OREANDA-NEWS. July 22, 2009. In view of recently emerged publications about the alleged claims of Indian military authorities on the Russian-made air-to-air missiles of RVV-AE type, Tactical Missiles Corporations JSC would like to make some clarifications, reported the press-centre of Tactical Missiles Corporations.

Air-launched medium-range missile of RVV-AE type is an export version of a Russian-made missile developed back in the 1980s in the USSR. At present this missile remains one of the best air-to-air weapons in the world in terms of  performance. At the range of up to 80 km it can engage targets flying at various (including high) speeds at the altitudes from 20 m up to 25 km.

High efficiency of RVV-AE was proved during state tests and repeatedly held combat and training launches. From the beginning the missile attracted attention of foreign military specialists.

Over two thousand missiles of this type have been delivered to foreign customers within the framework of military and technical cooperation. India as one of the major importers of the Russian-made weapons and military equipment promptly took interest in RVV-AE missile. The first specimens of the missile were delivered to India back in the 1990s. The last lot was delivered in July 2002. In fact, India was the first foreign customer of this weapon. It is common knowledge that in the first years of operation of new, rather sophisticated weapons (like air-to-air guided missiles) it is hardly possible to avoid certain shortcomings related to either design deficiencies or mastering of operation and maintenance techniques. They emerged during deliveries of the first lots of RVV-AE missiles to India and were addressed.

Both fulfilling its contractual obligations and taking an initiative, the Russian side has rendered technical assistance to the Indian side. In the process of operation of RVV-AE measures have been taken to eliminate failures of the missiles by means of replacement of units and aggregates as well as by their upgrading to increase reliability. All the defects found during operation of the first lots of RVV-AE missiles were eliminated, and the missiles were put into operation.

The missiles delivered afterwards were manufactured with consideration of the experience gained during their previous operation. Live launches held at the end of last year in India demonstrated high efficiency of the missiles and proved their reliability and specified performance characteristics.

It is noteworthy that the Russian specialists constantly monitor operation of RVV-AE missiles both in Russia and abroad. In accordance with the approved programmes of reliability control activities are carried out on a regular basis, including live launches at Russian test sites.

It is also worth saying that no serious claims have been made by any other foreign customers in relation to RVV-AE missiles.

Publications on allegedly low quality of RVV-AE missiles held in India must have been caused by marketing efforts of the manufacturers of competitive products.