India is interested in developing a new Pantsir SAM for itself

13 November, 2024 Pantsir-S1 on MAN SX45 chassis. Photo from open sources India is interested in developing a new Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun system with Russia.

The Hindu Business Line reported on this. A memorandum of understanding on plans to study the joint development of a new version of the Pantsir air defense system was signed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Russia's Rosoboronexport. The event took place on Friday, November 8, 2024.

In addition to discussing joint work, they also considered plans to create entirely new systems to strengthen the Indian anti-aircraft artillery corps.

Major General (Red.) A. Madhavarao and German Kovalenko, Deputy Director of the Rosoboronexport Naval Department. Photo: Bharat Dynamics Limited

This memorandum will allow India to continue actively updating its own air defense systems, which the country started to upgrade after 2010 as part of its confrontation with China.

The new version of the Pantsir air defense system is expected to replace the Soviet Tunguska and Shilka systems, which are currently in service with air defense units in the amount of 80 and 75 units, respectively. The memorandum is the first such agreement signed by India and Russia after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition, Russia is currently completing the supply of S-400 air defense systems under a deal signed in 2018 worth about £5.5 billion.

Updated Pantsir SAM.

Photo from open sources

According to the contract, India was supposed to receive five S-400 divisions by 2023, but due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the planned deliveries were changed, and as of November 2024, they have not yet been completed. In March 2024, it became known that the delivery of the last two regimental sets of S-400 air defense systems to India would be delayed until 2026, as Russia has its own needs related to the war in Ukraine. The first batch of three divisions is already in active use, particularly on the borders with China and Pakistan, and is participating in exercises to maintain a high level of combat readiness.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had tested a new AKASH-NG anti-aircraft missile system.