India, Russia sign major defence agreements

The two sides also firmed up a wide-ranging protocol setting up Inter-Governmental Commission on Defence and Technical Cooperation, to be headed by Defence Minister George Fernandes and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov. It will meet annually.

The protocol and two agreements on indigenous production of SU-30 MKI and acquisition of Russian aircraft carrier were signed by Klebanov and Fernandes at South Block in the presence of top-ranking defence and military officials from both sides.

A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed by Klebanov and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.

A Defence ministry spokesman said the accords relating to acquisition of T-90 MBTs, SU-30 MKIs and the aircraft carrier were a “composite package”.

A Defence Ministry spokesman said a “large number” of 90-tanks would be supplied in fully-formed condition.

He said India would also acquire complete technology-transfer of the state-of-the-art tank with missile-firing capability for its indigenous manufacture.

The first of these tanks, fitted with an active protection system against enemy missiles, would arrive in India within months, defence officials said adding that the Indian Army had completed trials of the armament system.

The acquisition of these tanks would offset Pakistan’s perceived armoured superiority by its induction of upgraded Ukrainian T-80 UD tanks and delays in indigenous production of MBT Arjun.

The spokesman said the agreement on acquisition of Admiral Gorshkov would pave the way for its re-fit and modernisation. The re-fitted heavy carrier would be equipped with MIG-29K naval fighters in addition of Sea Harriers and Sea King, KA-31 and KA-28 helicopters.

“As per the agreement, the Russian side will be submitting a detailed project report on the basis of which an investment decision will be taken by India,” he said.

Though officials were tightlipped on delivery schedule, top naval sources said they expected the induction of the aircraft carrier in 28 months. They said the navy would be sending crew and officers for training on the warship in the next 12 months.

The acquisition of a carrier with over 45,000 tonnes’ displacement capacity would enable the navy to fill the void, created by the decommissioning of India’s carrier INS Vikrant, three years ago. India, at present, has only one carrier, INS Viraat.

The third major agreement relates to transfer of technology and licenced production of 140 SU-MKI fighter planes, their engines and air-borne equipment by HAL. It also provides for enhancing the life cycle of these aircraft already in service with the IAF and setting up of repair and overhaul facilities.

Defence officials said a special feature of the agreement was that it also sets up possibility of joint production, joint marketing and buy-back of equipment manufactured by HAL by its Russian parent company.

“This sets off the prospects of engineers and designers of both sides working jointly to effect generation improvements in aircraft engines and systems,” they said.

The signing of the protocol, the sources said, would pave the way for India’s early acquisition of S-300 Anti-missile shield and deadly SMERCH multi-barrel rocket system.

They said that the SMERCH system would be inducted only after conducting user-trials by the army in snow and desert conditions and testing its target acquisition capability.