SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move at Aero India 2025, Russia has proposed the sale of its advanced R-37M long-range air-to-air guided missile, also known as RVV-BD in its export version, to India. This offer includes the unique opportunity for local production, marking a significant enhancement to India’s aerial combat capabilities.
The R-37M boasts an impressive maximum interception range of 200 kilometres, making it one of the few missiles in the world capable of engaging targets beyond 100 miles. This capability places Russia among an elite group of nations with such advanced air-to-air missile technology.
The missile employs a sophisticated combined guidance system that includes inertial control, radio correction, and active radar homing. This combination allows for precise targeting even in challenging scenarios, embodying the “fire and forget” principle where the missile can lock onto and pursue its target autonomously after launch.
It can engage targets from a height of 15 meters up to 25 kilometres, offering flexibility for various combat scenarios. The missile’s launch weight is approximately 510 kg, with a 60 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, and its length is about 4.06 meters.
The R-37M would significantly extend the reach of the Indian Air Force (IAF), particularly for its Su-30MKI fleet, which currently relies on the R-77 missiles. The R-77, while effective, does not match the R-37M’s range, making this new missile a game-changer for long-range engagements.
With the ability to engage high-value targets like AWACS, tankers, and other C4ISTAR platforms from a safe distance, the R-37M could deter threats more effectively, providing strategic depth to India’s air defence strategy.
The IAF’s Su-30MKIs are currently equipped with the R-77 missiles (also known as RVV-AE or RVV-MD2 in its latest version), which have a range significantly less than the R-37M. This upgrade would not only increase the engagement envelope but also the survivability and effectiveness of IAF operations.
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