Espreso. Global

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

9 December, 2024 Monday
13:53

India's potential $4 billion purchase of Russia's Voronezh radar system isn't just about strengthening defenses against China and Pakistan — it also raises questions about sanctions loopholes and Western electronics supplies to Moscow

client/title.list_title

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.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Tuesday
4 February
21:45
Gimli robotic complex joins Ukraine's army, aiding in evacuation and resupply
21:30
Exclusive
When could Ukraine hold elections after the war? Lawyer explains
21:12
Ryanair plans to resume flights to Lviv, Kyiv 4-6 weeks after war ends
20:57
Black Sea tankers wreck: IMO holds Russia responsible
20:40
"Don't let them drain resources": military commander reacts to Trump
20:23
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology, Ukrainian NAUDI agree to cooperate
20:07
Exclusive
USAID funding freeze: Expert Riabtsev on potential risks for Ukraine’s energy sector
19:51
Exclusive
Trump's proposal to get rare metals from Ukraine is political move – analyst
19:35
"We are open to U.S. investments": Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on rare earth elements
19:08
Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady
19:02
Updated
Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Izyum kills 5, injures 52
18:50
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst
18:33
Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine
18:15
Exclusive
Western weapons can now strike deep into Russia, but new problem emerges
17:54
U.S., Ukraine did not discuss elections before 2025 — Ambassador Markarova
17:34
Updated
"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants
17:14
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
16:55
Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze
16:33
Support for military aid to Ukraine declines in Poland
16:15
Russia equips Gerbera foam drones with warheads
15:56
Ukraine’s parliament approves defense loan agreement with UK
15:32
Ukrainian troops release GoPro footage of repelling Russian assault, eliminating two squads
15:14
OPINION
Ukraine’s power sector withstands winter challenges, but risks remain
14:55
Ukraine’s embassy facilitates meetings between Zelenskyy, Trump teams — Ambassador
14:33
Hopes for Russian democracy met harsh reality – Ex-MP Kendzior on Ukrainian diaspora in 1990s
13:57
Review
Russian advance slows down, how Ukrainian Armed Forces approaches change. Serhiy Zgurets' column
13:35
U.S. firefighters document impact of Russian strikes in Ukraine, set to release second film
13:16
Exclusive
Ukraine takes key step in reforming Armed Forces management system – military expert
12:55
Norway provides significant aid to Ukraine but profits from war-driven revenues
12:34
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
Russian forces scale back assaults in Pokrovsk sector: Ukrainian officer explains why
12:14
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 22-29
Russian forces pushing to launch battle for Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region
11:51
Ukraine retakes positions in Kupyansk, Russian command threatens troops with execution for retreating
11:32
OPINION
Where will Putin and Trump meet?
11:15
North Korean troops no longer fighting in Russia’s Kursk region — South Korean intel
10:53
110 clashes reported at front as Russian forces launch over 6,000 attacks on Ukraine
10:34
Russian army continues to suffer heavy losses despite slowing offensive – ISW
10:13
Scholz calls Trump’s proposal to trade Ukrainian rare earths for U.S. aid "very selfish"
09:54
Russian overnight attack on Ukraine: UAV debris hits Kyiv high-rise, fires in Cherkasy
09:35
Russia loses 1,270 soldiers, 92 drones, 18 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Monday
3 February
22:00
Nearly 63,000 people are missing in Ukraine
More news