Despite sanctions, India's dependence on Russian military equipment likely to persist for decades to come
India is received batteries of S-400 air defence systems from Russia, so will remain dependent on the OEM for technical support for years to come. (Photo: Rosoboronexport)
Despite boosting indigenous production and diversifying its sources of military equipment, India is in no position to give up its long-time dependence on Russia.
India’s enduring dependence on Russian equipment – whose availability has been adversely impacted by sanctions imposed on Moscow by the US and its NATO partners for its invasion of Ukraine – is expected to persist, despite emerging obstacles.
Though Delhi had reduced this reliance on Russia by some 33% between 2011 and 2020, a cross-section of senior Indian military officers, defence officials and security analysts concur that its requirement for Russian miliary equipment will persist over the next 10-15 years, if not longer.
Defence analyst Maj Gen A.P Singh (retired) said: ‘Switching to alternative supply sources was not even a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
