Adani Defence is emerging as a key private-sector partner for Russia’s defence industry in India, with the company expanding into advanced air defence systems. The firm is working with Russian manufacturers on the co-production of weapons such as the Pantsir in India. Contracts for Igla-S missiles are already under way, while a larger deal for Verba missiles is also nearing completion.

Russia is also strengthening defence cooperation with state-run companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). Several contracts have been signed over the past two years, while others are at advanced stages of procurement. The partnerships focus on technology transfer and local production in line with India’s defence acquisition rules.

Adani Defence, which already works with Israeli companies in drones and small arms, is now entering the air defence segment through partnerships with Russian firms. The Indian military has identified air defence as a major modernisation priority amid ongoing global conflicts and the growing use of drones.

Adani has secured six contracts in the past two years to supply Russian Igla-S missiles to the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force. The company is also in the final stages of a ₹1,800 crore contract for the more advanced 9K333 Verba shoulder-fired missile. Adani Defence was nominated for the deal last month. The procurement is being processed as a single-vendor contract with an exemption from competitive bidding. The missiles are expected to be manufactured in India to meet the armed forces’ requirement for several thousand units.

Adani is also holding talks with Russian manufacturers to explore co-production of advanced air defence systems such as the Pantsir in India. Last week, the company signed a long-term agreement to supply ammunition to Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd. It is also manufacturing components for AK-203 rifles.

Meanwhile, HAL is working with Russian partners on the planned upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet. HAL will handle most of the work, while Russian companies will provide technical consultancy.

However, two major Russian proposals have not received much support from the Indian armed forces. One involves the sale and co-production of the Su-57 fighter jet, which Moscow describes as a fifth-generation aircraft. The IAF has continued to maintain its preference for Rafale fighter jets, followed by India’s indigenous Advanced Multi Role Combat Aircraft.

Russia has also proposed selling three refurbished EKM-class diesel-electric submarines to replace the Navy’s ageing Kilo-class fleet. The plan involves upgrading existing hulls to modern standards. Questions remain over Russia’s ability to deliver the submarines amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and pressure on its defence industry.

The Indian Navy is also awaiting a Chakra-class nuclear attack submarine from Russia under a 2019 agreement. The submarine was originally due for delivery in 2025.