https://sputniknews.in/20250115/check-out-indias-arsenal-of-russian-firepower-that-hammered-ukraine-8657154.html
Check Out India's Arsenal of Russian Firepower That Hammered Ukraine
Check Out India's Arsenal of Russian Firepower That Hammered Ukraine
Sputnik India
For decades, Russia has been India’s main military equipment supplier, having provided fighter jets, warships, missiles, tanks, and assault rifles, amongst... 15.01.2025, Sputnik India
2025-01-15T21:00+0530
2025-01-15T21:00+0530
2025-01-15T21:00+0530
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india
ukraine
russia
indian air force (iaf)
nato
s-400 air defense systems
ak-203
sukhoi su-30mki
brahmos supersonic cruise missile
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A series of state-of-the-art weapons manufactured in Russia or co-developed in partnership with the country are in possession of India and these military platforms have accomplished a high degree of precision – kill rate – in the Ukraine theatre, proving their effectiveness yet again in a warzone, Alexei Leonkov, a Russian military analyst and editor of Arsenal Otechestva (Arsenal of the Fatherland) told Sputnik India.Among the most high-profile defence hardware that Russia has deployed in its Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, which India has acquired, is the S-400 air defence system.S-400 Air Defence SystemThe S-400 serves as the backbone of Russia's air defence for critical assets, according to Leonkov.This system was deployed at certain distances along the line of combat contact to protect the most important objects that are constantly attacked by Ukrainian forces, either with missile weapons or drones. Combat actions have shown that the S-400 is most effective against carriers of cruise missiles, he added.However, after nearly three years of the Special Military Operation, the performance of the S-400 has resulted in Ukraine virtually losing not only all of its Air Force as listed in its official inventory as of February 2022 but also all aircraft supplied to them by NATO, including Soviet-made aircraft, he underlined.Citing an unconfirmed report, Leonkov mentioned US F-16 possibly shot down by S-400. While unverified, the Ukraine side acknowledges the S-400's presence, guarding air borders and airspace up to the combat line, he added.Russia has delivered three S-400 regiments to India, with two more expected later this year. India, according to media reports, has deployed them along its borders with Pakistan and China, including Punjab, the Northeast, and Rajasthan, a key frontier state with Pakistan.Su-30 Fighter JetThe Su-30 is a 4+ generation aircraft developed as the next modification of the Su-27S. This warplane was designed to successfully engage both air and ground targets. The Su-30, along with the Su-35, has been actively used in combat operations during the SMO in Ukraine.They are mainly used to counter the enemy's air defences, deploying anti-radar missiles such as the Kh-31 and Kh-58 to destroy Ukraine's aircrafts.The Su-30 also forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with over 250 Su-30MKIs in its squadrons at present.The Su-30MKIs played a pivotal role during the Balakot airstrikes, a preemptive Indian operation targeting a terrorist camp in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.T-90 TankRussia's T-90 tank, called Bhishma in India, is the main battle tank of the nation's Army. Currently, about 1300 units of these tanks are operational in India.During the SMO, various modifications of the T-90 were used, including the T-90A and T-90M, which performed the best under the Proryv program, Leonkov revealed.Furthermore, the tank underwent modernisation during the SMO to counter Ukraine's active use of Kamikaze drones. Its dynamic protection system was upgraded, and additional shields, sometimes called 'barbecue grills,' were installed to protect against such threats.The T-90M is considered the most reliable weapon for ground combat operations, the analyst stressed, citing the Russian military personnel participating in the SMO.Kalashnikov Assault RifleThe Kalashnikov assault rifle is known as the primary firearm of all ground units participating in the SMO. The main type of Kalashnikov rifle used by Russian forces on the line of combat contact is the AK-12.Initially, during the SMO, the AK-12 faced some criticism, but modifications were made during the course of the conflict, the Russian pundit noted.While Indian soldiers don't employ the exact AK rifle being used by Russian troops in Ukraine, the country's ground forces have first-hand experience with the AK-203, a new-age gun being produced in Uttar Pradesh by an Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint-venture.India is the second nation after Russia to build assault rifles of the AK-200 series.Mi-24 Combat HelicopterDuring the SMO, the Mi-24 helicopters, specifically the Mi-35 modification, were deployed actively.These helicopters, serving as primary fire-support vehicles, demonstrated their effectiveness most prominently during the summer of 2023, during the so-called counter-offensive conducted by the Ukrainian forces in the Zaporozhye region.Actions by the army aviation, equipped with such helicopters, resulted in the destruction of a significant number of armoured vehicles using anti-tank missile systems carried by the helicopter, such as Sturm-B and Ataka-M, Leonkov mentioned.The Mi-35 was used to neutralise armoured vehicles and target electronic warfare stations, radar, and artillery with hit-and-run tactics, also eliminating mortar crews. Overall, it proved to be a reliable combat vehicle during these operations. The Mi-35 has been also extensively used by the Indian Air Force, serving as its primary attack helicopter since 1990. It will remain in service until 2030, when it will be replaced the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, the world's only attack helicopter that has the capability to land and take off from an elevation of 5,000 meters and above.Igla-S MANPADSThe Igla-S man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) is primarily designed to destroy airborne attack systems, such as drones.The Special Military Operation will likely go down in history as a conflict marked by the mass use of drones by both sides, the combat affairs specialist said.The Igla-S system, also known as Strelets, has excelled in targeting drones made of composite materials with a 0.8-0.9 hit probability. Recent upgrades, including a dual-spectrum optical seeker, enhance its effectiveness.Notably, an Igla-S operator shot down a Ukrainian Su-25 at 6.5 km.The Indian Army acquired the Igla-S to strengthen its VSHORAD network, with the first consignment of launchers and 100 missiles delivered in 2023, while further production will occur in India.Oniks or Onyx Missile (Russian BrahMos)During the SMO, Oniks missiles were used to strike ground targets after being deployed both from ship-based systems and coastal defence complexes such as the Bastion-P.Aviation experts in India have closely followed the success of Oniks in Ukraine, as India’s BrahMos missile, co-developed with Russia, is based on it. BrahMos, the fastest supersonic missile, is one of the few with land, air, ship, and submarine variants, being deployed by the Indian tri-services. The Philippines also inducted it in 2022.
