World Class Russian Missiles Continued Interest of India

NEW DELHI. “Op Sindoor”, the four day India-Pakistan conflict, saw great play between the missile systems of the two countries. The Indian side was armed mainly with Russian, French, Israeli and Indian missiles. Pakistan with American and Chinese missiles.

- AIR MARSHAL ANIL CHOPRA (RETD)

Missiles have become more accurate; the effective operational ranges have become large; no escape zones have increased; they have become more autonomous; and can operate in heavy electronic counter measures environment. In Ukraine conflict, The Western world has given a few of its missiles to Ukraine to take on the Russian onslaught. The Russians on the other hand have used the conflict as a proving ground for its top-end missiles.

Russia is a leading missile manufacturer with a long history of missile development and the ability to significantly increase its production. Russian missile manufacturers produce a broad spectrum of weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles, air-launched cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and air defence systems. Russia's top air-to-air missiles (AAM) cruise at very high speeds, have Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar seekers and are meant for ultra-long-range engagements, including some dedicated to take on High Value Air Assets (HVAA) such as Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) and Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA).

Notably, one of the Pakistani aircraft downed was an AEW&C aircraft, as per Pakistani media reports.

MISSILES NOW HAVE TO BE INCREASINGLY HIGH TECH

Many missiles are designed to counter stealth aircraft and feature high resistance to jamming. Russia itself has a substantial missile inventory, and its production has increased significantly since 2022. The Russian defence industry's performance is linked to state support which allows for heavy subsidies and a focus on specific production objectives.