Could Russian missiles help India counter its arch-rival’s Chinese weapons?

AdvertisementChina-India relationsChinaMilitaryCould Russian missiles help India counter its arch-rival’s Chinese weapons?

‘Force multiplier’ could allow New Delhi to target Pakistani support planes such as surveillance and refuelling aircraft

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Seong Hyeon ChoiPublished: 12:00pm, 26 Apr 2026Updated: 12:07pm, 26 Apr 2026India has reportedly signed a deal to buy Russian missiles that target support aircraft as its arch-rival Pakistan and China continue to integrate their aerial weapons profiles.

Russia has cleared the export of around 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles in a US$1.2 billion deal, according to media reports.

Malaysia-based news platform Defence Security Asia said deliveries of the missiles could begin within 12 to 18 months. India is also developing its own Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 missiles, which are expected to be ready to use around the same time.

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The R-37M is among the longest-range air-to-air missiles, with an operational range of around 300-400 km (185-250 miles), according to Russia, and can be used to target airborne early-warning and tanker aircraft.

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The missile can travel at six times the speed of sound and is designed to be launched from Russian Su-30MKI fighters, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force.

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