SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Russia’s Rosoboronexport has proposed its Su-35 multi-role fighter for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure 114 advanced fighters. According to Rosoboronexport officials, the company has ramped up Su-35 production to double-digit levels, despite the ongoing war, and is prepared to deliver the required quantity to India should the Su-35 be selected.
The Su-35, an advanced and highly manoeuvrable multirole fighter, boasts a range of capabilities that align with IAF requirements for air superiority and ground attack roles. Equipped with an upgraded AL-41F engine—an advanced iteration of the AL-31F used in India’s existing Su-30MKI fleet—the Su-35 promises both ease of transition for IAF pilots and significant performance enhancements.
One key advantage cited by Rosoboronexport is the compatibility between the Su-35 and India’s existing fleet of Su-30MKIs, currently the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet. With both jets sharing a similar design lineage, the Su-35’s adoption could potentially streamline operational transition, reduce training time, and lower maintenance costs.
Further adding to its appeal, Rosoboronexport speaking to idrw.org claims that the AL-41F engines, which power the Su-35, could be produced locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Since HAL already manufactures the AL-31F engines for the Su-30MKI, minimal investment would be required to adapt existing facilities to produce the AL-41F variant. Local production would also align with India’s Make in India initiative, aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities in defence.
The Su-35 boasts superior manoeuvrability, advanced avionics, and a modern radar system that provides heightened situational awareness and enhanced targeting capabilities. Its performance upgrades over the Su-27 include thrust-vectoring nozzles and an enhanced airframe, giving it a strong edge in dogfights and agility during combat. Additionally, its versatile weapons suite enables it to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, aligning with the IAF’s need for multi-role functionality.
However, the Su-35 has faced significant challenges in combat scenarios over Ukraine. Despite its technological advancements, the jet has sustained losses, with reports pointing to issues with survivability in contested airspaces. This performance record has raised questions about its effectiveness in high-threat environments, although it remains to be seen how the Su-35 might fare under different operational conditions.
Rosoboronexport is banking on the Su-35’s compatibility with the Su-30MKI and the potential for local production as key differentiators. Additionally, Russia’s long-standing defence relationship with India may bolster the Su-35’s appeal, particularly if Rosoboronexport can demonstrate adaptability to IAF’s requirements and assurances of future support.
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