Russia has proposed replacing the R-77 air-to-air missile on India’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets with the advanced R-37M missile, offering a significant upgrade to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities. This proposal, made during Aero India 2025, includes a license for local production in India, which could bolster domestic defence manufacturing.

The R-37M, also known as RVV-BD in its export version, is a long-range missile with a maximum interception range of 200 kilometres, allowing it to engage targets well beyond visual range.

The proposal, announced at Aero India 2025, includes the opportunity for local production in India, which would significantly enhance the nation's air combat capabilities. The R-37M missile boasts an impressive maximum interception range of 200 kilometres, although some reports suggest its range can extend to 300-400 kilometres with certain configurations.

This upgrade would provide the Su-30MKI fleet with extended operational range and flexibility compared to the existing R-77 missiles, which have a shorter range. The R-37M’s ability to operate at altitudes between 15 meters and 25 kilometres and its hypersonic speed of up to Mach 6 enhance its effectiveness in long-range aerial combat. If adopted, this system would significantly enhance the IAF’s engagement envelope, survivability, and overall combat effectiveness, aligning with India’s broader efforts to modernize its defence capabilities amidst evolving regional security challenges

It features a sophisticated guidance system combining inertial navigation, radio correction, and radar homing for high accuracy. With a launch weight of 510 kg and a 60 kg warhead, the missile is designed to destroy high-value targets such as AWACS and tanker aircraft while keeping the launching platform out of enemy reach.

Its speed can reach hypersonic levels, up to Mach 6, which is crucial for intercepting fast-moving targets. The missile’s design includes a cylindrical body with an ogive fairing, utilising a normal aerodynamic scheme with a low-aspect wing for better lift and range. It has a weight of approximately 510 kilograms and a length of over 4 meters, with a warhead weighing 60 kilograms.

It features a sophisticated guidance system combining inertial control, radio correction, and active radar homing, allowing for precise targeting even in challenging scenarios.

The R-37M missile weighs approximately 510 kilograms, has a length of over 4 meters, and carries a 60-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead.

It is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 6, making it a hypersonic weapon effective against fast-moving aerial threats.

This missile is designed to engage high-value targets such as AWACS, tankers, and other support platforms, keeping the launching aircraft out of enemy fighter range.

The offer to produce the R-37M missile locally in India aligns with India's goal of boosting domestic defence production for enhanced self-reliance. If the deal materializes, it would replace the R-77 missiles currently used by the Indian Air Force, particularly on its Su-30MKI fleet, and potentially equip other fighters like the Rafale with indigenous R-37M missiles.

This development has raised concerns among neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China, due to the significant enhancement it would bring to India's defence capabilities.

Bulgarian Military Report