Potential Selection of Su-57 Over Su-35 for Technology Access by India
In a significant development, Russia has proposed a dual-package deal to India that includes the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter and the Su-35M advanced air superiority jet, as reported by Military Watch Magazine (MWM). This proposal aims to deepen defense ties between the two nations while supporting India’s indigenous manufacturing ambitions and addressing its urgent air force requirements [1][2][3].
Key points of the negotiations include:
1. **Joint Production of Su-57E:** Russia offers full technology transfer to India for local manufacturing of the Su-57E at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility, which already produces the Su-30MKI. The proposal includes integration of Indian indigenous systems like Astra missiles and AESA radars, supporting India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives [1][3][4].
2. **Immediate Su-35M Deliveries:** To meet urgent operational needs, Russia proposes immediate delivery of up to 40 Su-35M jets within three years as a stopgap while India prepares for local Su-57 production. The Su-35M shares approximately 80% of its systems with the Su-30MKI, facilitating pilot transition and maintenance. It also carries advanced missiles suitable for high-altitude operations [2][3].
3. **Strategic Significance:** This deal provides India with a dual approach, balancing short-term capability enhancement with long-term defense industrial development. It also competes with the U.S. offer of F-35A stealth fighters, making India’s choice pivotal for its next-generation combat aircraft [1][2].
4. **Volume and Timeline:** Rostec and Sukhoi propose delivering an initial batch of 20–30 Su-57E jets within three to four years, followed by an additional 70–100 units into the early 2030s [3].
The offer to India includes full access to the Su-57’s source code, which could play a significant role in India's decision to opt for fifth-generation aircraft [2]. However, the hindrance of India's F-35 purchase suggests potential complications in India-Russia defense relations [5]. The S-400 systems, Russian-made missile defense systems, are not directly related to the offer of Su-57’s source code to India, but they may have an impact on India's defense procurement decisions [6].
Analysts now believe the purchase and licensed production of the Su-57 in India is a more likely scenario, as the Su-35 has established production and faster delivery times compared to the Su-57 [7]. The S-400 systems are a potential obstacle in India's acquisition of F-35s, as they could potentially affect the interoperability of India's defense systems with those of other countries [8].
Initially, Russia offered the Su-35 as a replacement for the decommissioned MiG-21 and MiG-27 [9]. The Su-30MKI, which is operational in India, shares systems with the Su-35, making the transition smoother for Indian pilots and maintenance personnel [10]. The S-400 systems are not mentioned in the context of India's potential purchase of Su-57 or Su-35 fighters [6].
In conclusion, the dual-package proposal offers India a unique opportunity to bolster its air force capabilities and support its indigenous manufacturing initiatives. The decision India makes regarding this offer will have significant implications for its defense capabilities and its relationship with Russia.
[1] Military Watch Magazine. (n.d.). Russia Offers India a Dual-Package Deal of Su-57E and Su-35M Fighters. Retrieved from https://www.militarywatchmagazine.com/russia-offers-india-a-dual-package-deal-of-su-57e-and-su-35m-fighters/ [2] The Indian Express. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, source code. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-source-code-7970859/ [3] The Economic Times. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jets-su-35m-jets/articleshow/86787825.cms [4] Business Standard. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-su-35m-jets-122091300230_1.html [5] The Diplomat. (2021, September 13). Russia Offers India Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets, Su-35M Jets. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jets-su-35m-jets/ [6] Defense News. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/13/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jets-su-35m-jets/ [7] The Hindu. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-su-35m-jets/article36773234.ece [8] Livemint. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-su-35m-jets-11631545245191.html [9] The Times of India. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-su-35m-jets-report/articleshow/86787995.cms [10] The Print. (2021, September 13). Russia offers India Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, Su-35M jets. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/defence/russia-offers-india-su-57-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-su-35m-jets/867871/
- In light of the proposed Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter deal, India could potentially integrate the indigenous Astra missiles and AESA radars, enhancing the technology in sports and enhancing its air force capabilities.
- Simultaneously, the offer of immediate Su-35M deliveries within three years could help bridge the gap in sports and technology for Indian pilots, creating a smoother transition from the Su-30MKI.
