India May Sign Multi-Billion Dollar Defence Deal With Russia to Counter China

India is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Russia for a $4 billion defence agreement aimed at bolstering its air defence capabilities. The deal centers around acquiring Russia’s Voronezh radar system, an advanced early-warning radar that can detect and track aerial threats over 8,000 kilometers.

What Is the Voronezh Radar?

Manufactured by Almaz-Antey Corporation, the Voronezh radar is a state-of-the-art system capable of:

• Tracking more than 500 objects simultaneously.
• Detecting threats like ballistic missiles, fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
• Monitoring stealth aircraft and providing situational awareness of near-Earth objects in space.

The radar’s extensive range could cover air threats across China, South and Central Asia, and most of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), significantly enhancing India’s surveillance and air defence capabilities.

A 'Make in India' Push

India is pushing for at least 60% of the radar system to be manufactured domestically under the 'Make in India' initiative, involving offset partners for local production. Last month, a team from Almaz-Antey visited India to discuss potential partnerships.

Strategic Location

The radar system is expected to be installed in Chitradurga, Karnataka, home to several of India’s top-secret defence and aerospace facilities. This strategic location would optimize surveillance capabilities across Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Strengthening Defence Ties

The potential deal reflects the deep India-Russia strategic partnership. On his visit to Russia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also monitoring the progress of the S-400 missile system, two units of which are still pending delivery under a 2018 agreement.

Implications

If finalized, the deal will:

• Enhance India’s ability to monitor and respond to threats in the region.
• Strengthen air defence and surveillance infrastructure amid growing regional tensions.
• Position India as a more formidable player in the Asia-Pacific.

As discussions continue, this agreement underscores the longstanding and evolving military-technical cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow.