Moscow busts ISI network's plan to smuggle military tech

New Delhi: Moscow has busted a spy network run by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, seeking to smuggle out air defence systems technology from Russia, in what could be the first such mission by ISI in that country.

In a counter-espionage operation, a Russian national was arrested in St. Petersburg while trying to smuggle out documents used for developing military helicopter technology and air defence systems, and other information about Mi8AMTShV and MI8 AMTShV (VA) military transport helicopters, said people familiar with the issue.

The network was unearthed a few months after Operation Sindoor as ISI allegedly tried to smuggle technology associated with advanced air defence systems produced by Russia. Russian-produced S400 missile defence systems used by the Indian Air Force were a game changer in Operation Sindoor. India plans to purchase five additional S400 missile defence systems.


The Mi8AMTShV is an upgraded Russian military transport and assault helicopter, a modernised version of the Mi8AMTSh 'Terminator'. MI8 AMTShV (VA) is an arctic version designed for polar operations, featuring a unique heating system, improved insulation and long-range fuel tanks.

Last week, the Russian embassy in Islamabad pulled up an article in the English-language Pakistani newspaper, the Frontier Post, for promoting anti-Russian narrative.