FSMTC OF RUSSIA

Dmitry Shugaev: ‘Our partnerships have long moved to industrial and technological model of cooperation’

In accordance with the law of the Russian Federation, activities in the field of Military-Technical Cooperation (MTC) with foreign countries shall be controlled and supervised by the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC of Russia) that, among other things, shall ensure implementation of basic principles of the Russian government policy in the field of MTC. Before the AERO INDIA 2025 Dmitry Evgenyevich Shugaev, FSMTC of Russia Director discusses main directions and tendencies in development of military-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries, the peculiarities of Russian military purpose product exporters‘ activities at the present stage in his interview to our magazine.

- Mr Shugaev Cooperation between Russia and India in the sphere of military-technical cooperation can be described as very special and unique partnership. What are the foundations this partnership is based on?

- The cooperation between Russia and India in the sphere of military-technical cooperation features well-founded, long-term nature. It has been lasting for over six decades. This cooperation provides a solid ground for long-term privileged strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi. We do not tie or condition our cooperation and partnership to whatever foreign policy factors or internal processes going on in our countries. We do not put forward any political demands to each other. This has been the matter of principle for our countries.
India is the only country in the world with which Russia materializes the Program for military-technical cooperation covering practically all spheres of interaction between defense industrial complexes of both nations.

- What can you tell us about relations between Russia and India in the military-technical sphere today and in a retrospective?

- The military-technical cooperation between our countries has a long history, starting off in the Soviet times. The USSR and then Russia made direct shipments to India and helped setting up local assembly under license, of a long list of weapons and military equipment for all services/branches of the Armed Forces.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the backbone of the Indian air force was made of the MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters, MiG-27M fighter-bombers, Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters.
The Land Forces took deliveries of the PT-76 lightweight tanks and T-72 main battle tanks, the BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, the D-30 and M-46 cannons, the BM-21 Grad multiply rocket launchers.
The Air Defense troops were armed with various antiaircraft systems including the Pechora, Kvadrat, OSA-AKM, Strela and Shilka.
The Indian navy commissioned the Project 61ME destroyers, Project 1234E and 159E corvettes, Project 1241E, 1241PE and 205ER missile boats, Project I641IK and 877EKM diesel-electric submarines, as well as some minesweepers.
The aforementioned weapon systems proved their worth in real combat and deserved a positive appraisal of Indian servicemen. With Russian assistance, many of these weapons have undergone modernization and upgrade, and are still operational.
The current phase of Russian-Indian relations in the military-technical sphere is characterized by two factors. The first one: Russia has been waging the Special military operation in the Ukraine. The second one: the Indian government has been pursuing the course for localization of defense equipment production at national industrial sites in accordance with the Make in India and Self-reliant India.
There has been an unprecedented pressure applied to India by the U.S.-led West on the pretext of Russia waging the Special military operation in the Ukraine. Despite that fact, India keeps among Russia’s primary partners in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. Not a single cooperative program has been abandoned by the Indian partners.

- Please share with us your opinion: why the Soviet and Russian weaponry deserved a positive appraisal of Indian servicemen?

- The Russian engineering and weaponry schools are good at making high-performance, reliable weapons and military equipment that can operate flawlessly in the wet tropic climate. This is something that India and other countries of the region like about it.

- What are the spheres where our cooperation has been developing most dynamically?

- There are firm foundation and good background for further development of scientific and industrial cooperation between the military-industrial complexes of Russia and India in such prioritized areas as combat aviation, aircraft and armored vehicle manufacturing, shipbuilding.
We strive for more active implementation of new, better-suited forms of cooperation, able to bring our cooperative process up to a new quality level. First and foremost, it is about joint development of high-tech military products, improving production structure with help of joint ventures which would undertake manufacturing of military products, establishing service centers to maintain in-service equipment, carrying out joint scientific-research and development projects on defense equipment.
The Russian side pays due respect to the Indian political and military leadership’ efforts on growing the national defense industries, and these to boost export sales and shipments of the locally made products, to diversify sources of weapons and military equipment’s import.
Let’s take a look at the dynamics of the Russo-Indian military-technical cooperation. We can see some trends here. Our partnerships have long moved to industrial and technological model of cooperation. The large majority of ongoing projects are ones on which we join forces.

- How successful has Russia been in the Make in India program? Which are the brightest and most promising projects in that respect you can name?

