Moscow, September 5 - Russia has intensified its efforts to strengthen defense ties with India by offering its advanced Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, a fifth-generation multirole aircraft designed to compete with global counterparts like the U.S. F-35 Lightning II. This strategic proposal, presented by Russia’s state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), includes not only the supply of the Su-57E export variant but also the unprecedented opportunity for India to locally produce the jet at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, particularly in Nashik, where over 220 Su-30MKI fighters have been assembled. The offer aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, emphasizing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By providing full technology transfer, including access to the aircraft’s source code, Russia aims to enable India to integrate indigenous systems such as AESA radars, avionics, and weapons like the Astra missile, addressing past concerns about customization limitations seen in deals like the French Rafale. This move comes as India seeks to modernize its air force, which currently operates 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, amid rising regional tensions with China and Pakistan.
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The Su-57E, touted as Russia’s most sophisticated stealth fighter, boasts advanced features such as low radar observability, supercruise capability, and supermaneuverability, making it a formidable platform for air superiority and precision strikes. Its internal weapons bay, 360-degree thrust vectoring, and compatibility with hypersonic missiles enhance its combat potential, particularly for operations in challenging terrains like the Himalayas. Russia’s proposal includes leveraging existing Su-30MKI infrastructure to expedite production, potentially delivering 20-30 jets within three to four years, with 70-100 more to follow by the early 2030s. This phased approach addresses India’s immediate need for fifth-generation fighters while its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, expected to yield a stealth jet by the mid-2030s, progresses. The deal also offers technological support for the AMCA, including advancements in engines and stealth systems, positioning India to become one of the few nations capable of producing fifth-generation fighters domestically.
However, the Su-57E proposal faces significant challenges that could impact India’s decision. The jet’s stealth capabilities, while advanced, are considered less refined than those of the F-35, with some analysts noting a larger radar cross-section. Additionally, the advanced AL-51 engine, which promises improved stealth and supercruise, is still in development, raising concerns about readiness. Russia’s production capacity is strained by Western sanctions and supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has historically affected the reliability of spares for India’s Su-30MKI fleet. Geopolitical risks, including potential U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), as seen with India’s S-400 deal, add further complexity. These factors contrast with competing offers, such as the U.S. F-35, which, while costlier at $80 million per unit, is a proven platform but lacks the technology transfer Russia provides.
India’s decision on the Su-57E will hinge on balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals. The Russian offer’s emphasis on localization and source code access aligns with India’s push for defense autonomy, potentially giving it an edge over the F-35, which restricts such transfers. However, concerns about Russia’s delivery timelines, technical maturity, and geopolitical ramifications will weigh heavily. As India evaluates this proposal against alternatives like the Rafale and its own AMCA program, the choice will shape its air force modernization and regional power dynamics. With China’s J-20 stealth fighters already operational and Pakistan eyeing advanced platforms, the Su-57E could provide India a critical interim solution, bolstering its air dominance while fostering technological self-reliance through local production.
