Adani Plans to Produce Russian R-73E Short-Range AAM Missile as "Raya" in India, Boosting Su-30 MKI and Mig-29 Jet's Close-Combat Prowess

In a significant move towards bolstering India's domestic defence production, Adani Defence and Aerospace has revealed its ambitious plan to manufacture the R-73E short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) within the country.

This initiative, which aligns with the Indian government's 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) programs, aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports and strengthen the nation's defence industrial base. The indigenously produced missile will be known as "Raya."

The R-73E, originally developed by Russia's Vympel NPO, is a highly agile, short-range AAM with a proven track record. Widely regarded as one of the most effective within visual range (WVR) missiles globally, it is known by its NATO reporting name "AA-11 Archer." The missile is a crucial component of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) arsenal, equipping frontline fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-21 Bison.

With a range of up to 30 kilometers, the R-73E is recognized for its advanced infrared homing (heat-seeking) guidance system, exceptional maneuverability, and off-boresight engagement capabilities, allowing it to target aircraft at angles up to 45 degrees. These features make it a formidable weapon in close-combat aerial warfare.

The R-73E's combat effectiveness was notably demonstrated during the 2019 Indo-Pakistan aerial skirmish, where it was reportedly employed by an IAF MiG-21 Bison to shoot down a Pakistani F-16. This incident underscored the missile's reliability and performance in real-world combat scenarios.

Adani Defence and Aerospace, a prominent player in India's private defence sector, is taking a leading role in strengthening the nation's self-reliance in defence production.

The 'Raya' project will involve establishing state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India, facilitated by technology transfer agreements with Russian partners. This move not only boosts India's defence capabilities but also establishes Adani Defence as a significant contributor to the country's growing defence industrial base.

The company's proven expertise in integrating complex defence systems, demonstrated through its work on drones, small arms, and ammunition, will be crucial in ensuring the successful production of these advanced missiles.

This initiative holds significant implications for India's defence preparedness. Domestic production of the 'Raya' missile will ensure a steady supply of this critical weapon system, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and potentially lead to cost efficiencies in the long run.

Furthermore, it will contribute to the development of advanced manufacturing skills and technological expertise within India, supporting the country's broader goals of self-reliance and technological advancement in the defence sector.

 

[Somebody]

Rebranded Missile, Rebranded UAV.

 

[sanket]

Python-5 would have ideal rather R-73E, Python-5 is world deadly WVR missile, why we need R-73E when ASRAAM too already being License produce why two WVR missile are being License produce locally Instead of Developing Indigenous WVR.

 

[Debalik]

1960s era R-73 WVR AAMs when we already have Python-5 & ASRAAM, Javelin ATGMs when we already have Spike & Nag ATGMs, Igla-S MANPADS when we already have Stingers & V-Shorad MANPADS, Stryker APCs even though Tata WhAP is already securing export orders, more T-90Ms even though Ukraine destroyed literally 590 T-90s with just ATGMs & Loitering Munitions - something is very very wrong in our defence procurement.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Just back in Sep 2024, it was reported ASRAAMs manufactured by BDL (US components free, as compared to the initial lot of 384 imported from MBDA, UK) were to replace the R73Es from Russia for Su-30MKIs. If that is true, what's the point going in again for indigenous manufacture of R73Es?

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Why are we manufacturing this outdated junk? The R-73 needs to be retired already and replaced with ASRAAM Mod 6/Python 5 as our standard CCM.

 

[Enforcer]

Rebranded Missile, Rebranded UAV.

Yes but it gives them huge experience in manufacturing. Its one thing to design something on paper, its very difficult to actually manufacture it. IT IS a great first step and I fully support all companies doing so. Setting up a production line is very challenging in itself.

 

[Hotel_X-Ray_India]

Yes but it gives them huge experience in manufacturing. Its one thing to design something on paper, its very difficult to actually manufacture it. IT IS a great first step and I fully support all companies doing so. Setting up a production line is very challenging in itself.

Okay, I come from an engineering background with some great design experience. If design was really that easy, then we would have designed an F-35 or something similar. Mind you, design takes 7-15 years for an aircraft and merely a year to manufacture.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Very good news. We need R73 and its improved versions for MiG, Sukhoi, and Tejas aircraft.

Indian local production and maintenance is a positive step in self-dependence in close combat missiles.

With R73 made in India, we do not need to import Python or ASRAAM or Mica.

 

[Enforcer]

Okay, I come from an engineering background with some great design experience. If design was really that easy, then we would have designed an F-35 or something similar. Mind you, design takes 7-15 years for an aircraft and merely a year to manufacture.

Did I say easy? I am an aerospace engineer and I worked for Pratt and Whitney and Sikorsky. You don't even know how hard it is to manufacture and designs have to be changed and improved once you start manufacturing. I have worked on the design team and production team and production challenges are tough and many times you have to go back and redesign everything.

BTW, I am talking about high-tech manufacturing each individual component, not screwdriving.

 

[Somebody]

Yes but it gives them huge experience in manufacturing. Its one thing to design something on paper, its very difficult to actually manufacture it. IT IS a great first step and I fully support all companies doing so. Setting up a production line is very challenging in itself.

Experience like HAL, this is why they still couldn’t make a 100% 4th gen jet, they are still at 50-60%, HAL did this for the last 50 Years.

 

[The Presence]

Rebranded Missile, Rebranded UAV.

Facility will be used to cater to export customers who might not prefer to import directly from Russia due to CAATSA.

 

[Kira]

I believe capable alternatives already exists for this missile like the Israeli Python or ASRAAM.

 

[Enforcer]

Experience like HAL, this is why they still couldn’t make a 100% 4th gen jet, they are still at 50-60%, HAL did this for the last 50 Years.

HAL has been screwdriving for years and years. I don't want the Private sector to be like HAL, but all private companies look for profits first and then enter the market in full scale. If DRDO can develop an indigenous missile and then sell the tech to Adani to manufacture, what is wrong with that? Once they have acquired the tech I am sure they will do R&D to build newer versions.