The Voronezh-M early-warning radar at Lekhtusi Radar Station, Leningrad Oblast, Russia. (Photo: The Kremlin)
New Delhi: India and Russia are in advanced discussions over a landmark $4 billion defence agreement aimed at bolstering India’s air-defence infrastructure. The deal focuses on the acquisition of Russia’s state-of-the-art Voronezh early-warning radar system – a move that is expected to significantly enhance India’s missile-detection and air-defence capabilities.
The Voronezh radar system, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey Corporation, is a long-range early warning radar system capable of detecting aerial threats, such as ballistic missiles, fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), from a range exceeding 8,000 kilometres. The radar can track over 500 objects simultaneously and is equipped to monitor near-Earth space objects, providing comprehensive information on potential threats.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, recently visited Russia to discuss the deal, emphasizing the importance of modernizing India’s defence infrastructure in the face of growing regional security challenges. The discussions have progressed rapidly, with both sides agreeing to involve Indian industry in the project that aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. It is expected that around 60 per cent of the system’s components will be manufactured domestically, which will promote self-reliance and boosting the local defence manufacturing sector.
This follows New Delhi’s 2018 S-400 Triumf air-defence system deal with Moscow for over $5.4 billion. The S-400 is one of the most sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems in the world, capable of intercepting and neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic or cruise missiles, at ranges of up to 400 kilometres and altitudes of up to 30 kilometres.
According to reports, as of 2024, four units of the S-400 system have been delivered to India. The fifth and final unit is expected to arrive soon, completing the contract.
The Voronezh radar system is likely to be installed in Chitradurga, Karnataka – a strategically important location that already hosts advanced defence and aerospace facilities. This installation will extend India’s surveillance capabilities well beyond its borders, providing critical early warning of potential threats and enabling rapid deployment of countermeasures.
Experts believe that the acquisition will position India alongside a select group of nations capable of monitoring missile launches and aerial activities over vast distances. As geopolitical tensions rise across various regions, this advanced radar system is expected to provide India with a critical edge in monitoring missile launches and aircraft movements, ensuring a robust and responsive defensive capability.
Officials privy to the discussions have indicated that both sides are keen to finalize the deal, with talks progressing smoothly. The finalization of the $4 billion radar deal is anticipated to be announced after Singh’s visit to Russia.
The agreement is expected to include not only the procurement of the radar systems but also technology transfer and training for Indian personnel. The deal also underscores the strategic importance of New Delhi’s enduring defence partnership with Moscow in enhancing the country’s military modernization efforts.
