KASHMIR — India has signed a US$1.2 billion agreement with Russia to acquire approximately 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles, with deliveries expected within 12 to 18 months. The missiles are likely to be deployed on Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters.

The R-37M is capable of speeds up to Mach 6 and has a range of 300 to 400 kilometers. It is designed to target high-value support aircraft such as airborne early warning and control platforms and refueling aircraft. Russia uses the missile on its Su-30SM aircraft variant.

Integration of the R-37M onto the Su-30MKI will mainly involve software updates to the Bars radar, mission computer, and weapons management system rather than major structural changes. Indian officials aim to synchronize deployment with the Su-30MKI modernization plan covering 84 upgraded aircraft. Each upgraded airframe can carry two R-37M missiles, with fully upgraded variants capable of carrying six to eight.

The acquisition follows the loss of an Indian jet to a Chinese-made J-10C during clashes over Kashmir. Pakistan operates J-10C fighters and PL-15 missiles, and is acquiring KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Pakistan's China-made ecosystem also includes HQ-9 long-range air defense systems and ZDK-03 AWACS planes.

During the Kashmir clashes, Pakistan deployed an "ABC" system integrating ground radars, fighter jets, and airborne warning and control aircraft into a unified data-sharing network. In the system, ground systems detect targets, fighters launch from standoff range, and AWACS provide continuous guidance.

According to a War on the Rocks article, the May 2025 conflict included standoff strikes with missiles, drones, and loitering munitions, non-kinetic cyber probes, and information campaigns. According to a National Bureau of Asian Research article, there was no evidence of any manned aircraft crossing into the airspace of the other side, and the conflict was primarily a war of missiles and drones.

India is the top importer of Russian military equipment. According to a SIPRI report, between 2021 and 2025 Russia ranked as the third-largest global arms supplier with 6.8% of worldwide arms transfers, behind the United States at 42% and France at 9.8%. India was the largest recipient of Russian arms sales during that period, accounting for 48% of Russia's arms sales.

According to an October 2025 GIS report, India views Russia as a counterbalance to China, though the deepening "no-limits" partnership between China and Russia complicates that reliance. Russia has stated that it will remain neutral in an India-China conflict.