Russian President Putin has offered SU-57 stealth fighter jet to India. He said that Russia is ready to share the development and technology of this aircraft with India, and also termed America’s pressure as useless.
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a big proposal regarding the fifth generation stealth fighter jet SU-57, indicating further strengthening of defense cooperation with India. He said that Russia is ready for joint development and production of this advanced fighter aircraft with India and there is no objection in sharing the necessary defense technologies for this.
The statement came while speaking to international media during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Putin also expressed his views on global defense and geopolitical issues.
Russia’s joint development proposal regarding SU-57
Putin said that Russia has already offered India partnership in the SU-57 project. However, at that time India had suggested that Russia should first develop the aircraft further and India’s participation should be considered later.
He said that now Russia is again ready to work with India in this project. According to him, this will not only be limited to the supply of aircraft, but it may also include technical cooperation and joint manufacturing.
Putin also indicated that the same cooperation can be extended in the field of air defense systems, which will further strengthen the defense relations between the two countries.
Russia claims on SU-57 capabilities
The Russian President described the SU-57 as one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the world. He said that this aircraft has stealth technology, state-of-the-art avionics, high mobility and multi-role combat capability.
The SU-57 is said to be capable of attacking air, land and sea targets. This makes it a multifunctional combat aircraft, which can perform a variety of roles in modern combat situations.
Globally, this category also includes America’s F-35 and China’s J-35, which are considered modern stealth fighter jets.
Old proposals and technical differences with India
According to reports, Russia had proposed participation in the SU-57 program to India around the year 2018. At that time the Indian Air Force had shown interest in this project, but due to several technical reasons and strategic requirements, India kept distance from full partnership.
There were differences between the two sides, especially regarding the stealth capability of the aircraft and the terms of technology transfer. India demanded more advanced and fully suited technology as per its defense requirements.
Comment also on US-India defense relations
Putin also commented on relations between America and India in his statement. He said that America tries to put pressure on many countries, but a big and independent country like India is not going to bow down to such policies.
He also said that India takes decisions based on its national interests and external pressure has limited impact on it.
This statement has come at a time when talks are going on at many levels between India and America regarding defense and trade cooperation.
Putin’s confidence in India-Russia relations
Putin described India-Russia relations as “special and independent”. He said that Russia’s relations with China do not affect its partnership with India, and similarly relations with India also do not affect Russia’s friendship with China.
He also said that trilateral cooperation (RIC) between India, Russia and China has been in discussion earlier and can become an important platform for global stability.
Balanced commentary on India-Pakistan relations
Talking about relations between India and Pakistan, Putin said that Russia understands the complex issues existing between the two countries, but will not directly interfere in the matter.
When he was asked a question on the relations between Pakistan and China, he said that Pakistan is an independent and big country, which has different relations with many countries. However, he acknowledged that cooperation with China is important for Pakistan.
Possible changes in global defense equations
This new proposal of Russia regarding SU-57 is being considered a sign of change in global defense equations. If India and Russia go ahead with this project, it will not only impact India’s air force capability but could also impact the military balance in Asia.
Experts believe that India already has a long history of defense cooperation with Russia, and hence the SU-57 proposal could give a new dimension to the strategic relations between the two countries.
Comments are closed.