Could Russian missiles help India counter its arch-rival’s Chinese weapons?

India has reportedly signed a $1.2 billion deal with Russia to acquire approximately 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles, according to Malaysia-based defence news platform Defence Security Asia. The R-37M, among the longest-range AAMs globally, boasts an operational range of 300-400 km (185-250 miles) and can travel at Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound). Designed for launch from Russian Su-30MKI fighters—a mainstay of the Indian Air Force—the missile targets support aircraft like airborne early-warning and tanker planes, which are critical for extended air operations.

Deliveries could begin within 12 to 18 months, aligning with India's parallel development of its own Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 missiles, expected to be operational around the same time. This acquisition aims to counter the growing integration of Chinese and Pakistani aerial weapons profiles, as China supplies Pakistan with advanced aircraft and support systems. The R-37M acts as a 'force multiplier,' enabling New Delhi to disrupt enemy surveillance and refueling operations, thereby reducing the effectiveness of Chinese-origin platforms in regional conflicts.