https://sputniknews.in/20261022/indian-russian-pilots-take-to-the-skies-in-su-30s-during-indra-2026-military-drills-12661923.html
Indian, Russian Pilots Take to the Skies in Su-30s During Indra-2026 Military Drills
Indian, Russian Pilots Take to the Skies in Su-30s During Indra-2026 Military Drills
Sputnik India
Indian and Russian pilots are flying side by side during the joint Indra-2026 military exercises, conducting combat aviation drills focused on drone defence... 22.10.2026, Sputnik India
2026-10-22T17:38+0530
2026-10-22T17:38+0530
2026-10-22T17:38+0530
indo-russian relations
india
russia
indian air force (iaf)
rosoboronexport
sukhoi su-30mki
su-57e
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Pilots from both countries practised engaging small, low-flying targets and aircraft carrying air-launched weapons, as well as manoeuvrable air combat at medium and low altitudes. The drills also included helicopter landings of special forces and search-and-rescue operations for aircrews in distress in remote areas.The exercises provide practical training opportunities for the Indian Air Force, which operates one of the world's largest fleets of Su-30 fighter aircraft. The joint flights also allow Indian and Russian crews to practise coordination and exchange operational experience.Indra-2026 began on October 14 in the Chelyabinsk Region and the Russian Far East, bringing together air, naval and ground forces. Earlier, Russian personnel demonstrated combat tactics at the Chebarkul training ground, including assault-group operations and countering unmanned aerial vehicles.India-Russia Cooperation in Combat AviationThe exercises take place against the backdrop of longstanding defence-industrial cooperation between India and Russia, particularly in fighter production and modernisation.India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has manufactured more than 220 Su-30MKI fighters under a contract with Russia's Rosoboronexport. Discussions are ongoing about extending the production programme in India.Rosoboronexport has also expressed readiness to support the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI modernisation programme with extensive participation from Indian industry. Potential upgrades include integrating new air-to-air weapons and improving onboard equipment.The Su-57E incorporates technologies including stealth features, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, artificial intelligence and network-centric capabilities, according to the Russian side.Russia and India have a history of cooperation in combat aviation dating back to the 1960s. The Indra-2026 exercises provide another platform for military coordination as the two countries continue to develop their defence relationship.
https://sputniknews.in/20261017/indra-2026-indian-russian-navies-drill-pirate-rescue-drone-defence-12617221.html
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india, russia, indian air force (iaf), rosoboronexport, sukhoi su-30mki, su-57e
india, russia, indian air force (iaf), rosoboronexport, sukhoi su-30mki, su-57e
Indian, Russian Pilots Take to the Skies in Su-30s During Indra-2026 Military Drills
Indian and Russian pilots are flying side by side during the joint Indra-2026 military exercises, conducting combat aviation drills focused on drone defence, low-altitude air combat and special forces operations.
According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Su-30SM fighter jets and Mi-8 helicopters are participating in the aviation component of the exercises in the Chelyabinsk Region.
Pilots from both countries practised engaging small, low-flying targets and aircraft carrying air-launched weapons, as well as manoeuvrable air combat at medium and low altitudes. The drills also included helicopter landings of special forces and search-and-rescue operations for aircrews in distress in remote areas.
The exercises provide practical training opportunities for the Indian Air Force, which operates one of the world's largest fleets of Su-30 fighter aircraft. The joint flights also allow Indian and Russian crews to practise coordination and exchange operational experience.
Indra-2026 began on October 14 in the Chelyabinsk Region and the Russian Far East, bringing together air, naval and ground forces. Earlier, Russian personnel demonstrated combat tactics at the Chebarkul training ground, including assault-group operations and countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
India-Russia Cooperation in Combat Aviation
The exercises take place against the backdrop of longstanding
defence-industrial cooperation between India and Russia, particularly in fighter production and modernisation.
India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has manufactured more than 220 Su-30MKI fighters under a contract with Russia's Rosoboronexport. Discussions are ongoing about extending the production programme in India.
Rosoboronexport has also expressed readiness to support the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI modernisation programme with extensive participation from Indian industry. Potential upgrades include integrating new air-to-air weapons and improving onboard equipment.
The Russian exporter has further indicated that, subject to Indian approval, facilities currently producing the Su-30MKI could potentially be used to manufacture the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter.
The Su-57E incorporates technologies including stealth features, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, artificial intelligence and network-centric capabilities, according to the Russian side.
Russia and India have a history of cooperation in combat aviation dating back to the 1960s. The Indra-2026 exercises provide another platform for military coordination as the two countries continue to develop their defence relationship.
