc-
INDIA’S LEGACY DEPENDENCE ther, a major chunk of current part- from Russia made up less than half of tions. Russia’s Rubin Design Bureau,
ON RUSSIA nership with Russia owes to Mainte- India’s arms imports. Russia’s share a submarine production company,
nance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of Indian arms imports has shrunk withdrew a proposal to construct sub-
he Indian Armed Forces oper- of existing legacy systems. from 58 per cent in 2014–18 to 36 per marines owing to several reasons in-
ate a wide range of Russian-or- Through ‘Make in India’, Indi- cent in 2019–23. cluding inability to meet time-frame
Tigin weapon systems, including an defense industry has seen sever- Further, Russia’s invasion of required under the contract. These
over 2,400 T-72 and 100 T-90 tanks, al changes to boost defense sector Ukraine has contributed to declining developments attribute India’s declin-
BMP-2 infantry vehicles, BM-21 and growth. This includes new acquisitions imports with the Indian government ing defense trade with Russia.
BM-30 rocket systems and various to be produced domestically whenev- cancelling several key agreements to Further, Russia’s closer strategic
air defense systems. The Navy uses er feasible, and creating import ban acquire new or upgraded weapon sys- alignment with China—cemented by
MiG-29 fighters, Il-38 aircraft, Ka-28 lists which require the forces to pur- tems due to Russia’s inability to meet their 2022 “no limits” partnership—
helicopters and a Jyoti-class replen- chase certain systems from domestic its contractual obligations. These in- poses complications for India. Poten-
ishment tanker, among several others. suppliers. As a result, India now sees clude the Indian Air Force’s cancel- tial use of Chinese-made components
Lastly, the Air Force operates MiG- more than 60 per cent of its defense lation of Su-30MKI upgrades due to in Russian systems raises concerns
21s, MiG-29s, 260 Su-30s, Il-78 aerial equipment manufactured in India, logistical problems arising from the over security risks and interoperabili-
tankers, Il-76 and An-32 transports, with production hitting a record high war, and suspension of negotiations to ty, adding another layer of uncertainty
Mi-24 attack helicopters and over 200 of US$ 15.34 billion in FY24, up by acquire Ka-31 airborne early warning for India, as it weighs the reliability and
Mi-17s. 16.7 per cent last year. systems for the Navy. strategic consequences of continued
These inventories also feature India has also seen a boost in de- India has faced challenges in se- defense engagements with Moscow
joint production ventures including fense exports to US$ 2.63 billion up curing payments for these systems Continued on next page... >>

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