India buys $1.2B R‑37M missiles from Russia
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- India signed a $1.2 bn deal for 300 R‑37M ultra‑long‑range air‑to‑air missiles from Russia, with deliveries slated within 12‑18 months.
- Russia cleared the export of the R‑37M missiles, adding $1.2 bn to its arms sales amid sanctions and the war in Ukraine.
- China relies on airborne warning and control aircraft and tankers along the Himalayan frontier, which the R‑37M can target from over 350 km.
- Pakistan’s J‑10C and JF‑17 fighters, equipped with Chinese PL‑15 missiles, were deemed vulnerable after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, prompting India’s acquisition.
Why it matters: India secures 300 R‑37M missiles worth $1.2 bn, ready by 12‑18 months, giving it the ability to knock out Chinese AWACS and Pakistani tankers, while Russia earns revenue amid sanctions and China/Pakistan must invest in new counter‑air assets.
