India eyes Russian Voronezh radar for $4 billion, exposing sanctions evasion loopholes

Defense Express writes about it.

India is in the final stages of negotiations to acquire the advanced Russian-made Voronezh radar system, used for early warning of strategic missile attacks. The deal, first reported by the Sunday Guardian, is estimated at over $4 billion.

A delegation from Russia's Almaz-Antey, the radar's manufacturer, has already met with Indian defense companies to localize production, aiming for 60% domestic manufacturing. The collaboration dates back to 2022, despite Western sanctions on Moscow. Notably, India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) sent officials to Moscow in November 2022 to discuss the radar.

These over-the-horizon radars can detect ballistic missile launches up to 6,000–8,000 kilometers away. "India likely needs more than one radar," experts suggest, given the need to monitor threats from both Pakistan in the west and China in the east — countries with nuclear arsenals and strained ties with Delhi.

The exact radar variant India has chosen — Voronezh-M (meter band), Voronezh-DM (decimeter band), or another — remains unclear. But it’s certain the system is a high-cost, strategic asset.

The radar deal also opens concerns about circumventing sanctions. Experts warn that the localization of production could create a channel for Russia to access Western electronics via India, critical for Moscow amid its sanctioned economy.

The U.S. has yet to penalize India for previous arms deals with Russia, including the S-400 missile defense system and BrahMos anti-ship missiles. This leniency stems from Washington's view of India as a counterbalance to China. However, critics argue this inconsistency undermines sanctions' effectiveness.

American inaction under CAATSA [Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act] enables Russian arms sales, analysts note. For instance, Saudi Arabia continues to buy Russia's Pantsir missile systems, emboldened by India's example.

While the deal bolsters India’s strategic defenses, it also enriches the Kremlin with billions and highlights growing gaps in global sanctions enforcement.