India has signed a contract with Russia for the supply of approximately 300 R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles totaling about $1.2 billion. This was reported by the South China Morning Post.
According to the publication, deliveries could take from 12 to 18 months after the contract is signed. In the first phase, Su-30MKI fighters, which form the backbone of the Indian Air Force fleet, will be the missile carriers.
The R-37M missile belongs to the class of ultra-long-range interception and is capable of significantly increasing the engagement range of aerial targets. Among known analogues in terms of range, the Chinese PL-17 is mentioned.
The use of new missiles will require modernization of onboard electronics, primarily the "Bars" radar station. However, no major redesign of the aircraft's structure is required.
It was also previously reported that Russia offered India two versions of the Su-57 fighter — a classic strike version and a two-seat aircraft for controlling drones.
