New Delhi: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE) to collaborate on the Pantsir air defence missile-gun systems.
The agreement was signed on November 8 during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) subgroup meeting in Goa by BDL’s Chairman and Managing Director, A Madhavarao (Retd), and Kovalenko German, Deputy Director General of the Naval Department at ROE.
“Bharat Dynamics Limited and Rosoboronexport (ROE), Russia entered into MoU for cooperation on Pantsir variants, air defence missile-gun system. The MoU was signed by Cmde A Madhavarao,(Retd), CMD, BDL and Mr Kovalenko German, DDG, Naval Dept, ROE on the sidelines of the 5th IRIGC Subgroup at Goa,” BDL said in a post on X.
Equipped with both missile and gun capabilities, the Pantsir-S1 system is a mobile, short-range air defence system. In a prior statement, Rosoboronexport describing the system said, “Pantsir-S1 Air Defence Missile and Gun System: Perfect protection for any object.” Further, Rosoboronexport official website states that the system has been designed for the air defence of small military, industrial, and administrative facilities and can defend against a wide range of air threats, including fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, cruise missiles, and high-precision weapons.
The Pantsir-S1’s capabilities include engaging targets within a range of 1,200 to 20,000 metres using missiles, and 200 to 4,000 metres with gun weapons. The altitude range for missiles is from 15 to 15,000 metres, while guns can engage targets between 0 to 3,000 metres. It can also handle up to four targets simultaneously and engage objects moving at speeds of up to 1,000 metres per second.
The timing of BDL’s collaboration with Rosoboronexport is interesting as it indicates toward a new deal in the making between the two time-tested partners. In August, the Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) for carrier air defence tracked (CADET) vehicles. It follows India’s ongoing defence partnership with Russia, including the high-profile acquisition of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems.
According to Rosoboronexport, India’s S-400 acquisition deal is the “biggest-ever deal” in the company’s history. Managed by Rostec State Corporation, it is one of the largest defence contracts in Russia’s history and a milestone in Indo-Russian defence relations.
“The S-400 supply agreement with India is a new landmark in the history of military-technical cooperation between our countries. The deal demonstrates the highest level of trust and understanding between India and Russia,” Rostec’s Head Sergey Chemezov had said at the time of signing.
Raksha Anirveda's editorial desk team brings in the collective experience of creative professionals - a fine mix of senior copy editors, writers, proofreaders and designers. Working as a team, they continuously create, manage, and curate content to sustain the magazine's profile and reputation in line with market trends and achieve magazine's goal.
