Rosoboronexport Completes 50 years in India, Seeks Closer Cooperation in Shipbuilding

Russia is ready to work with Indian state and private shipyards for executing new projects in shipbuilding.

Rosoboronexport marked its 50th anniversary in India today, since the first agreement with India was signed for the delivery of Soviet naval equipment that is four Project I641K diesel-electric submarines, five Project 159E escort ships, and five Project 368P motor boats.

Russia has so far built over 70 warships after the first contract was signed in 1965 with the Indian Navy in 1965.

“India was also the first foreign customer to get her ships constructed based on special export designs. Never before had anyone ever received anything but generic ships and boats.” The company said in a statement today.

Today, Russian and Soviet military equipment accounts for about 80 percent of India’s Navy inventory and Russian ships that comprise its backbone.

The strategic partnership between Russia and India explains the trend in the bilateral cooperation of getting Russian designs constructed at India’s shipyards, as well as some of her systems integrated into Indian ships. Even though it is still in its infancy but gains pace steadily.

Russia’s experience in the construction of carriers, including the Vikramaditya, comes in handy in building India’s national Project 71 aircraft carrier and outfitting her with Russian systems.

Rosoboronexport has also assisted the Indian Navy in designing and equipping Project 15A and 15B destroyers, and Project 17 frigates.

India gained access to supersonic, anti-ship missile technologies that resulted in the BrahMos missiles with its ties with Russia, the company stated.