The Vympel R-37 missiles are hailed as the deadliest long-range air-to-air weapons in Russia’s arsenal. The hypersonic missiles can take out any enemy aircraft, including AWACS and refuellers, while protecting their own parent aircraft by allowing it to remain at a safe distance. Reports now indicate that India and Russia are on the verge of reaching an agreement to upgrade the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fleet with these lethal beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapons.
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India is expected to receive around 300 units of the R-37M missile in a first instalment after receiving technical aid from Moscow to modify avionics and fire-control systems within its Su-30MKI. It will take India's air-combat capabilities to the next level, which is a major boost, particularly in light of Pakistan's JF-17 Block III and J-10CE jets being armed with Chinese PL-15E missiles that can cross the 200 km barrier.
A proven battlefield asset, here are five things to know about Russia's Vympel R-37 missiles that are rumoured to be integrated into India's aerial-warfare arsenal in future:
