Storm speed of 7400 KMPH, more dangerous than BrahMos, enemies can be wiped out in the blink of an eye.

R-37M Long-Range Missile: India is a big player strategically and strategically at the global level. He has his own identity in defense also. A nefarious attempt was made to challenge this very identity of India in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. India gave a befitting and befitting reply by launching Operation Sindoor. During the conflict with Pakistan, countries like China and Türkiye had openly supported the country which gives shelter to terrorists. In view of the spread of enemies from West to North and East, India is now preparing to deal with situations like military conflict on two fronts simultaneously. In this regard, it is also engaged in developing ultra modern fighter jets, air defense systems as well as ballistic and cruise missiles equipped with cutting edge technology. Thousands and lakhs of crores of rupees are also being spent on the purchase of defense equipment. Under this strategy, India is trying to buy air-to-air missiles more dangerous than BrahMos. In this sequence, a deal is soon going to be finalized between India and Russia regarding the purchase of state-of-the-art missiles. It is being told that this will significantly increase India’s air power. The strength of Su-30MKI fighter jet will also increase manifold.

Actually, India is in the process of purchasing long range air-to-air R-37M missile from friendly country Russia. There is a plan to import 300 such missiles. The deal is expected to be sealed soon. After the deal is done, its delivery will start in 12 to 18 months. India is going to take a big step towards further strengthening its air defense capability. The agreement between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russia on the purchase of about 300 R-37M (NATO name: AA-13 Axehead) very long-range air-to-air missiles is almost finalized. Many sources related to this deal have confirmed this. It is expected that once the agreement is formalized, the delivery of these missiles will start within 12 to 18 months.

Why is R-37M missile special?

R-37M is considered to be the world’s longest range active air-to-air missile. It can hit targets at a distance of more than 300 kilometers. Its official range is said to be 150 to 200+ km, depending on the altitude of flight and direction of the target, but its actual striking range is considered to be much more than this. This missile will be fired from Indian Su-30MKI fighter planes flying at high speed and will be able to destroy enemy AWACS, air-tankers, stand-off jammers and low-flying cruise missiles even before they enter the Indian border. It would also be relatively easy for the IAF to add this missile, as the R-37M is already operational on Russia’s Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft. Since the design of the Su-30SM is very similar to India’s Su-30MKI, only a few software updates will be required to integrate the missile. According to the report of ‘Indian Defense Research Wing’, by making small changes in N011M Bars radar and mission computer, Su-30MKI will be able to fully use this missile.

The speed of long-range R-37M missile is twice that of BrahMos. This will double the power of Su-30MKI fighter jet. (File photo/PTI)

Is R-37M the answer to China’s PL-15?

A major reason for the speed of this deal is recent experience. During Operation ‘Sindoor’ in May 2025, the IAF’s Su-30MKIs were several times behind the Pakistani Air Force (PAF)’s J-10CE aircraft in range. J-10CE aircraft are fitted with China’s PL-15 missile, whose range is believed to be 180–200 km. Indian fighter planes had to retreat several times due to lack of long-range missiles. This situation will reverse after the arrival of R-37M. Indian Su-30MKI will acquire the ability to first sight the enemy, first attack and first hit the target. This means that they will get a huge advantage in destroying the enemy’s important airborne systems from the stand-off distance itself. A senior IAF officer said Astra Mk-2 is still two years away and Meteor missile integration on Rafale is being delayed. In such a situation, R-37M is the only weapon that can instantly destroy important enemy targets at a distance of 250–300 km. Just one Su-30MKI equipped with two R-37Ms can stop enemy AWACS and tankers from advancing in the entire sector.

This will become an interim force until Astra Mk-3 arrives.

India wants to rely on Astra Mk-3 missile (300+ km range) with its indigenous SFDR technology in future. But this missile will come into production around 2030–32. Till then R-37M will fill an important gap. On Su-30MKI it will be installed in a semi-recessed manner under the fuselage. Two missiles can be fitted on each aircraft. This will provide space for short range R-77-1 and Astra Mk-1/2 missiles on the wings of the aircraft. After this deal, the long-range air combat capability of IAF will increase manifold. Pushing back enemy surveillance aircraft, tankers and command and control systems will give India a strategic edge in the entire airspace. Experts believe that this missile will provide the Indian Air Force with Asia’s most lethal long-range air combat capability.