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india, ukraine, russia, indian air force (iaf), nato, s-400 air defense systems, ak-203, sukhoi su-30mki, brahmos supersonic cruise missile, p-800 oniks (onyx), special military operation, mod russia, russian armed forces, joint indo-russian venture
india, ukraine, russia, indian air force (iaf), nato, s-400 air defense systems, ak-203, sukhoi su-30mki, brahmos supersonic cruise missile, p-800 oniks (onyx), special military operation, mod russia, russian armed forces, joint indo-russian venture
Check Out India's Arsenal of Russian Firepower That Hammered Ukraine
For decades, Russia has been India’s main military equipment supplier, having provided fighter jets, warships, missiles, tanks, and assault rifles, amongst others.
A series of state-of-the-art weapons manufactured in Russia or co-developed in partnership with the country are in possession of India and these military platforms have accomplished a high degree of precision – kill rate – in the Ukraine theatre, proving their effectiveness yet again in a warzone, Alexei Leonkov, a Russian military analyst and editor of Arsenal Otechestva (Arsenal of the Fatherland) told Sputnik India.
Among the most high-profile defence hardware that Russia has deployed in its Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, which India has acquired, is the S-400 air defence system.
The S-400 serves as the backbone of Russia's air defence for critical assets, according to Leonkov.
This system was deployed at certain distances along the line of combat contact to protect the most important objects that are constantly attacked by Ukrainian forces, either with
missile weapons or drones. Combat actions have shown that the S-400 is most effective against carriers of cruise missiles, he added.
"Several hits were recorded on Ukrainian Air Force planes at maximum range. Since then, before launching an airstrike or conducting an air raid with airborne attack systems, the enemy has been actively using HARM anti-radar missiles, which, according to Ukrainian analysts, are intended to neutralise the S-400 and thus ensure the success of their combat aviation," Leonkov highlighted.
However, after nearly three years of the Special Military Operation, the performance of the S-400 has resulted in Ukraine virtually losing not only all of its Air Force as listed in its official inventory as of February 2022 but also all aircraft supplied to them by NATO, including Soviet-made aircraft, he underlined.
Citing an unconfirmed report, Leonkov mentioned US F-16 possibly shot down by S-400. While unverified, the Ukraine side acknowledges the S-400's presence, guarding air borders and airspace up to the combat line, he added.
Russia has delivered three S-400 regiments to India, with two more
expected later this year. India, according to media reports, has deployed them along its borders with Pakistan and China, including Punjab, the Northeast, and Rajasthan, a key frontier state with Pakistan.
The Su-30 is a 4+ generation aircraft developed as the next modification of the Su-27S. This warplane was designed to successfully engage both air and ground targets. The Su-30, along with the Su-35, has been actively used in combat operations during the SMO in Ukraine.
They are mainly used to counter the enemy's air defences, deploying anti-radar missiles such as the Kh-31 and Kh-58 to destroy Ukraine's aircrafts.
"Besides, after suppressing and destroying Ukraine's air defence systems, the Su-30 began to be used as a fighter-bomber, carrying bombs with universal planning and correction modules. These bombs, including FAB-250 and FAB-500, were actively deployed from these aircraft to suppress strongholds and fortified positions of the enemy along the entire line of combat contact," the defence expert highlighted.
The Su-30 also forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with over 250 Su-30MKIs in its squadrons at present.
