India takes a relook at Russian Su-57

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India Reconsiders Russian Su-57 Fighter Jets Amid Capability Gap

New Delhi — India is once again weighing the prospect of acquiring Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet, years after walking away from a co-development project over concerns about cost, stealth capability, and technology transfer. The reassessment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces mounting pressure to bridge a growing operational shortfall in its combat fleet.

From FGFA to a Fresh Offer

In 2018, India withdrew from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme with Russia, citing dissatisfaction with the Su-57’s stealth profile, avionics, and engine maturity. The IAF had argued that the aircraft did not meet the benchmark set by Western platforms such as the American F-35.

Now, Moscow is back with a renewed offer, reportedly willing to explore co-production under Make in India, local manufacturing at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) facilities, and wider technology transfer. According to reports, at least two squadrons of the Su-57 — in its export variant Su-57E — are under consideration.

Why the Re-look?

India’s renewed interest appears to be less about stealth superiority and more about pragmatic operational needs:

  • Fleet strength concerns: The IAF operates around 30 squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42. With older MiG-21s retired and Tejas Mk1 and Rafale numbers still limited, India requires a bridging solution.
  • Capability gap: The Su-57 offers long-range strike capacity, a heavy weapons payload, and integration of advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles — features that could complement India’s current fleet.
  • Indigenous delays: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s homegrown fifth-generation project, remains years away from production. The Su-57 is being considered as an interim measure until AMCA matures.
  • Improved Russian terms: Unlike the earlier FGFA deal, Moscow is now more open to customization, integration of Indian systems, and a cost-sharing model that could strengthen domestic aerospace capability.

Caution and Concerns

Despite the improved pitch, skepticism persists within strategic circles:

  • Stealth limitations: Analysts argue that the Su-57’s radar cross-section and sensor fusion still fall short of Western benchmarks.
  • Engine reliability: The new Izdeliye-30 engine is still not fully proven, raising concerns over long-term performance.
  • Sanctions and supply chains: Russia’s defence industry faces constraints under Western sanctions, casting doubt on production timelines and quality control.
  • Strategic implications: A major deal with Moscow could complicate India’s balancing act between its traditional defence partner Russia and its growing strategic ties with the U.S. and Europe.

The Road Ahead

New Delhi’s deliberations reflect a careful balancing of urgency and strategy. While the Su-57 may not match the stealth pedigree of the F-35, its range, payload, and strike versatility could provide a valuable stopgap. Any final decision is expected to weigh operational urgency against long-term ambitions for indigenous capability and geopolitical flexibility.

For now, India’s “re-look” at the Su-57 underscores the central dilemma facing its military modernization: how to fill today’s capability gaps without jeopardizing tomorrow’s strategic autonomy.

Would you like me to make this more newspaper-style concise (just the facts) or more strategic/analytical with comparisons to the F-35 and AMCA?

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