Context:
Rosoboronexport and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) offered India a partner on the Su-57, Russia’s fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). The offer envisions localizing production in India, perhaps at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), with the start of production possibly as early as 2025.
Key Highlights:
Fifth generation technologies for India.
- Russia offers the following key technological developments:
- Engines
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars
- Optics
- AI elements
- Software communication systems
- Aerial weapons
- Such technology could also help the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program for India.
- No sanction risks to India
- Russia ensures India of no sanction or supply disruptions.
- The representatives are assuring that there will be long term cooperation for uninterrupted access to parts, components, and upgrades.
- Historical defence cooperation
- Russia recounts its 60 years of defence cooperation with India, especially with regard to aircraft production.
- These projects include the co-development and assembly of the Su-30MKI in India.
Possible implications for India
- Strategic advantages
- Access to cutting edge fighter jet technology
- An uplift for the Indian domestic aircraft industry, especially AMCA
- Stronger Indo Russian defence ties
- Challenges and considerations
- India’s interest in western fighter jets (F 35, Rafale, etc.)
- Balancing ties with the U.S. and European defence suppliers
- Challenges associated with integrating Russian technology into the existing Indian infrastructures and funding them.
Russia’s offer to localise the Su 57 and transfer technology holds unique value for India.
India will have to make an assessment of these and tie them to its long range strategic goals regarding the Make in India initiative, international partnerships being built in the background, and the changing geopolitical environment.
