Russia and India are in talks about jointly producing aircraft weapons, as reported by the RIA news agency.

Russia's state-controlled arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, is in talks with Indian enterprises to explore the collaborative production of aircraft weapons for the Indian Air Force, according to a report by Russia's RIA state news agency on Tuesday.

"Rosoboronexport is engaging with Indian private and public enterprises to coordinate the joint production of aviation weapons and their seamless integration into India's existing aviation fleet," stated Alexander Mikheyev, General Director of Rosoboronexport, as reported by RIA. No specific details were disclosed regarding the involvement of Indian companies or the potential commencement date for the production.

Russia maintains its position as India's leading arms supplier, contributing to 45% of India's defense imports in 2022, according to this year's report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Mikheyev highlighted the collaborative efforts between Rosoboronexport and Indian partners, emphasizing the delivery of Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armored vehicles, and shells to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Furthermore, a joint production initiative between India and Russia for the AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles commenced at the beginning of the year. As tensions with China and Pakistan persist, India's pending $20 billion air force proposal to purchase 114 multi-role fighter aircraft adds urgency to its modernization efforts. Russia reportedly supplied $13 billion worth of arms to India in the past five years, while the United States has approved over $6 billion in arms sales to India in the last six years.

India's ambition to manufacture defense equipment domestically in collaboration with global partners aligns with its goal to meet its own needs and eventually export sophisticated weapons platforms.

On February 2023, during the Aero India show in Bengaluru, In a strategic move to expand its military ties with India, the United States showcased its cutting-edge F-35 fighter jet, along with F-16s, Super Hornets, and B-1B bombers, at the Aero India show in Bengaluru. The display was part of Washington's efforts to draw New Delhi away from its traditional military supplier, Russia.