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.