India and Russia Strengthen Defense Ties with Missile Agreement
In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities, India has officially inked a deal with Russia to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles for its submarine fleet. This announcement was made by the Indian Ministry of Defence on the social media platform X, although specific details regarding the type of missile, the total quantity ordered, the financial aspects, and the delivery timeline remain undisclosed.
According to reports, these missiles are set to enhance the armament of the Indian Navy’s Sindhughosh-class submarines, which are a domestically produced variant of Russia’s Kilo-class submarines. This information was relayed by Russian state media TASS, citing an Indian news source, indicating a continued partnership between the two nations in defense technology.
Speculations Surrounding the Missile Type
There is growing speculation that the missile being procured may be the Klub-S, an export variant of the 3M-54 Kalibr anti-ship missile designed by the Russian Novator Design Bureau. The Klub-S is already operational on New Delhi’s Sindhughosh-class submarines, enhancing their long-range precision strike capabilities. Each missile can operate at low altitudes, specifically between 10 to 15 meters (32 to 49 feet), and has a striking range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) against both naval and ground targets.
Furthermore, experts suggest that the submarines might also be outfitted with the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. Retired Commodore Seshadri Vasan, head of the Chennai Centre for China Studies, shared insights with Russia’s state-owned news outlet Sputnik India, highlighting the potential addition of this advanced missile system to India’s naval arsenal.
The Zircon Hypersonic Missile: A Game Changer
The Zircon, reportedly used by the Kremlin in attacks against Ukraine in February last year, is a cutting-edge hypersonic missile that has already been deployed aboard Russia’s Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine. With an astonishing speed of Mach 9, the Zircon can engage targets from distances exceeding 965 kilometers (600 miles), marking a significant leap in missile technology and operational capability.
As India continues to enhance its defense collaboration with Russia, the integration of such advanced missile systems into its naval fleet could reshape the balance of power in the region. The focus on increasing the operational readiness and strike capabilities of the Indian Navy underscores the strategic importance of these agreements in maintaining national security.
