Russia Proposes R-37M Air-to-Air Missiles with 200km Range and 60kg Warhead to India, Offering Joint Production and Tech Sharing

Russia has made a significant offer to India at Aero India 2025, proposing the sale of its advanced R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles, known as RVV-BD in its export version. This proposal includes the possibility of local production in India, potentially boosting the nation's air combat capabilities considerably.

The R-37M missile has a remarkable maximum interception range of 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles), placing it in a select group of missiles worldwide capable of engaging targets beyond 100 miles. This capability underscores Russia's position as a leader in advanced air-to-air missile technology.

The missile utilizes a sophisticated guidance system that combines inertial control, radio correction, and active radar homing. This ensures pinpoint accuracy, even in challenging environments. This "fire and forget" capability allows the missile to independently lock onto and pursue its target after launch.

With a launch weight of around 510 kg and a 60 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the R-37M is a formidable weapon. Measuring approximately 4.06 meters in length, it can engage targets at altitudes ranging from 15 meters up to 25 kilometers, providing operational flexibility in various combat situations.

This missile could significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) long-range engagement capabilities, especially for its Su-30MKI fleet currently equipped with R-77 missiles. While effective, the R-77's range falls short of the R-37M, making the latter a potential game-changer for long-range aerial combat.

The R-37M's ability to engage high-value targets such as AWACS, tankers, and other C4ISTAR platforms from a safe distance could significantly bolster India's air defence strategy. By deterring threats more effectively, it would provide strategic depth and enhance the survivability of IAF operations.

Currently, the IAF's Su-30MKIs utilize R-77 missiles (also known as RVV-AE or RVV-MD2 in their latest version), which have a considerably shorter range than the R-37M. This proposed upgrade would not only expand the IAF's engagement envelope but also increase the effectiveness and survivability of its operations.

This potential acquisition aligns with India's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defence capabilities in the face of evolving regional security challenges.

 

[Somebody]

I think it comes with SU-57.

 

[sanket]

That's a very good offer. If ASRAAM can be produced under license, why not R-37? Second, Astra MK3 is slated to complete all trials & tests by 2031. To keep an edge in BVR, it's needed beyond 200km, apart from the Rafale fleet. That's why I have said a hundred times, IAF should consider the AL-51 derivative engine for Super Sukhoi upgrades.

 

[Enforcer]

This is good for slow-moving targets mostly like Tankers and Awacs. But the deal is good, I would buy it.

 

[Sridhar]

NYET. India will soon have ASTRA MK3 which will have a range of 300 KM. ASTRA MK2 with a range of 160 KM is adequate enough till MK3 gets operational. No more imports.

 

[GMR]

No, our Astra series will serve us well. Also, there is no urgent capability gap to fill, so why spend money on a stop-gap?

 

[Anant]

This missile falls somewhere between the Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 in terms of range, with the only arguable advantage being the flight ceiling. Then again, for almost any aircraft, a 20 km intercept ceiling is more than sufficient.

It also warrants asking just which variant they are offering. The main R-37M can manage Mach 6, but the export version RVV-BD that they have been trying to sell to multiple nations tops out at just over Mach 2.

Moreover, as a system, we will only be able to use the missile on the Su-30MKI fleet, and maybe just about on the MiG-29 fleet, though even Russia hasn't used the R-37M on their MiG-29s, instead testing it on their MiG-35s and then not proceeding with it.

All in all, if we are at a point where the Astra Mk 3 can be operationalised by, say, 2030, then let's just say Namaste to the Russians. If not, well, it might not be too bad of an idea to get a bunch of these.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Why until this time didn't the IAF have this? Instead of increasing the number of fighters, get these and upgrade. Have commandos instead of soldiers. This saves cost. When you build indigenous aircraft, then you add numbers.

 

[P.K Senapati]

If we get local production, then this R37 with 200km range will definitely be an asset for the Indian Airforce.

R37M has a compact version with shorter control surfaces for internal weapon bays of stealth aircraft like Su57, Su75, AMCA.

India's Astra Mk2 and Mk3 development can go on. Both are useful.

