Russia Offers India Co-Production and Export Rights for S-500 Air Defence System

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In a significant development in Indo-Russian defense ties, Russia has proposed a government-to-government agreement with India for the joint production and technology transfer of its next-generation S-500 Prometey air defense system. The proposal includes a unique provision allowing India to re-export the system to third countries, a move seen as part of Moscow’s strategy to bypass Western sanctions.

The S-500 is Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, stealth aircraft, and satellites in low Earth orbit. It has a striking range of up to 600 kilometers and altitude coverage up to 200 kilometers. The system is also equipped with a rapid response capability of three to four seconds, significantly reducing reaction time against high-speed aerial threats.

India has already acquired the S-400 system from Russia and has been steadily modernizing its air defense infrastructure. The inclusion of the S-500 would mark a major upgrade, enhancing the country’s multi-layered air defense network. The co-production offer aligns with India’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.

If the deal is finalized, India would not only gain advanced defense capabilities but also emerge as a potential export hub for the system. However, the agreement is expected to face several challenges, including high production costs, possible limitations in technology sharing, and geopolitical concerns, particularly the risk of secondary sanctions under the United States’ CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

Despite these hurdles, the proposal signals deepening defense cooperation between India and Russia and shows Moscow’s intent to retain its influence in global arms markets while navigating around Western-imposed restrictions.