At the DefExpo 2022 fair, which took place recently, India showcased its new air defense systems developed using Russian air-to-air missiles.

The systems called Samar consist of AKU-470 and APU-73 pylons with necessary wiring to launch Russian-made R-27ET and R-73 missiles. These pylons are used on almost all Russian fighter jets including Mig-29, SU-25, SU-27, SU-30, SU-33, SU-34 and SU-35. AKU-470 and APU-73 directly mounted onto trucks to provide mobility to the system.

These missiles with infrared guidance systems do not need a radar station. R-73 missiles with high maneuverability but very short range are more suitable for short-range point defense missions, and medium-range R-27ET missiles are more suitable for medium-range air defense missions.