RVV-BD hypersonic long-range BVR missile designed to airborne target assets like AWACS

India has cleared a massive ₹1.1 lakh crore military acquisition package that will significantly boost the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity to the proposals, with the ministry emphasising that nearly 98% of procurement by value will come from Indian industry.

These approvals mark the first stage of the acquisition process, with technical evaluations, trials and negotiations to follow, and final induction requiring clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

For the Indian Air Force, the package includes the overhaul and modification of forty Su-30MKI fighters by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. This is double the number earlier proposed by the PSU. The IAF operates around 260 Su-30MKIs, its mainstay fighter fleet, and the council had already cleared the overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates in March.

The modification will enable the Sukhois to fire the RVV-BD, the export version of Russia’s R-37M long-range air-to-air missile. This missile, weighing 510 kg and carrying a 60-kg warhead, has a declared range of 200 km and is designed to target high-value airborne assets such as AWACS aircraft and aerial refuellers.

Operation Sindoor had underscored the need for such a capability, highlighting gaps in India’s long-range beyond-visual-range arsenal.

The indigenous ASTRA MK-2 missile, still undergoing development trials, is a lighter system weighing 155 kg with a 15-kg warhead and a comparable claimed range. The difference in size and warhead weight reflects their distinct roles.

The R-37M is intended to deliver a heavy punch against large, high-value aircraft, while the Astra Mk-2 is designed for fighter-to-fighter engagements. The IAF will also receive a ground-based multi-purpose jammer to provide effective jamming against adversary radars, further strengthening its electronic warfare capabilities.

For the Navy, the DAC approved the design, development and procurement of a 24–28 MW marine gas turbine. This propulsion system will reduce dependence on foreign vendors, as India currently imports turbines for several frontline destroyers and frigates.

The program is likely to follow the Make-I route of the Defence Acquisition Procedure, under which the government funds indigenous design and development and can meet up to 70% of prototype costs. The project could involve ₹4,000–₹5,000 crore, with four prototypes planned and a minimum requirement of around forty engines.

The Navy will also acquire Arudhra radars, developed by DRDO, which will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at Naval Air Stations. Arudhra is a four-dimensional active phased-array radar with an instrumented range of 400 km, capable of detecting a two-square-metre target at up to 300 km.

The Army will receive additional HAL-built Advanced Light Helicopters, or Dhruv, to execute complex missions across varied terrains and operational situations. Earlier, a ₹8,073 crore deal for thirty-four DHRUV MK-III helicopters was signed with HAL in March 2024.

The Army will also acquire high-mobility vehicles to enhance operational capabilities and logistics support in challenging terrains, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance vehicles capable of detecting and marking contaminated areas, self-propelled mechanical mine layers for fast minelaying, trawl tanks, and the Sarvatra bridge system to provide composite crossings for fighting formations during operations.

Key Security Advantages

Enhanced Air Superiority: The integration of the R-37M missile onto Su-30MKIs provides India with a dedicated weapon to neutralise high-value airborne assets such as AWACS and refuelers, significantly degrading adversary air campaigns.

Bridging Capability Gap: Until the Astra Mk-2 is fully operational, the R-37M offers an immediate solution to India’s long-range BVR shortfall, ensuring readiness against regional threats.

Electronic Warfare Strengthening: The ground-based multi-purpose jammer enhances India’s ability to counter adversary radar systems, improving survivability and operational effectiveness.

Indigenous Naval Propulsion: The development of a 24–28 MW marine gas turbine reduces reliance on imports, strengthens self-reliance, and ensures long-term sustainability for warship propulsion.

Advanced Surveillance: The induction of Arudhra radars boosts naval situational awareness with long-range detection capabilities, enhancing maritime security.

Army Modernisation: New helicopters, vehicles, mine layers, and bridging systems improve mobility, logistics, and combat readiness across diverse terrains.

Industrial Boost: With 98% of procurement by value sourced from Indian industry, the package stimulates domestic defence manufacturing, creating jobs and strengthening the ecosystem.

This acquisition plan represents a decisive step in India’s military modernisation, combining immediate capability enhancements with long-term indigenous development.

Agencies