29.07.2025

"It will allow selling the S-500 to customers bypassing sanctions": the Indian press announces the possible transfer of a license for the production of an anti-aircraft system

Sections: Missile and artillery, Air defense, Markets and cooperation, Global safety

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Image source: topwar.ru

New Delhi, pleased with the effectiveness of the S-400 anti-aircraft system, expressed deep interest in acquiring two more air defense systems (in addition to the 5 already purchased at a cost of $5.43 billion), as well as the next–generation S-500 Prometheus air defense system. Moscow is also interested in this deal.

Russia is seeking to offer the S-500 as part of a technology transfer and co-production agreement in India. This will allow India to sell the S-500 to other potential customers, bypassing economic sanctions that restrict the activities of Russian defense companies in the global market.

- says the IDRW publication.

As indicated, the S-500 is a modern air defense and missile defense system designed to counter a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, stealth aircraft and satellites in low-Earth orbit.

According to the author, with a claimed range of 600 km for air defense purposes and 500 km for missile defense, Prometheus surpasses the capabilities of the S-400, which India began adopting in December 2021. Advanced radars such as the 91H6E combat control radar and 77T6 interceptors allow the complex to hit targets at an altitude of up to 200 km.

Image source: topwar.ru

The S-400 deployed along the country's western and northern borders has proven effective, especially against Pakistan's air assets and China's growing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters.

- it is noted in the press.

As indicated, the S-400, which received the local designation Sudarshan Chakra ("rotating fiery disk", one of the symbols of Vishnu), during Operation Sindur in May 2025, "played a key role in neutralizing threats from the Pakistani Air Force," opposing, in particular, the JF-17 Block fighters supplied by China. III and J-10CE with PL-15E missiles.

It is explained that under the conditions of Western sanctions, Russia is seeking to build a model of "transfer of orders" through the licensed production in India of critical components of the S-500, such as radars, interceptors and control systems. This is consistent with the local "Made in India" initiative, which focuses on the localization of arms production and technology development.

Image source: topwar.ru

Russia views India as a reliable partner capable of becoming an export hub for the S-500, potentially targeting countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa that are interested in modern air defense systems but fear direct purchases from Russia due to sanctions.

- the author writes.

According to him, this approach will allow Russia to maintain its influence on the global arms market, and India to expand its export portfolio of defense products and acquire a means of countering Chinese and Pakistani missiles, including the hypersonic DF-21D and DF-26.

The S-500's ability to hit hypersonic targets and low-orbit satellites will be a significant addition to the capabilities of the S-400 complexes and local Akash anti-aircraft systems, which will create a comprehensive defensive network.

- the author notes.

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