Government in advance level negotiations with Russia to transform Su-30MKIs into “super Sukhois”

India and Russia are in advanced government-to-government negotiations to equip the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters with the RVV-BD “Fox-Killer” beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which feature a formidable range of 200 km and high supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 6. This missile, an export variant of Russia’s R-37M, is designed to counter advanced aerial threats from China and Pakistan, particularly the PL-15 family, directly addressing gaps in India’s BVR capabilities identified after recent air operations like Operation Sindoor in May 2025.The deal includes options for technology transfer and licensed production under “Make in India,” likely involving Bharat Dynamics Limited, with an initial order of up to 300 units and total estimated value around $1.5 billion, with deliveries expected from 2027. The RVV-BD uses an advanced 60 kg fragmentation warhead and compact design for easy integration, and its induction is set to enhance India’s aerial reach along sensitive border sectors.
Strategically, this acquisition will transform Su-30MKIs into “super Sukhois” capable of engaging threats at extremely long range, and marks a deepening Indo-Russian defence partnership even as Russia faces export sanctions globally. The move aligns with India’s plan to field over 1,000 long-range BVR missiles by the decade’s end, consolidating its deterrence posture in South Asia.