- We are supportive of the Make in India principle that the Indian side has put forward.
It is also important to note that, in the sphere of military-technical cooperation, the Russian Federation has long been India’s key partner. We always offer newest versions of weapons and military equipment. Russia has been the only country that always agrees on wide-scale cooperation with India in the sphere of high technologies applicable to defense and the one ready to hand the now-how over to the Indian partners.
The level of localization achieved in India on armored vehicles (T-72 and T-90S main battle tanks, the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles) accounts for between 80 and 90 percent, the Su-30MKI fighters between 50 and 55 percent, the BrahMos missile systems over 60 percent. For the AK203 assault rifle the level of localization is meant to be 100 percent.
One more example of our industrial partnership in accordance with the Make In India principles is the ongoing large-scale program to localize manufacturing aero-engines powering the Indian air force Su-30MKI fighters.
A promising direction for Russian-Indian cooperation seems to be modernization of the existing stock of engines that power the aircraft types in service with the Indian air force.
Russia is open to expanding the scope of cooperation with India in the sphere of maritime systems. This calls for joint construction of new warships and submarines, modernization of operational warships, joint research and development efforts in the navy’s interests, deliveries to the Indian navy air arm.
Building Project 11356 frigates is among vital programs of the Russo-Indian military-technical cooperation in the maritime domain.
In December last year, the Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh attended the solemn ceremony on handing over to the Indian customers the Tushil frigate, yet another warship built to the Project 11356. This event marked another milestone in the Russian-Indian military technical cooperation. The respective program is compliant with the Make In India principles. Built in Russia, the frigate features 20 onboard systems of the Indian origin, and is armed with the Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles.
There is much hope for setting up joint production of the Ka-226T helicopters and the Igla-S man-portable shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.

- The Indian market attracts Russia’s global competitors, including those who attempt unfair ways to win lucrative contracts. Please share your opinion on what Russia and India can win if they stand together? Is there something that assures successful continuation of fruitful cooperation between our nations?

- Competition for the Indian orders has always been extremely hot. Today, its level has become higher following advent of new manufacturing countries, which are keen to sell their products. Admittedly, Russia does have a huge advantage over such competitors. This is about long years of experience of working together with the Indian side, with great many programs successfully accomplished.
Russia has proven time and again that she is capable of working productively in the conditions of tough requirements set by the Indian government on production localization and technology transfer. Besides, we are always ready to help set up local manufacturing, train engineering and technical personnel.
We do understand that additional capabilities for strengthening positions in the Indian market will go to those countries which can offer financial-credit support to India, which can contribute to the Indian companies’ base capital, and which can set up local production of modern weapons and equipment in such a way that the locally manufactured products could be exported. Bearing this in mind, we try to adjust our activities in India accordingly.

- Please tell us which Russian weapons systems in Indian service attract most attention of the local public today?

- Today, the core of the Indian military aviation is formed by the Su-30MKI multirole fighters and the recently upgraded MiG-29UPG fighters, as well as the Il-76MD military transports, Mi-17-1V and Mi-17-V5 helicopters. Shipments of the S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile systems are being made to the Air Defense troops. The Land Forces take deliveries of modern T-90 main battle tanks. The Indian navy operates the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier that serves as a fleet flagship. The navy has accepted a few Project 11356 advanced frigates.

- The AERO INDIA 2025 provides a good opportunity for defense companies round the world to demonstrate their products. How useful is this air show for the Russian exhibitors who seek to strengthen their ties with the locals? What is your opinion on usefulness of Aero India for Russian participants?

- AERO INDIA has become one of the largest international sites where weapons and military equipment are demonstrated. On display there are assets for the air force and air defense troops, spacecraft and launch vehicle industry. World’s largest manufacturers are keen to demonstrate their best products on the Indian soil.
Traditionally, Russia takes part in this air show to demonstrate her achievements in aviation to the international society, most notably to the Southern and Southeast Asian nations with spacious markets. That is useful, especially today, when the exhibition sites in European and some other countries are closed to us because of the economic sanctions imposed by the West.
By participating in this air show, the Russian aircraft manufacturers take a chance to establish closer contracts with their Indian counterparts, to find more points of connection which may potentially lead to new joint projects.

- Of all Russian wares on display at AERO INDIA 2025, which ones would you draw attention to? Can they grab attention of the show participants and visitors?

- This year, Russia’ united national exposition is full with newest and advanced airplanes, helicopters, engines and air defense systems from our largest defense industrial holdings and associations.
The Sukhoi Su-57E aircraft attributed to the fifth generation of supersonic fighters is demonstrated in India for the first time. This airplane will take part in the flight display program.
The Su-57E is compliant with the whole set of requirements set before the fifth generation fighter aircraft. Its major competing advantage is the experience of real combat. The airplane has successfully proven itself in the conditions of modern warfare. It features a powerful weapons arsenal, incorporating a long list of modern air-launched guided munitions. It also features high survivability in the air thanks to modern means of self-defense.
Other first-timers in India, are the Lancet-E loitering munitions, the Item 177S engine for multirole fighters attributed to generation 4++ and 5, as well as the VK-650V turboshaft motor for lightweight multipurpose helicopters.
Besides, Russia’s united national exposition will have on display guided bombs and missiles. Among air defense items exhibited, there will be long-, medium- and short-range systems intended for downing aerial targets of all sizes and applications.