After their recent success in developing a supersonic cruise missile "Brahmos", India and Russia are negotiating a partnership for developing a beyond-visual-range air to air missile, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI) Tuesday.  

The ultra long range missile is at present being developed by the Russian guided weapons builder Novator and India was involved in the project by way of investment and technical participation, PTI quoted highly placed sources here as saying.

The missile, designated so far as R-172, is being developed by the Russians to be integrated with the fifth generation aircraft SU-35, with New Delhi likely to be a customer for its export version, the sources said.

The new missile was aimed at engaging high asset airborne targets such as AWACS aircraft, air to ground surveillance and midair refuelers, which normally operate from stand off distance during battles, they said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2004)