Russia Eyes to Equip Indian Su-30MKI with 400+ Range Kh-69 Stealth Cruise Missiles, But Faces Indigenous Competition

Russia is keen to equip the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets with its advanced Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, offering a significant boost to India's long-range strike capabilities. However, this ambitious proposal faces potential competition from India's own indigenous missile development programs.

Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) and design bureau MKB Raduga are actively promoting the Kh-69 to the IAF, highlighting its stealth features, precision targeting, and extended range. Rosoboronexport, Russia's arms export agency, aims to showcase the missile's potential to enhance the Su-30MKI's strike capabilities.

The Kh-69 is a subsonic, air-launched cruise missile designed to precisely strike high-value static targets. With a reported range of over 400 km and a 310 kg warhead, it is suitable for both strategic and tactical missions. While specific details remain classified, its design suggests advancements over previous Russian cruise missiles.

Key Features of the Kh-69​

• Stealth-Shaped Airframe: Reduces its radar signature, making it harder to detect and intercept.
• Precision Targeting: Ensures accuracy against critical targets, even in challenging conditions.
• Subsonic Speed and Range: Optimized for deep penetration and long-range strikes.
• Compatibility with Su-30MKI: Designed for seamless integration with the IAF's Su-30MKI fighters.

Integrating the Kh-69 with the Su-30MKI aligns with India's military modernization efforts. However, the IAF's interest remains uncertain, given that DRDO and HAL are developing indigenous stealth cruise missiles.

Challenges for the Kh-69 in India​

• Indigenous Programs: India's focus on self-reliance in defence may favor domestically developed missiles.
• Cost Considerations: The cost of acquiring and integrating the Kh-69 could be a significant factor.
• Operational Requirements: The IAF will assess whether the Kh-69 fully meets its specific operational needs.

The Kh-69 represents a notable advancement in Russian missile technology, offering enhanced stealth and precision strike capabilities. However, its success in the Indian market will depend on competition with indigenous programs, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with the IAF's specific operational requirements.

 

[PKPRS]

Great, good to have them to have a greater punch until similar local missile is made.

 

[sanket]

Weight is lighter and range is good, plus stealthy design. Developing a similar missile will take time to complete, [and] it will be better to have some missile. The IAF is already buying various missiles from France (SCALP), Israel (Rampage) and assembling/license-producing ASRAAM WVR.

 

[PARTHAJIT JANA]

No need! We already have Scalp, Brahmos, Nirbhay. We don't need it. If needed, DRDO can make any missile.

 

[Anant]

In all seriousness, we should be developing such missiles ourselves. The Kh-69 is speculated to be a modernised Kh-59 design with a lighter body and engine, and a stealthier body design.

Perhaps it would be possible to fit something use the Manik engine and make a similar missile using a smaller variant of the Nirbhay? Maybe leave off some of the fuel sections as you wouldn't need 1000+ km of range?

 

[desigandu]

No foreign missiles please…let us become atmanirbhar here…
Buy only if zircon tech is available now, else we should build our own…seems like a Russian paid influence operation…

 

[Satya Dev]

If we want to deter China without crossing the N-threshold, we need to develop & stock thousands of cheap 3000km range sub, super & Hypersonic cruise missiles capable of reaching Beijing-Shanghai-Tianjin-Shenzhen-Guangzhou-Wuhan and release guided warheads targeting HQs of Chinese CCCP-PLAGF-PLAAF-PLAN & their 4Cs.

 

[Ray]

In all seriousness, we should be developing such missiles ourselves. The Kh-69 is speculated to be a modernised Kh-59 design with a lighter body and engine, and a stealthier body design.

Perhaps it would be possible to fit something use the Manik engine and make a similar missile using a smaller variant of the Nirbhay? Maybe leave off some of the fuel sections as you wouldn't need 1000+ km of range?

A stealth cruise missile with 1000 kms range will be more potent weapon in IAF's arsenal.
We need deep penetration capabilities to hit china. A stealth cruise missile with terrain hugging ability is invincible in heights of Himalayas.
Never forget our real enemy is communist China and not Pakistan.

 

[sunilanalysis]

Do people still believe in russian missiles 🙂

Recent addition to the hoax wagon is orshenik... not a single target hit all warheads missed targets, no secondary explosions, fire.
military plant that was targetted is well intact as per satellite photos, sans russian fanfare in services circles and in some journos

 

[Sandeep]

Do people still believe in russian missiles 🙂

Recent addition to the hoax wagon is orshenik... not a single target hit all warheads missed targets, no secondary explosions, fire.
military plant that was targetted is well intact as per satellite photos, sans russian fanfare in services circles and in some journos

The missile hit its target on the military industrial area in Dnipro and on the front line troops and it couldn’t be intercepted by the USA SAM because of its very fast speed at Mach 10.

 

[Sandeep]

India should look at the missiles capabilities, technology and stealth material that is used very carefully. We should ask for a live demonstration and see its performance on radar, IR signature and possibility of being intercepted. If it’s successful and the technology works and does what it says it can then India could buy a very small number and use them very carefully at high value targets that’s heavily defended with jets and SAM.

 

[Pramkumar]

DRDO already matured in Missile technology. Indian Missiles are one of the best in the world now. So no need for import of missiles. Better to go with Indian missiles.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Never forget our real enemy is communist China and not Pakistan.

Both are our enemies.

 

[Prateek]

So plane is not stealth but we want missile that fits on is stealthy

 

[Double Tap]

So plane is not stealth but we want missile that fits on is stealthy

yes because missile has enough standoff range and being low profile its hard to intercept