Russian Federation remains Republic of India key supplier in the field of defense technology. The total portfolio of the contract being concluded has reached US$ 14 billion, according to Vladimir Drozhzhov, Deputy Head of the Russia’s Federal Service on Military Technical Cooperation with the Foreign States (FSVTS). Mr. Drozhzhov disclosed several details of defense cooperation with India during and after the Aeroindia-2021 exhibition in Bangalore.

According to him, Russia and India are ready to revive the joint program for the Fifth Generation Future Aircraft (FGFA) based on the Su-57E fighter ‘with all the documents being prepared for signature.”

He also claimed the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is ready for licensed production of the Ilyushin Il-112V prospective transport turboprop to replace an aging fleet of the Antonov An-24/26 within Indian Air Force (IAF). Another preliminary agreement was reached on the MiG-35 fighter joint production if the Russian vehicle wins the 114 IAF future tender. The HAL has been well experienced with joint production with Russia, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI twin jet multirole air superiority fighter which forms up the core of IAF power nowadays.

Meanwhile, Mr. Drozhzhov confirmed the deal on 21 MiG-29 and 12 Su-30MKI urgent purchase.

He announced the first regiment of the S-400 Triumph long range air defense system to be delivered to India by the end of 2021. The Indian personnel have already arrived to Russia to be trained with the system operation. The contract of October, 2018 is US$ 5.43 billion worth. It includes 5 regiments in total to be delivered by the end of 2024.

India’s main defense trade partner is Rosoboronexport state mediator which concludes contracts on behalf of the Russian defense industry.

“We are implementing joint projects for all armed services with such a degree of cooperation between enterprises of the two countries, that is unique for the world market,” said Rosoboronexport’s CEO Alexander Mikheev.