In recent news, various Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) have been agreed upon between Indian and Russian firms. These MoUs are designed to establish joint ventures for the development of a variety of defence equipment. The agreements were finalized during the 5th India Russia military industry conference, a part of Defexpo 2020 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The overarching purpose of these MoUs is to help address a persistent issue of delayed spare parts and insufficient support so often encountered by the Indian military.
Context and Scope of the MoUs
These latest MoUs fall within the context of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on joint manufacturing of spares in India. This agreement was signed back in 2018 as an effort to mutually cooperate with regard to Russian origin arms and defence equipment.
The MoUs touch on the production of different types of defence equipment. This includes components for tanks such as the T-72 and T-90, radar systems, Anti Submarine Weapon (ASW) rocket launchers, and 3D modelling.
Main Focus of the MoUs
The primary focus of the MoUs is twofold: Firstly, they aim to boost development, increase production, and promote manufacture of small spacecraft for remote sensing. Secondly, the MoUs are set to foster the establishment of a joint venture in India.
This venture will be devoted to the fabrication of various subsystems of air defence missile systems like the Tunguska and Kvadrat, as well as the Shilka self-propelled air defence gun system. The MoUs also underscore the importance of refurbishing and extending the lifespan of missiles, a crucial aspect in maintaining a reliable defence system.
Impact on Defence Equipment Production
By definition, a Memorandum of Understanding does not imply a legally binding agreement but signifies a convergence of will between the participating parties, indicating an intended common line of action. In the case of these MoUs between Indian and Russian firms, this common line of action involves a drastic enhancement in defence equipment production.
These MoUs signify a recognition of India’s growing capability to produce advanced defence equipment. By joining forces with Russian companies, this capability is expected to grow even further. This cooperation aims to cater to the specific needs of the Indian military, particularly addressing the problem of delayed supply of spare parts.
Further Goals of Mutual Cooperation
The joint manufacturing agreement and these recent MoUs not only represent a strengthening of ties between Indian and Russian defence industries but also envisage greater mutual cooperation in other areas. This includes the sharing of technology, knowledge, and resources, all vital components in the quest for superior defence capabilities.
Additionally, these agreements signal the intention to collaborate on future projects, potentially leading to even more sophisticated and efficient defence systems. As such, these MoUs are not simply about resolving an issue of supply but aim to lay down a road map for a future filled with innovation and mutual growth in defence technology.
These MoUs represent a significant progression in the collaboration between India and Russia in the field of defence. They underscore a shared commitment to overcome common challenges and work towards achieving collective defence objectives.