SOURCE: AFI
In a rapidly shifting global defense landscape, Russia has positioned itself as a preferred defense partner for India, particularly through its willingness to share advanced military technology and support domestic production. Unlike many NATO nations that are hesitant to transfer technology, Russian defense companies have been proactive in co-developing and localizing production capabilities with Indian partners. This approach has been essential in enabling India’s push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Alexey Leonkov, a military analyst and editor at Sputnik India, notes that Russia’s openness to technology transfer has facilitated the local production of some of India’s most important defense platforms. These include the T-90 main battle tank, the Su-30MKI multirole fighter, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Leonkov points out that the West, and NATO countries in particular, are often reluctant to share critical technologies, preferring instead to sell finished products and components. This approach, he argues, limits India’s potential to independently manufacture and maintain military systems and stymies its ambitions for a self-reliant defense industry.
The strategic alignment between India and Russia has translated into successful joint ventures and technology-sharing agreements, leading to substantial localization of defense equipment manufacturing in India. This cooperation extends beyond just equipment manufacturing to include technology for production processes, maintenance, and upgrades, enabling India to sustain its defense assets over the long term.
Several flagship projects highlight the depth of Russia’s commitment to technology transfer and co-development with India:
BrahMos Missile: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a testament to India-Russia joint development success. Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the missile system is an advanced, highly versatile weapon that has been adapted for multiple launch platforms, including land, sea, and air. The BrahMos project not only demonstrates technological co-development but has also positioned India as an exporter, with the missile being offered to several international customers.
T-90S Bhishma Tank: The T-90 tank, adapted for Indian conditions and rebranded as T-90S Bhishma, has become the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored corps. Through technology transfer agreements, India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) produces these tanks domestically, thereby reducing the need for imports and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities. India has since produced over 1,000 T-90 tanks locally, significantly expanding its armored capabilities.
Su-30MKI Fighter Jet: The Su-30MKI is the Indian Air Force’s primary fighter aircraft, with over 270 units currently in service. Licensed production agreements with Russia’s Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have allowed India to manufacture these jets domestically, including the integration of indigenous systems and customizations to suit IAF’s operational requirements. This long-standing arrangement has also enabled India to develop an ecosystem for the production, maintenance, and upgrade of these aircraft, a capability that would be difficult to achieve without Russia’s transfer of technology.
Additionally, by encouraging local production, Russia benefits by securing long-term partnerships and positioning itself as a more flexible and cooperative ally. This approach not only enhances Russia’s influence in India’s defense sector but also strengthens bilateral relations in the face of competing pressures from Western allies.