Adani emerges key Russia defence partner in India

New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace is emerging as a key India-Russia partnership in defence, particularly in the air defence sector. The firm is actively collaborating with Russian manufacturers to co-produce advanced air defence weapons in India, such as the Pantsir system. This strategic move comes amid India's emphasis on modernizing its military capabilities, especially as it faces increasing global conflicts and the rising use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Adani Defence has recently signed multiple contracts in the past two years, including six recently awarded for supplying Igla-S man-portable air defence missiles to various Indian armed forces. The company has also entered a significant deal worth ₹1,800 crore for an enhanced version of the shoulder-fired missile, the 9K333 Verba, which is expected to be manufactured in India to meet large-scale procurement requirements.

The company maintains existing partnerships with Israeli drone and small arms manufacturers, extending its reach into the air defence domain. It is currently in talks with Russian firms for the co-production of more sophisticated systems, such as the Pantsir, further solidifying India-Russia military relations.

However, some Russian proposals, like the sale and co-production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet and the refurbishment of three Kilo-class submarines, have not been favored by the Indian armed forces. The Indian Navy is still awaiting the delivery of a Chakra-class nuclear attack submarine, a deal signed in 2019 but delayed due to geopolitical tensions.