In what comes as another testament to the growing defence ties between India and Russia, New Delhi is likely to procure Voronezh series airborne early warning radar systems from the country in a bid to enhance the early warning and missile defense capabilities of India's defence forces.
Media reports suggest that both countries are working towards finalising a $4 billion defence agreement that will help India extend its surveillance capabilities beyond its borders as these radars can detect threats over distances of 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers.
The move to acquire the early warning radar system is part of India's efforts to upgrade its security apparatus in the wake of the growing global threats.
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According to an India Today report, discussions between Indian officials and the Russian delegation have focused on involving Indian industry in the project and it is likely that over 50 per cent of the components of the system would be manufactured domestically, enhancing the government's 'Make in India' initiatives.
Over 50 Indian partners, including startups, are reportedly part of manufacturing the Indian components for the radar.
About Voronezh radars
The Voronezh radars are capable of detecting a wide range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and stealth aircraft.
Compact in size, and consuming lower energy, these systems can track nearly 500 targets simultaneously, potentially allowing the nation deploying them to maintain a robust defense posture against potential missile attacks.
There are four different variants in the Voronezh radar series. They are:
1. Voronezh-M (VHF band) radars are optimized for long-range detection of medium and long-range ballistic missiles and can cover vast areas.
2. Voronezh-DM (UHF band) provides improved resolution and tracking accuracy for smaller targets, enhancing the effectiveness of the radar against various aerial threats.
3. Voronezh-CM (L-band) offers enhanced precision tracking and clutter rejection capabilities.
4. Voronezh-VP refers to the planned upgrades that combine VHF and UHF capabilities for comprehensive threat detection.
According to EurAsian Times, the radar that is proposed to be installed in Karnataka's Chitradurga is likely to be a Voronezh-M radar.
The growing India-Russia defence ties
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Russia for a three-day visit, said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the India-Russia friendship is "higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean."
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Singh called on Putin after co-chairing the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Cooperation along with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.
Singh conveyed to Putin that India has always stood by its Russian friends and will continue to do so in the future.
The defence minister's visit to Russia came five months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Moscow and held summit talks with Putin.
During the summit, both sides had vowed to further expand India-Russia defence and military ties.
