Adani to Manufacture Russian R-73E Missile as ‘Raya’ in India, Enhancing Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 Combat Power

In a major step towards boosting India’s defence self-reliance, Adani Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to indigenously produce the R-73E short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) under the name ‘Raya’. This move, in collaboration with Russian defence firms, is expected to enhance the close-combat capabilities of India’s frontline fighter jets, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Tejas.

The R-73E: A Battlefield-Proven Weapon

Originally developed by Russia’s Vympel NPO, the R-73E, also known by its NATO reporting name "AA-11 Archer", is one of the most effective within-visual-range (WVR) missiles in modern aerial warfare. The missile is widely recognized for its:

• Infrared Homing System – Uses heat-seeking technology to engage enemy aircraft.
• Off-Boresight Targeting – Capable of locking onto enemy aircraft at angles up to 45 degrees.
• High Maneuverability – Can outmaneuver countermeasures and engage fast-moving aerial threats.
• Combat-Proven Effectiveness – Notably used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the 2019 aerial skirmish against Pakistan, where it was reportedly employed by an IAF MiG-21 Bison to down a Pakistani F-16.

With an operational range of up to 30 km, the R-73E provides an edge in close-range dogfights, making it a critical weapon for the IAF’s air superiority strategy.

Adani’s ‘Raya’ – India’s Path to Missile Self-Sufficiency

Under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Adani Defence will establish state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to produce ‘Raya’ in India. The project will be supported through technology transfer agreements with Russian partners, ensuring that India gains expertise in advanced missile manufacturing.

By localizing production, this initiative will:

• Ensure a Steady Supply – Eliminating dependence on foreign imports.
• Reduce Costs – Making procurement more affordable for the Indian armed forces.
• Strengthen India’s Defence Industry – Boosting indigenous defence production and expertise.
• Open Export Opportunities – Expanding India’s footprint in global missile markets.

A Major Leap for Indian Air Power

Adani Defence’s ‘Raya’ missile production will solidify India’s air combat prowess, equipping the IAF’s Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and other platforms with a battle-proven, next-generation short-range missile. With higher availability, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced performance, the move ushers in a new era of defence self-reliance for India.