To meet the shortage of fighter jets, the Indian Air Force is going to make a deal with France for 114 Rafale fighter jets. Despite that, India’s biggest tension is regarding the 5th generation fighter jet because the Chinese Air Force is already using fighter planes like J-20 and J-35. There were also reports that China may make a deal with Pakistan regarding 5th generation fighter jets. India has received offers from America and Russia for the 5th generation fighter jet, although till now it has neither agreed to the American F-35 nor the Russian Su-57. Meanwhile, Russia has made such an offer to India for Su-57M1E, which will not be easy for India to refuse.
Russia has offered India an updated version of Su-57 stealth fighter jet. According to the Defense.in website, this double-seat Su-57 has been offered by Russia in a high-level meeting of officials of both the countries during the ‘Wings India 2026’ exhibition. The proposal given by Moscow also includes giving full technology transfer and source code, as has been given for BrahMos and Astra missiles. Russia plans to bring the Indian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) back on track, in which both the countries will jointly produce it.
Specialty of Russia’s double seater fighter jet
According to reports, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has given detailed details of a plan, under which India will be allowed to domestically manufacture critical components of this 5th generation fighter jet. This proposal involves very expensive technology, such as-
– Next generation engines (specifically Izdeliye 30/AL-51F1)
– AESA radar system and updated optical sensors
– Access to source code, which will make it possible to integrate indigenous Indian weapons such as BrahMos and Astra missiles
– Artificial Intelligence for Combat Automation
India was out of Russia’s FGFA project in 2018
Let us tell you that in the year 2018, India had separated itself from the FGFA program citing rising costs, less work given to Indian engineers and doubts over the stealth capability and engine performance of the fighter jet. Since then, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has given priority to Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, first flight of the AMCA prototype is proposed for 2029 and mass production is not expected until the mid-2030s. In such a situation, Russia is presenting Su-57 as an important ‘strategic bridge’ to bridge the gap in India’s growing stealth capability.
How different is the Russian jet from America’s F-35?
The F-35 fighter jet that America has offered to India is a single seater, whereas this fighter jet of Russia is a double seater, which experts can name as Su-57M. Russia argues that modern manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) requires the presence of a second crew member. The operator in the rear seat acts as the mission commander or ‘mini-AWACS’. This officer will manage a group of stealth UCAV drones like the S-70 Okhotnik, while the pilot will focus on flying maneuvers and air-to-air maneuvers.
IAF shows interest in Su-57M1E!
The Russian Defense Industry says that the airframe of this double-seat prototype is already being assembled at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ). The Indian Air Force has shown renewed interest in the updated Su-57M1E, although Delhi remains cautious. Sources say that to keep the Indian Air Force modern, it can make a deal for at least two squadrons (40) fighter jets, but AMCA will remain its priority. His full focus will be on ensuring that this indigenous project is not affected in any way.
