Putin's India Visit: A New Era for Defence Manufacturing

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India marks a significant step towards strengthening the nation's defence capabilities. The high-level discussions are expected to pave the way for crucial defence deals, including advanced fighter jets and air defence systems, bolstering the 'Make in India' initiative.

Key Defence Deals on the Table

• Discussions are focusing on major defence platforms like the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters and additional S-400 air defence systems.
• India and Russia had agreed in 2018 for five units of the S-400 system, valued at approximately $5 billion, with three delivered so far.
• Sources indicate plans for acquiring five more S-400 squadrons and the next-generation S-500 Prometheus air shield.

Advanced S-500 Prometheus System

• The S-500 system, an advanced version of the S-400, can target higher altitudes, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic threats, and even neutralise low-orbit satellites.
• A joint team from the Indian Air Force and DRDO recently visited Russia to examine the S-500 system.

Technology Transfer and Joint Production

• Russia is reportedly willing to offer full technology transfer and joint production rights for the S-500, involving components like launch vehicles, command posts, and radars.
• This collaboration could extend to exports, mirroring the success of the BrahMos missile joint venture.
• Negotiations are also accelerating for the Su-57 fighters, with Russia potentially agreeing to technology transfer for critical components including engines, radars, and stealth materials.

India's Indigenous Fighter Jet Ambitions (AMCA)

• The news supports India's 'Made in India' fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
• Public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private firms like Tata Advanced Systems, Kalyani Group, and L&T are bidding for the AMCA project.
• The AMCA is envisioned as a 5.5-generation twin-engine fighter, with prototypes expected by 2027 and induction by 2035.
• Acquiring Su-57 technology is seen as a bridge to develop AMCA capabilities and fill the gap until India's indigenous fighters are operational.

Context of India-Russia Defence Ties

• Russia has historically been India's prime defence equipment supplier, accounting for about 36% of imports in 2020-24.
• However, imports from Russia have decreased from 55% (2015-19) to 72% (2010-14) due to 'Make in India' and diversification of suppliers.
• The Indian Air Force currently operates below its sanctioned strength, highlighting the need for new acquisitions and indigenous development.

Impact

• This collaboration is expected to significantly boost India's defence manufacturing sector, fostering indigenous capabilities under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
• It promises enhanced national security through access to advanced defence platforms and technology.
• The successful joint production could lead to export opportunities for India, generating revenue and strengthening its position as a defence manufacturing hub.
• Impact Rating: 8/10

Difficult Terms Explained

• Stealth Fighters: Aircraft designed to be undetectable by radar and other detection systems, making them difficult to track and engage.
• Air Defence Systems: Military technology used to detect, intercept, and destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, and other aerial threats.
• Technology Transfer: The process of sharing technical knowledge, expertise, and intellectual property between entities or countries.
• Joint Production: Collaboration between two or more entities or countries to manufacture a product together, often involving shared resources and technology.
• Hypersonic Glide Vehicles: Advanced missiles that can travel at speeds over Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and manoeuvre unpredictably.
• Low-orbit Satellites: Satellites that orbit the Earth at relatively low altitudes.
• 5.5-generation Fighter Jets: An advanced designation for fighter aircraft that bridge the gap between current 4.5 generation jets and future 5th generation capabilities, often incorporating aspects like advanced AI and sensor fusion.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Hindi term meaning 'Self-Reliant India', an initiative to promote domestic manufacturing and self-sufficiency.