 

[nara]

Despite all these arms and "advanced" technologies, if Russia is unable to defeat Ukraine, then how can India be fooled by such weapons' utility?

 

[Dare Devil]

Stick with Astra MK2 and work to bring Astra MK3 to production.

 

[Bhishma]

This is good for slow-moving targets mostly like Tankers and Awacs. But the deal is good, I would buy it.

Then what would you consider good for fast-moving targets?

 

[Kira]

This missile falls somewhere between the Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 in terms of range, with the only arguable advantage being the flight ceiling. Then again, for almost any aircraft, a 20 km intercept ceiling is more than sufficient.

It also warrants asking just which variant they are offering. The main R-37M can manage Mach 6, but the export version RVV-BD that they have been trying to sell to multiple nations tops out at just over Mach 2.

Moreover, as a system, we will only be able to use the missile on the Su-30MKI fleet, and maybe just about on the MiG-29 fleet, though even Russia hasn't used the R-37M on their MiG-29s, instead testing it on their MiG-35s and then not proceeding with it.

All in all, if we are at a point where the Astra Mk 3 can be operationalised by, say, 2030, then let's just say Namaste to the Russians. If not, well, it might not be too bad of an idea to get a bunch of these.

Yeah, that speed deficit is significant, as that will mean the targeted aircraft like a tanker or AWACs will get more than enough time to take sufficient countermeasures and avoid the missile. Also, the missile itself is quite old as well and it's too bulky, which would reduce its deployment options.

 

[Sambit Ranjan]

R-37m is an excellent option considering Astra Mk3 is minimum 10 years away & Rafales with Meteor & Su-30mki with R-37m would be a nightmare for Pakistani F16s armed with AIM-120.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

Do we really need R 37 now that we are well on course to develop Astra III and IV soon?

 

[Arin Kumar]

Stick with Astra 1, 2, and 3. Focus on further indigenizing the Tejas. Get engines for Tejas Mk 1, 2, or 3 whatever the price.

And invest in aero-engines research. Kaveri was a very good start; it only needs testing more and more.

 

[Sandeep]

India can certainly have a very close look at the missile and the price, ToT and the amount and type of local production they will allow. We could directly import this missile in small numbers or manufacture a few until Astra IR MK1,2,3,4 is ready to be integrated and installed on our jets. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that we quickly develop, test and manufacture our missiles very quickly so we don’t have to make any expensive foreign imports.

 

[Tornado]

Despite all these arms and "advanced" technologies, if Russia is unable to defeat Ukraine, then how can India be fooled by such weapons' utility?

Russia is not fighting Ukraine - it's NATO, actually!

 

[Vikas Yadav]

Excellent choice if 100% TOT and 80% indigenous components and guarantee of Make in India and share software code for enhancing speed and IPR, to make export version for a third country.

 

[Double Tap]

Despite all these arms and "advanced" technologies, if Russia is unable to defeat Ukraine, then how can India be fooled by such weapons' utility?

53 countries supply weapons and mercenaries to Jewkraine

 

[sumeet biswas]

Then what would you consider good for fast-moving targets?

Missiles like Meteor, I-Derby, Astra, AMRAAM, etc.

 

[Shiva]

Its range is just a mere 300 to 400m and max speed is just Mach 6.

No specific technological advantage we get with this.

If Russia has to offer, then the range must be at least 2000km and speed at least Mach 10.

Such a missile for local production has to use metals without bothering with higher heat for a long duration, which is possible only with super alloy meraks.

Unfortunately, Russia is not willing to transfer such technology.

 

[ARIJIT]

Can buy some in small batches for present requirements.

 

[Bhishma]

Missiles like Meteor, I-Derby, Astra, AMRAAM, etc.

R-37 speed mach 6
Meteor mach 4
I-Derby mach 4
AMRAAM - mach 4
Astra - mach 4.5

How exactly is R-37 only good for slow-moving targets?

 

[Koorma]

If Russian weapons are that good, why are they not winning the war against Ukraine? Either their weapons are not very good or their generals are too general in general.