New Delhi: A big proposal has come forward towards further strengthening India’s air power. The Indian Air Force has been looking for a 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft for a long time, but the indigenous AMCA project may take several years to be fully ready. In such a situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked a new discussion by proposing to India the joint development and production of its state-of-the-art Su-57 stealth fighter jet. Defense experts are considering this offer as an important step for India-Russia strategic relations.
Recently, during a conversation with the international media, Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready for extensive cooperation with India in the defense sector. He clarified that Russia is interested not only in the supply of Su-57 but also in its development and technical partnership. According to Putin, the possibilities of defense cooperation between India and Russia are quite broad and both the countries together can make this aircraft more advanced. With this, India can get access to modern combat technology.
Why is this proposal important for the Indian Air Force?
The squadron strength of the Indian Air Force has been continuously decreasing in the last few years. Many old fighter aircraft are going out of service, while new challenges are increasing rapidly. On the other hand, India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is currently in the development stage and is likely to enter service by the middle of the next decade. In such a situation, the Air Force is feeling the need of such an aircraft which is equipped with stealth technology and can meet the requirements of the modern battlefield. Su-57 is being seen as a possible solution to this need.
What is the specialty of Su-57?
Su-57 is considered to be Russia’s most modern stealth fighter aircraft. It is equipped with high speed, better operational efficiency and state-of-the-art electronic systems. It is a multi-role fighter, which can take effective action against air, land and sea targets. Advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and long-range missiles can be included in this aircraft. Defense analysts believe that its capabilities are comparable to aircraft like China’s J-35 and America’s F-35.
Why did India leave the FGFA project in 2018?
This is not the first time that there has been a discussion between India and Russia regarding Su-57. In the year 2018, India received a proposal to join the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program, which was based on the Su-57 platform. However, at that time India had distanced itself from the project. The reasons behind this were the Air Force’s concerns regarding stealth capability, differences related to technology transfer and some other technical reasons. India had then decided that Russia should first fully develop this aircraft and then further consideration would be given.
What are the options before India?
At present, India has three major options regarding the 5th generation fighter aircraft.
Russia’s Su-57
America’s F-35
Swadeshi AMCA Project
The possibility of Pakistan getting J-35AE stealth fighter from China has also increased India’s security concerns. In such a situation, the need for a modern stealth platform has become more important than ever. Some defense experts believe that India may also consider purchasing a limited number of Su-57 to meet its immediate needs.
What will be the benefits of joint production?
If India and Russia agree on joint production of Su-57, it could have many strategic benefits.
Make in India campaign will be strengthened.
Domestic defense industry will get new technology.
Employment opportunities will increase.
Indigenous projects like AMCA can get technical benefits.
India-Russia defense partnership will become stronger.
Russia has already provided advanced defense systems like S-400 to India. In such a situation, Su-57 cooperation can give a new direction to the relations between the two countries.
However, some important questions are also associated with this proposal. India would like to be completely satisfied on aspects like stealth capability, engine reliability, maintenance cost and technical performance. Apart from this, possible sanctions and international diplomatic implications related to America’s CAATSA law will also have to be considered. India’s priority is to strengthen its self-reliant defense capability, hence any deal should be beneficial in that direction.
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