Russia Offers S-500 Co-Development for India's Project Sudarshan Chakra
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Russia has reportedly proposed jointly developing S-500-based technology for India's Project Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered air and missile defence shield. This offer comes after the successful S-400 deal and could significantly enhance India's defence capabilities against hypersonic missiles and satellites.
Background
India has been strengthening its air defence with systems like S-400, Akash, and Project Kusha. Project Sudarshan Chakra aims to create a comprehensive shield by around 2035. Russia's offer to co-develop S-500 technology marks a potential leap in defence collaboration.
Key facts
Russia has offered to jointly develop S-500-based technology for India's Project Sudarshan Chakra.
S-500 is designed to intercept hypersonic missiles, ICBMs, stealth aircraft, and satellites in low Earth orbit.
The proposal could help India build a multi-layered air and missile defence shield by around 2035.
India already operates S-400 systems and has indigenous Akash and Project Kusha systems.
The deal raises questions about genuine technology transfer versus continued dependency on Russian systems.
The BrahMos model of joint development may be replicated for next-generation missile defence.
China and Pakistan are expected to respond if India develops near-space defence capability.
Prelims pointers
- S-500 Prometheus: Russian surface-to-air missile system
- Project Sudarshan Chakra: India's multi-layered air defence initiative
- S-400 Triumf: Russian air defence system already with India
- Akash: Indigenous Indian surface-to-air missile
- Project Kusha: Indian long-range air defence system
- BrahMos: Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile joint venture
Mains angles
- GS3: Defence technology – implications of joint development vs. technology transfer
- GS2: India-Russia strategic partnership and defence cooperation
- GS3: Impact on regional security dynamics with China and Pakistan