Moscow, January 24, 2006, Vladimir Radyuhin (The Hindu)

India has purchased a large batch of Russia's most powerful multiple rocket launchers (MRLS) and missiles, the top Russian defence export company, Rosoboronexport, has announced.

The company said in a release that under the two contracts signed on December 31, 2005, Russia would supply to India two regiments of Smerch MRLS units and upgraded missile projectiles for India's Russian-built Grad MRLS.

Sources said India had acquired 28 Smerch launchers at a cost of over $ 500 million to be delivered by the end of 2007. This is the Army's biggest acquisition of Russian weapons since the $ 800 million contract for the supply and licensed production of 310 T-90S main battle tanks in 2001.

The Smerch (Tornado) mobile rocket launcher can haul 14 7.5-metre long missiles in a single salvo over 90 km wiping out enemy force on an area of over 67 hectares. An array of warheads developed for Smerch rockets makes it equally effective against manpower, tanks and fortifications.

Under the second contract India has acquired 122 mm enhanced-power fragmentation projectiles for the Grad MRLS systems. The new missiles will increase the hit range of India's Grad launchers from 20 to 40 km.

Both systems will be showcased at the Defence Expo India 2006, which opens in New Delhi on January 31. Russia will display over 350 weapons and defence related equipment at the show, Rosoboronexport said.