The Indian Air Force (IAF), known for its strong performance in aerial combat, is now shifting its focus toward long-range air warfare. Instead of relying mainly on close-range dogfights, the IAF is strengthening its ability to engage enemy aircraft from a distance using beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.
As part of this strategy, the IAF is preparing to integrate Russia’s ultra-long-range air-to-air missile, the R-37M, on its Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets. Known in NATO as the AA-13 ‘Axehead,’ the missile allows fighter aircraft to strike enemy targets before they can respond.
Focus on Pakistan and China
According to defence sources in New Delhi, the move is aimed at future air combat scenarios involving Pakistan and China. Modern air warfare is increasingly decided by radar range, missile reach, and the ability to neutralise enemy aircraft and command systems from long distances, rather than traditional dogfighting.
Russia’s Offer and Make in India Push
Russia has offered India the option to co-produce the R-37M missile locally. This proposal aligns with India’s defence modernisation programme, valued at around USD 130 billion, and the government’s Make in India initiative. The missile has been developed by Russia’s Vympel Design Bureau.
The R-37M is designed to target high-value aerial assets such as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, refuelling tankers, bombers, cruise missiles, and large drones. It has an estimated range of about 300 kilometres and can travel at speeds above Mach 6, leaving very little reaction time for the enemy.
Russia has already deployed the R-37M on its Su-35S, Su-30SM, and Su-57 fighter jets. The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed successful combat use of the missile during the Ukraine conflict. Reports in October 2022 suggested that a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet was shot down by an R-37M launched from a Su-57.
If inducted into the IAF, the R-37M could significantly enhance India’s long-range air combat capability and potentially shift the balance of air power in South Asia.
