New Delhi. Russia has once again put forward a big proposal regarding India’s defense preparedness. Russia has been offering its fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft Su-57 to India for a long time. Now Russian President Vladimir Putin has also reiterated this proposal and said that Russia is ready not only to provide this aircraft to India, but will also cooperate in sharing its technology and producing it in India.
What is Russia offering to India?
Russia claims that it is ready to provide extensive technical cooperation to India with Su-57 fighter aircraft. This also includes technology transfer, production know-how and the possibility of manufacturing aircraft in India itself. The Russian side says that if India accepts this proposal, then these aircraft can be manufactured in the country under the “Make in India” initiative. This will give India an opportunity to acquire advanced defense technology instead of just purchasing aircraft.
Need for 5th generation aircraft?
The Indian Air Force has been feeling the need for modern fighter aircraft for a long time. At present, China already has fifth generation stealth aircraft like Chengdu J-20 in service. Apart from this, China has also advanced Shenyang J-35. According to reports, Pakistan is also increasing cooperation with China in the field of modern fighter aircraft. If Pakistan gets advanced stealth aircraft, the balance of air power in South Asia may take a new direction. This is why the need for fighter aircraft with modern technology for India is considered more important than before.
What are the options before India?
India is also already working on its indigenous fifth generation fighter aircraft programme. However, such a project may take several years to be fully developed. In such a situation, some defense experts believe that foreign platforms can become an interim solution to meet the immediate needs. However, the final decision will be taken only after evaluation at several levels.
How special is the Su-57?
Sukhoi Su-57 is considered to be Russia’s most modern stealth fighter aircraft. It has been developed to evade radar, strike at long range and deliver accurate air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art sensors, supercruise capability and modern weapon systems. Russia claims that this aircraft has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the modern battlefield.
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