Moscow and New Delhi are discussing ways to transform their long-standing defence relationship into a more technology-driven industrial partnership. Rather than focusing only on finished equipment purchases, the proposed approach includes joint development, Indian manufacturing, technology transfer and possible cooperation on exports. BrahMos illustrates this model, having evolved into a jointly produced supersonic missile family serving India’s Army, Navy and Air Force and now reaching an international customer in the Philippines. Future concepts include lighter BrahMos versions for fighters, submarine-launched variants and research toward hypersonic performance. Another major proposal is the Super Sukhoi modernisation of roughly 260 Su-30MKIs, potentially involving advanced AESA radar, upgraded avionics, electronic warfare, communications and weapons, with an estimated value of around $11 billion. Russia has also offered the Su-57 with possible local production. For India, the key issue would be the actual depth of technology transfer, particularly in engines, stealth materials, radar, software and electronic warfare. The arrangement would also need to address spare parts, long-term support, sanctions and compatibility with India’s indigenous AMCA program.