The Su-30MKIs played a pivotal role
during the Balakot airstrikes, a preemptive Indian operation targeting a terrorist camp in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
Russia's T-90 tank, called Bhishma in India, is the main battle tank of the nation's Army. Currently, about 1300 units of these tanks are operational in India.
During the SMO, various modifications of the T-90 were used, including the T-90A and T-90M, which performed the best under the Proryv program, Leonkov revealed.
"These tanks proved most resistant to the types of anti-tank weapons used by the enemy. There are numerous instances where the T-90M survived attacks by multiple types of anti-tank systems, including missile complexes and FPV drones, and still managed to leave the battlefield operational. There are also cases where the T-90M won tank duels against NATO-supplied armoured vehicles sent to Ukraine," he underscored.
Furthermore, the tank underwent modernisation during the SMO to counter Ukraine's active use of Kamikaze drones. Its dynamic protection system was upgraded, and additional shields, sometimes called 'barbecue grills,'
were installed to protect against such threats.
The T-90M is considered the most reliable weapon for ground combat operations, the analyst stressed, citing the Russian military personnel participating in the SMO.
Kalashnikov Assault Rifle
The Kalashnikov assault rifle is known as the primary firearm of all ground units participating in the SMO. The main type of Kalashnikov rifle used by Russian forces on the line of combat contact is the AK-12.
Initially, during the SMO, the AK-12 faced some criticism, but modifications were made during the course of the conflict, the Russian pundit noted.
"According to unit commanders, Kalashnikov rifles have proven to be highly reliable firearms. With these upgrades, the AK-12 is now the primary assault rifle used by Russian units to liberate settlements and dislodge the enemy from strongholds and fortified positions," Leonkov remarked.
While Indian soldiers don't employ the exact AK rifle being used by Russian troops in Ukraine, the country's ground forces have first-hand experience with the AK-203, a new-age gun being produced in Uttar Pradesh by an Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint-venture.
India is the second nation after Russia
to build assault rifles of the AK-200 series.
During the SMO, the Mi-24 helicopters, specifically the Mi-35 modification, were deployed actively.
These helicopters, serving as primary fire-support vehicles, demonstrated their effectiveness most prominently during the summer of 2023, during the so-called counter-offensive conducted by the Ukrainian forces in the Zaporozhye region.
Actions by the army aviation, equipped with such helicopters, resulted in the destruction of a significant number of armoured vehicles using anti-tank missile systems carried by the helicopter, such as Sturm-B and Ataka-M, Leonkov mentioned.
"In addition, these helicopters were used to attack strongholds along the enemy's defence lines, employing blocks of unguided rockets like the S-13 and S-8. The Russian Ministry of Defence [MoD] frequently showcased footage of helicopters flying at low altitude and launching rockets on ballistic trajectories, inflicting devastating damage on adversary targets," he accentuated.
The Mi-35 was used to neutralise armoured vehicles and target electronic warfare stations, radar, and artillery with hit-and-run tactics, also eliminating mortar crews. Overall, it proved to be a reliable combat vehicle during these operations.
The Mi-35 has been also extensively used by the Indian Air Force, serving as its primary attack helicopter since 1990. It will remain in service until 2030, when it will be replaced the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, the world's only attack helicopter that has the capability to land and take off from an elevation of 5,000 meters and above.
The Igla-S man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) is primarily designed to destroy airborne attack systems, such as drones.
The Special Military Operation will likely go down in history as a conflict marked by the mass use of drones by both sides, the combat affairs specialist said.
"According to Russian MoD statistics, tens of thousands of drones have been shot down, mostly large and medium-sized ones," Leonkov affirmed., adding that Ukraine frequently uses combined aerial assault tactics involving groups of drones assigned specific tasks, such as attacking air defence systems or striking civilian or military targets.
The Igla-S system, also known as Strelets, has excelled in targeting drones made of composite materials with a 0.8-0.9 hit
probability. Recent upgrades, including a dual-spectrum optical seeker, enhance its effectiveness.
Notably, an Igla-S operator shot down a Ukrainian Su-25 at 6.5 km.
The Indian Army acquired the Igla-S to strengthen its VSHORAD network, with the first consignment of launchers and 100 missiles delivered in 2023, while further production will occur in India.
Oniks or Onyx Missile (Russian BrahMos)
During the SMO, Oniks missiles were used to strike ground targets after being deployed both from ship-based systems and coastal defence complexes such as the Bastion-P.
"The results of using Oniks against ground targets were excellent. The missile performed as a high-precision weapon, and all the targets hit by it were destroyed. In doing so, Russian forces demonstrated that this anti-ship missile can also be successfully used against ground targets," Leonkov summed up.
Aviation experts in India have closely followed the success of Oniks in Ukraine, as India’s
BrahMos missile, co-developed with Russia, is based on it. BrahMos, the fastest supersonic missile, is one of the few with land, air, ship, and submarine variants, being deployed by the Indian tri-services. The Philippines also
inducted it in 2022.
