Russia’s open proposal to India, together we will make the world’s most modern fighter aircraft

New Delhi: Russia has made an important proposal to India regarding its state-of-the-art fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft Su-57. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country is ready to work with India for the development, production and technical cooperation of this aircraft. He also clarified that there will be no hindrance in technology transfer in this partnership.

Proposal for joint development of Su-57 to India

This statement of Putin has come at a time when India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is still in the initial stage of development. Answering the question of an Indian journalist during a conversation with the heads of international media organizations, Putin said that Russia has already offered India the joint development of Su-57.

The Russian President said that this aircraft is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world and Russia wants India to become a partner in this project. He reminded that in the initial phase this project could have been developed with the cooperation of India and Russia, but later Russia took it forward at its own level. Despite this, Russia is still ready to work with India on the production, supply and future development of this aircraft.

Actually, India and Russia started the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program in the year 2007. The objective of this plan was to create an advanced stealth fighter based on the Su-57 platform. However, after prolonged negotiations, India distanced itself from this project in 2018. At that time, India’s concerns were raised on issues like cost of the project, lack of clarity regarding technology transfer, stealth capabilities and engine performance.

In the present scenario, this proposal is considered important for India. The Indian Air Force has been emphasizing the need for a fifth generation fighter aircraft for a long time. India’s AMCA program is still in its initial stages and may take several years to become operational.

Meanwhile, China is rapidly advancing its modern fighter aircraft programs. China is already operating the J-20 stealth fighter, while work on the new generation fighter aircraft is also ongoing. At the same time, Pakistan has also taken steps towards purchasing J-35 stealth fighter from China.

What do defense experts think?

Defense experts believe that if Russia is successful in meeting the technical and strategic needs of the Indian Air Force, then India can consider purchasing a limited number of Su-57 aircraft or a cooperative production model as an interim solution.