Russia's Pantsir System A Strategic Addition to India's Defence Arsenal

India and Russia have reached a significant agreement to jointly manufacture the Pantsir air defence missile-gun system, marking a major step in supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India’s Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE).

Introduction

India and Russia have signed a major agreement to jointly manufacture the Pantsir air defence missile-gun system.
Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This collaboration supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.

Key Points of the Agreement

Signatories

BDL’s CMD Cmde A. Madhavarao (Retd) and Mr. Kovalenko German from ROE.

Context

Agreement signed on the sidelines of the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Subgroup meeting in Goa.

Purpose

To manufacture the Pantsir air defence missile-gun system in India under the ‘Make in India’ programme.

Strategic Importance

Strengthens bilateral defence ties and enhances India’s defence capabilities.

Joint Manufacturing

Focus on producing spare parts, components, and aggregates for Russian-origin defence equipment.

Details of the Pantsir Air Defence System

Components

A missile launcher, radar truck, and command post.

Designed to Provide

Point air defence against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, precision munitions, and cruise missiles.

Key Features

Missile Range: Up to 20 km with a maximum altitude of 15 km.
Speed: Missiles reach speeds up to 1,300 m/s.
Guns: Two 30mm auto-cannons with a range of 4 km for intercepting low-altitude threats like drones.

Current Use

Critical for protecting Russian President Putin against drone attacks during the Russia-Ukraine war.

International Demand

Used by Algeria, UAE, Iraq, Syria, and other countries.

Impact on India-Russia Defence Cooperation

Long-standing Ties

Defence cooperation with Russia has been integral since the Cold War, with over 60-70% of India’s military equipment of Russian origin.

Key Projects

S-400 System: 5 squadrons ordered; 3 delivered, remaining 2 expected by 2026.
Guided Missile Warships: First of two ships expected by the end of November.
AK-203 Rifles & BrahMos Missiles: Joint production in India.
T-90 Tanks and Su-30 MKI: Licensed production.

Future Outlook

The Pantsir agreement strengthens India’s autonomy in defence production and enhances self-reliance in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Russia-India Defence Ties

The foundation of India’s military equipment and technology transfer.
Continued access to Russian technology reinforces India’s strategic autonomy.
Strengthens defence self-reliance through partnerships like the Pantsir deal.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India and Russia to jointly manufacture the Pantsir air defence missile-gun system.
Signatories	Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Rosoboronexport (ROE).
Event Context	MoU signed during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Subgroup meeting in Goa.
Purpose	To manufacture the Pantsir system under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Key Features of Pantsir System	– Components: Missile launcher, radar truck, and command post. – Missile Range: Up to 20 km, altitudes of up to 15 km. – Speed: Missiles can intercept fast-moving targets at speeds of 1,300 m/s. – Guns: 30mm auto-cannons effective against low-altitude threats like drones.
Strategic Importance	Enhances India’s defence self-reliance and strengthens India-Russia defence ties.
Historical Context	India and Russia have long-standing defence cooperation; 60-70% of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin.
Joint Projects with Russia	– S-400 missile system, T-90 tanks, Su-30 MKI, AK-203 rifles, BrahMos missiles. – Licensed production of military hardware and technology.