Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

India to acquire Russian S-300V system

India will procure six Russian S-300V mobile air defence systems capable of destroying hostile aircraft and ballistic missiles, the Defence News has reported.

They will be integrated with the indigenously-developed Rajendra phased array radar and Akash short-range surface-to-air missile, the publication said in its latest issue quoting defence ministry sources in New Delhi.

The weekly further said procurement of 40 SU-30MKI aircraft from Russia will be completed by March.

The aircraft, when indicted into the Indian Air Force, will carry avionics and weapon control systems developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it said quoting officials.

The Russians have assured India that other planned projects, including the upgradation of 125 MIG-25 combat aircraft, procurement of three new frigates and delivery of one more kilo-class submarine, will be compelted during the new cooperation period that ends in 2010, it said.

The new accord, the weekly said, would allow Indian defence officials to conduct user trials in Russia while Moscow will be able to send military engineers to New Delhi to help the integration and upgradation of Russian weaponary according to India's needs.

The weekly quoted sources as saying that India intended to begin soon long-planned upgradation of 150 MIG-27 aircraft and 900 T-72 tanks.

Russia has offered India self-propelled guns, KA-30 attack helicopters, MIG trainer aircraft and airborne early warning systems, the sources said. (PTI)