SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Russia has renewed its pitch to supply India with the Su-57E, the export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, with a proposal that emphasizes deep localization and integration of Indian systems. According to informed sources at Rostec, Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate, the Su-57E will incorporate key technologies planned for India’s Super-30 jets, including a GaN-based AESA radar and an India-developed mission computer. This move aims to ensure commonality with the Super-30 program, enabling the Indian Air Force (IAF) to equip the Su-57E with indigenously developed air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons systems, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Su-57E offer builds on the technological framework of the Super-30 jets, an upgraded variant of the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet. The inclusion of a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an Indian mission computer will not only enhance the Su-57E’s capabilities but also streamline maintenance and operational logistics by ensuring commonality with the Super-30 jets. This integration will allow the Su-57E to carry Indian-origin weapons, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and precision-guided air-to-surface munitions, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
A Rostec official close to the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) emphasized the strategic fit, stating, “The Su-57E can serve as a platform to operationalize systems developed for the Super-30, ensuring India’s indigenous technologies are battle-ready while providing a fifth-generation capability.” This approach could accelerate India’s expertise in integrating advanced avionics and weapons systems, potentially benefiting future indigenous programs.
Rostec has identified Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility as the ideal site for Su-57E production in India. The Nashik plant, which has successfully manufactured over 220 Su-30MKI jets under license, already possesses much of the necessary tooling and ground equipment, making it a cost-effective choice for the Su-57E program. However, the proposed localization path, which includes integrating Indian systems and subsystems, is expected to take 3-4 years before the jet matures for full-scale induction into the IAF.
To bridge this gap, Russia has offered to supply 20-30 Su-57E jets off the shelf, allowing the IAF to operationalize a fifth-generation capability in the interim. This phased approach ensures that India can address its immediate fighter squadron shortfall while building the infrastructure for localized production. The Nashik facility’s role could also generate economic benefits, including job creation and the growth of India’s aerospace ecosystem, further supporting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision.
The IAF has been a strong proponent of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter program aimed at bolstering India’s air power with cutting-edge technology. However, the AMCA’s timeline remains a challenge, with its first flight confirmed for 2029 and production not expected until 2034-35. This delay leaves a critical gap in the IAF’s capabilities, particularly as regional adversaries like China and Pakistan advance their own fifth-generation fighter programs, with China’s J-20 already in service and Pakistan eyeing the J-31 by 2029.
The Su-57E, with its stealth features, supermaneuverability, and advanced radar systems, is positioned as a viable interim solution to address this gap. While its stealth capabilities are considered less advanced than those of the US F-35, the Su-57E offers significant advantages in maneuverability and payload capacity. The jet’s ability to carry hypersonic weapons and its 360-degree thrust vectoring further enhance its combat potential, making it a formidable platform for the IAF until the AMCA becomes operational.
The Su-57E proposal comes at a time when the IAF is grappling with a depleted fighter squadron strength, exacerbated by the retirement of aging aircraft like the MiG-21s and delays in the delivery of indigenous platforms like the Tejas. The integration of Indian systems into the Su-57E not only aligns with India’s self-reliance goals but also ensures that the IAF can maintain operational flexibility by using familiar weapons and avionics.
However, the proposal is not without challenges. The 3-4-year timeline for localization means that the IAF will need to carefully manage its fleet transition, relying on the off-the-shelf Su-57E jets in the interim. Additionally, concerns over the Su-57E’s stealth performance, engine readiness (with the advanced AL-51 engine still in development), and potential geopolitical risks—such as sanctions under the US CAATSA—could complicate India’s decision. The IAF’s past experience with the Su-30MKI program, while largely successful, has also highlighted issues with spares and maintenance support, which will need to be addressed in any Su-57E deal.
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