In India, at an airbase located in the suburbs of Bangalore, the eighth International Aerospace Show "Aero India - 2011", one of the largest in Asia, began its work. Russia presents more than 80 samples of weapons and military equipment there.
Aviation has always held a special place in military-technical cooperation between Russia and India. It was with the delivery of a batch of MiG-21 aircraft in 1964 that the modern history of relations between countries in the military sphere began. Strategic partnerships are the result of mutually beneficial work over these decades. The visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India in December last year confirmed the high status of relations.
In its course, a number of important agreements were signed, including a contract for the development of a preliminary design of a promising fifth-generation multifunctional fighter (FGFA). This gave a start to the practical implementation of the joint program. Currently, similar developments are being carried out by the United States and China. Thanks to cooperation with Russia, India can now be fully attributed to them.
No less promising is the project of creating a multipurpose transport aircraft (MTA), which in the future should enter service with the air forces of both countries. It is expected that the aircraft will not only be actively used by the military, but will also become widespread in the commercial transportation market.
“We are moving on to deep cooperation and joint development of advanced designs. This is a truly new level of trust. One thing is the sale of finished equipment or licensed assembly, another is programs for a fifth generation fighter, an MTA transport aircraft, and BrahMos missiles. That is, we are already working on a number of key projects that will determine the defense capability of our countries in the future,”said Viktor Komardin, Deputy Director General of FSUE Rosoboronexport.
Russia became the first country to transfer modern technologies to India in the field of aviation, land technology, and shipbuilding. Today one of the most illustrative examples is the licensed production of Su-30MKI aircraft by the aircraft building corporation HAL. This modification of the fighter was created specifically for the Indian Air Force, taking into account the high requirements for Russian manufacturers. The aircraft proved to be highly efficient and reliable. Indicative is the fact that in 2009 the President of India Pratibha Patil flew on it.
India also manufactures 3rd series RD-33 engines for MiG-29 fighters under license. The Indian Air Force's extensive experience in operating aircraft of this brand, as well as the availability of infrastructure, give the Russian MiG-35 fighter a chance to win in the MMRCA tender.
The Be-200 multifunctional amphibious aircraft should be of great interest to the participants of the air show, which, at the request of foreign customers, can be equipped with a modern complex of observation and detection equipment with an open architecture for carrying out naval reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, as well as for transporting cargo, personnel and ambulances. transportation.
At "Aero India - 2011" FSUE "Rosoboronexport" offers foreign partners a wide range of helicopter technology. In recent years, the export of Russian rotorcraft has been growing steadily. Among the most successful export models are the Mi-17 family of helicopters, which are now being supplied to the Indian Air Force. Proven and efficient, these helicopters continue to conquer new markets.
Experts also draw attention to the Mi-28NE, which is participating in an Indian tender for the supply of 22 attack helicopters. The Mi-28NE has a wide range of weapons, unique survivability, can operate at any time of the day and in the most difficult weather conditions. Since 2009, these helicopters began to enter service with the Russian army. The pilots celebrate the aircraft's excellent flight and combat qualities.
Other samples include the Ka-226T light multipurpose helicopter, which is participating in a tender in the interests of the Indian army. The advantages of the Ka-226T are a practical ceiling, a coaxial propeller arrangement, the ability to install various target modules, which makes it possible to use one helicopter to solve a wide range of tasks.
The Mi-26T, a participant in another tender, simply has no analogues in terms of its carrying capacity. He proved himself excellently during rescue operations, during the most complex transportation and installation work.
Visitors to the air show can also receive information about the Mi-35M transport and combat helicopter, the Ka-31 radar patrol helicopter, and the Ansat and Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters.
An integral part of the Russian exposition at air shows are air defense systems, which are rightfully considered one of the best in the world.
Experts pay attention to the Tor-M2E and S-300VM Antey-2500 anti-aircraft missile systems, Buk-M2E anti-aircraft missile systems, a modernized version of the well-proven Tunguska-M1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system.
