Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today left on a two-nation trip to Russia and Malaysia during which he will seek to firm up negotiations with Moscow for the next-generation Russian S-400 air defence missile systems and possible leasing of a second nuclear submarine.
Top Defence Ministry sources said that Parrikar's efforts will be to firm up major contracts that could be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December.
One of the key acquisition that India is eyeing is the S-400 air defence missile systems, capable of destroying incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400-km.
Another key plan is the leasing of a second nuclear submarine.
Besides the two, a major project is the Fight Generation Fighter Aircraft projects being jointly developed by Russia and India.
The Defence sources said nothing major is expected at this moment as India is focusing on the indigenous LCA Tejas project and its own 5th generation aircraft AMCA.
Parrikar will also set the stage for the inking of an agreement with Russia, during Modi's visit, for manufacture of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.
While in Moscow, Parrikar would co-chair the meeting of Inter Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGCMTC) on November 2.
Though this meeting had been planned for earlier last month, it could not take place because of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to New Delhi.
Sources said Parrikar would also take up the issue of spare parts pertaining to the licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft. Both countries are currently also working on a "Super 30" version of the fighter aircraft.
On his way back from Moscow, Parrikar will stop in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Kaula Lampur.
The Minister will also go to St Petersburg where he will visit Admiralty Shipyard and Krylov State Research Centre, a ship building research institute.
