Aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s state-owned arms exporter, Rosoboronexport (ROE) to facilitate cooperation for variants of the advanced Pantsir air defence missile-gun system.
The MoU was signed at the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Subgroup meeting in Goa.
This partnership underscores the continued defence collaboration between India and Russia, focusing on enhancing India’s air defence capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.
The Pantsir air defence system is a highly versatile and mobile platform designed to protect military installations and critical infrastructure from aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions. The system combines short- to medium-range surface-to-air missiles with dual 30mm automatic cannons, creating a multi-layered defence.
Equipped with advanced radar and tracking systems, the Pantsir can detect and engage targets up to 36 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres, providing a rapid reaction time for intercepting fast-moving threats.
With this collaboration, BDL and ROE aim to explore new avenues for manufacturing, technology transfer, and joint development of the Pantsir variants, aligning with India’s broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Pantsir system’s adaptability for different terrains and its capability to counter multiple aerial threats simultaneously will be a crucial addition to India’s defensive arsenal, reinforcing the nation’s preparedness against regional threats and augmenting existing air defence systems.
The signing of this MoU highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its defence cooperation with longstanding partner Russia while ensuring that critical technologies are adapted and customised to meet India’s specific security needs.