Rosoboronexport has initiated a global marketing campaign for the RVV‑SDM medium‑range air‑to‑air missile, which has been developed and manufactured by Tactical Missiles Corporation.

The missile is being offered primarily for the export‑version Su‑57E fighter, but it can also be adapted for other Russian‑made aircraft following appropriate modifications.

The company has further stated that the weapon could be integrated into the armament systems of foreign‑made aircraft, broadening its potential customer base.

The RVV‑SDM is designed to engage a wide range of targets including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles. It is intended to operate effectively around the clock, even in environments where electronic countermeasures are present.

The missile employs an active/passive radar seeker, an inertial control system and a radio update link. It is capable of engaging targets at altitudes between 15 metres and 25 kilometres, including those travelling at speeds of up to Mach 3.

Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev highlighted growing international interest in the Su‑57E fifth‑generation fighter, emphasising that the aircraft has demonstrated superiority in actual combat conditions.

The company stated that the Su‑57E has successfully engaged air, ground and surface targets using Russian air‑launched weapons, including the RVV‑SDM. According to Rosoboronexport, the missile offers a longer launch range, an improved power‑to‑weight ratio, higher effectiveness and enhanced aerodynamic performance.

Mikheev further noted that the RVV‑SDM incorporates a passive radar homing channel, which provides stealth, high guidance accuracy, fire‑and‑forget capability and resistance to jamming.

However, Rosoboronexport did not disclose the maximum launch range of the missile in its statement. The RVV‑SDM is being marketed as part of a broader air‑to‑air weapons package for the Su‑57E, which also includes the RVV‑MD2 short‑range missile and the RVV‑BD long‑range missile.

The Su‑57E export weapons package extends beyond air‑to‑air missiles. It features Kh‑38MLE air‑to‑surface missiles and Kh‑69 air‑launched cruise missiles. Other listed weapons include Kh‑58UShKE anti‑radar missiles, Kh‑35UE anti‑ship missiles, KAB‑250LG‑E guided bombs and UPAB‑1500B‑E guided glide bombs. Rosoboronexport explained that these weapons can be carried either in the Su‑57E’s internal bays or on external hardpoints, with internal carriage intended to reduce the fighter’s radar signature.

Mikheev confirmed that Rosoboronexport is prepared to negotiate contracts with countries friendly to Russia for the supply of both the Su‑57E fighter and its associated air‑launched weapons. He stressed that the company prioritises the requirements of the Russian Armed Forces in its export activities. 

Rosoboronexport also asserted that Russia’s defence industry possesses sufficient production capacity to support export deliveries while meeting domestic military needs. The company claimed it could offer production and delivery schedules comparable with, and in some cases shorter than, those of international competitors.

The RVV‑SDM represents a significant addition to Russia’s export portfolio, particularly as Moscow seeks to expand the appeal of the Su‑57E in global markets. By offering a comprehensive weapons package that includes short‑, medium‑ and long‑range air‑to‑air missiles alongside precision strike and anti‑ship capabilities, Rosoboronexport aims to position the Su‑57E as a versatile fifth‑generation fighter for nations unable to access Western aircraft such as the F‑35.

This sales push underscores Russia’s strategy of leveraging advanced missile technology to enhance the attractiveness of its flagship stealth fighter in the international arena.

India is currently not planning to procure the RVV‑SDM missile. India has instead focused on acquiring other Russian air‑to‑air systems such as the R‑37M (RVV‑BD) and the R‑77‑1 (RVV‑SD), while continuing to modernise its Su‑30MKI fleet and develop indigenous ASTRA missiles.