Big blow to Pakistan, China as India set to develop sixth-generation jets and strategic bombers with Russia, Moscow offers…, Su-57E fighters to…

The recent visit of President Vladimir Putin to India(BHARAT) signifies a new beginning in India(BHARAT)n-Russian relations. In the course of this visit, Russian officials indicated their readiness to work with India(BHARAT) again on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft(FGFA) program. Joint development of sixth-generation fighter aircraft and new generation strategic bombers would also occur under this agreement, which will be a major advance in defence cooperation between the two nations.

How will this deal impact India(BHARAT)’s strategic position in Asia?

According to the India(BHARAT)n Defence Research Wing(IDRW) report, Russian officials have offered India(BHARAT) an extensive proposal for cooperation in the development of both sixth-generation fighter jets and future strategic bombers, which will include provisions for domestic manufacture of these aircraft in India(BHARAT).

According to senior Russian officials, it is likely that the collaborative effort to develop India(BHARAT)n-variants of the Su-57E fighter jet as part of the Joint Development Programme created under the FGFA treaty will be the beginning of an expansion of defence technology and weaponry between Russia and India(BHARAT) into more advanced Joint Development and co-production of future 6th-generation fighter jets and advanced strategic bombers.

When could these advanced jets and bombers be operational?

The India(BHARAT)n Air Force has been offered by Moscow a wide range of options. In addition to the immediate supply of up to three squadrons of Su-57E fighters, Russia is also creating opportunities for India(BHARAT)n companies to develop their own domestically manufactured versions of the aircraft. This is designed to provide the IAF with both an immediate supply of stealth capabilities and a long-term co-production agreement with Russia, as reported by the India(BHARAT)n Defence Research Wing(IDRW).

This strategic plan intends to provide the IAF with stealth capabilities (the capacity to avoid being seen by radar) as well as to start building a foundation for future technology transfer and co-production of advanced aircraft. Russian military officials have made it abundantly clear that Russia’s future military aviation plans include developing next‐generation programs, and they would like India(BHARAT) to participate in these programs.

While not providing specific details about the classified development of its sixth-generation aircraft, the officials acknowledged that other nations are beginning to work on sixth-generation platforms with the expectation of the first prototypes being available sometime by 2035. They added that Russia intends to keep pace with its competitors and believes India(BHARAT) is a significant long-term partner in this area, the report further mentioned.

The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft(FGFA) project was earlier dropped by India(BHARAT) due to issues regarding cost, timelines, aircraft stealth performance, and the placement of technology. However, the geopolitical situation has changed, and therefore, if India(BHARAT) now chooses to proceed with the Su-57E-based FGFA Program, this will be the platform for huge collaborative development of advanced-generation fighter aircraft.

The programme between Russia and India(BHARAT) will consist of the sixth rendition of the Air Superiority (design of aircraft intended for domination over the skies), Stealth Strike Aircraft (flying apparatus capable of stealthily delivering munitions to a target without being detected by radar), Advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming System (partnership) with a pilot and a drone, and Future Probable Bomber Technology. The expectation is for the collaboration on this project to be comparable in nature to that of the BrahMos missile project and programme.

While India(BHARAT) diversifies its defence partnerships, Russia extends an invitation for India(BHARAT) to participate in its advanced aviation projects. India(BHARAT) has a long-standing appreciation for the vast technical knowledge offered by Russian engineers. If successful, this engagement would redefine cooperative air power between India(BHARAT) and Russia over thirty years to come.