During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's ongoing visit to Russia, talks are progressing on a major defence agreement worth $4 billion that could significantly enhance India’s air defence infrastructure. The deal revolves around the acquisition of the Voronezh radar system, manufactured by Russia's Almaz-Antey Corporation, which specializes in anti-aircraft missile systems and radars. The Voronezh radar, with a range of over 8,000 km, is designed to detect threats such as ballistic missiles, fighter jets, and ICBMs, offering India the ability to monitor airspace across China, South and Central Asia, and the Indian Ocean region. The radar system’s capabilities include tracking more than 500 objects simultaneously and detecting stealth aircraft.

Discussions have included an emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with plans for at least 60% of the radar system to be produced locally. The radar could be deployed in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which already hosts some of India’s most advanced defence and aerospace facilities. This acquisition is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s regional and global air defence and surveillance capacities.

Additionally, during his visit, Rajnath Singh is set to review the progress of India’s pending S-400 missile system deliveries from Russia, part of an earlier 2018 agreement.