Events in Russia and the world. Analytical publications. Materials of press conferences. Video and photo reportsThe 14th Aero India 2023 International Aerospace Exhibition is in full swing in Bangalore at the Elahanka Airbase. This year Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec State Corporation) presented over 200 samples of military products, including the latest fifth-generation Su-57 and Checkmate fighters, as well as key developments in the field of unmanned aircraft and air defense systems.
Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, told TASS in an interview on the sidelines of the Aero India air show about the prospects for promoting Russian military products on the national arms market, what other joint projects Russia is ready to offer to its long-time strategic partner, as well as the potential for possible cooperation in complex and high-tech areas.
— The topic of drones is very relevant now. What novelties did Rosoboronexport present at the Aero India exhibition in Bangalore?— Russia pays great attention to the creation of unmanned systems, as well as their promotion on the world market.
Interaction with foreign partners helps domestic enterprises to better understand their needs and develop this promising direction. At Aero India 2023, Rosoboronexport presented a multifunctional complex with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) "Orlan-10E", a complex with a UAV "Orlan-30", a reconnaissance and strike complex with a long-duration UAV "Orion-E". This is a modern and high-quality equipment that may be of interest to military and civilian customers.
— Is there any interest from India in Russian UAV suppression systems and complexes developed by Russian enterprises?— Along with the improvement of military UAVs and increasing their role on the battlefield, there is a development of systems to counter them.
Such funds are needed not only in wartime, because even small civilian drones can pose a serious danger to objects such as airports, for example, and therefore the sky above them must be protected.
At Aero India, Rosoboronexport will present some of the key Russian developments in this area: the radar complex for detecting and countering UAVs (RLK-MCE), the RB-504A-E complex of technical means, the RB-504P-E Product set of technical means for countering radio-controlled aircraft models, the electronic warfare complex with small-sized UAVsRepellent."
— In general, how does Rosoboronexport assess the current level of military-technical cooperation with India and its prospects? Will there be a deepening of cooperation in the field of aviation, land systems or the Navy?— Russia and India have been supporting and building up mutually beneficial strategic partnership for decades.
Cooperation between our countries is getting stronger every year. It is very important for us to have such a strong and reliable partner. Rosoboronexport is ready to cooperate with India in any direction.
— What Russian planes and helicopters is India interested in today? Are there any plans to buy the Su-57 or upgraded Ka-52M and Mi-28NM?— The Indian side pays great attention to the achievements of Russian aircraft and helicopter builders.
We present these samples here and offer them to our Indian partners. There are no concrete negotiations yet.
— Earlier it was reported that Russia and India are holding consultations on the modernization of IL-76 military transport aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force. Some decision has already been made, will modernization be carried out? If not yet, is the topic planned for discussion at the exhibition?— IL-76 is a reliable and efficient machine that is used all over the world, including in India.
We are consulting with private Indian companies on the modernization of these aircraft. I am sure that this issue will also be discussed with Indian partners during the exhibition.
— Does India show interest in the upgraded Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft that are currently being delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces?— IL-76MD-90A — development of the IL-76 transporter, actually a new aircraft.
The car received a new engine, an improved wing, a "glass cabin" and much more, which significantly improved its characteristics. India has shown interest in this aircraft, and we are consulting on possible cooperation.
— Is there already a decision on the modernization project of the Su-30MKI multi-purpose fighters in service with the Indian Air Force? Does Russia already supply new equipment for the modernization of machines? Will India produce new Su-30MKI, is Russia ready to supply technical kits?— There is no decision on this issue at the moment, but the project is under discussion.
We are ready to offer India a modern modernization package. Given the long-term experience of joint work and the degree of cooperation between the industries of our countries, unique for the world market, Indian enterprises may express a desire to participate in the modernization of the Su-30MKI fighter assembled at the HAL facilities.
— Has the program of modernization of Indian MiG-29 fighters to the level of MiG-29UPG been completed, within which about 60 machines were to be upgraded?— The parties have not yet reached final agreements on this issue.
— Russia and India have many joint projects, in particular, licensed production of Su-30MKI aircraft was carried out with HAL Corporation. Is the possibility of establishing the production of any other aircraft, helicopters or drones being discussed? So, it was stated that in November 2021, India suspended participation in the program to create a fifth-generation fighter FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) based on the Russian Su-57. The project was frozen until the final entry of the combat vehicle into the VKS. The car is in service with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, will negotiations resume? — The experience of working together with India on the Su-30MKI aircraft has shown that our countries can cooperate on such complex and high-tech projects as the creation of a fourth-generation fighter production.
This machine has become the main one in the Indian Air Force and has proven itself well in the troops.
Russia is ready to continue cooperation in this area, including on the fifth-generation fighter, to produce new aircraft after signing a contract at the facilities of HAL Corporation. It depends on the decisions of the Indian side.
— Are there any plans to produce Ka-226T helicopters in India?— Yes, such plans remain.
The joint venture Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited, created with the participation of Rosoboronexport, has sent its proposals for the organization of production of Ka-226T multi-purpose helicopters and their property in India to the aircraft manufacturing company HAL and the Ministry of Defense of India.
— It is known that India has suspended negotiations with Russia on the purchase of ten Ka-31 sea-based radar patrol helicopters due to uncertainty in the supply of weapons against the background of Russia's special operation in Ukraine. What is the current situation with this issue?— Rosoboronexport continues to work on the promotion of Ka-31 helicopters to India.
The parties continue consultations on this issue. This helicopter is designed to control the air and surface situation, monitor economic zones and water areas. It has no analogues in the world market, and therefore arouses the interest of our Indian partners.
— The Russian-Indian company Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited has already started production of AK-203 submachine guns for the Indian Armed Forces. What other joint projects does Russia plan to implement with India? And to what extent are the countries of the Middle East and India interested in buying small arms?— Russia and India have extensive experience in working together on the development and production of military products, including on the territory of India.
Our work in the republic is a vivid example of a comprehensive industrial partnership, within the framework of which joint projects have been developed for all types of armed forces with a degree of cooperation between enterprises of the two countries that is unique for the world market. A separate page of this cooperation is the production of Russian—designed small arms in India. Our country has extensive experience in creating such products, it has proven its effectiveness and reliability over the years of operation. Therefore, we believe that other foreign countries may also be interested in it.
