New Delhi, September 8:- India is preparing to equip its Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft with Russia’s long-range RVV-BD air-to-air missiles to enhance its capabilities. The proposal is expected to receive approval during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council. At the same time, India is strengthening its aerial strike capabilities through newer versions of the Astra missile and France’s Meteor missiles.
With a strike range of around 300 kilometres, these missiles are capable of targeting critical enemy assets in the air at very high speeds. Indian defence capabilities are also expected to receive a boost from the Su-30TKI upgrade, overhaul of AL-31 engines, and a potential order for HAL’s ALH Mark-3 helicopters.
The Defence Ministry is considering the proposal a few days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit. During the visit, several important defence agreements and cooperation issues between India and Russia are expected to be discussed.
Defence sources said that the proposal to integrate RVV-BD missiles onto Su-30TKI aircraft is likely to receive approval at today’s Defence Acquisition Council meeting. This step could further strengthen the Indian Air Force’s long-range air-to-air strike capability.
Capability to Hit Targets at Mach 6 Speed
Russia has several variants of the RVV-BD missile. These missiles are reportedly capable of targeting airborne early warning and control aircraft, intelligence and surveillance aircraft, and other critical aerial targets while flying at hypersonic speeds of around Mach 6. Such aircraft are considered important assets for the enemy in any aerial operation.