HAL's Nashik Plant Capable of Building Su-57 5th-Gen Stealth Jets, Claims Rostec Highlighting Su-30MKI Infrastructure

Rostec, the Russian state-owned defence conglomerate, has claimed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik plant possesses the potential to manufacture the Su-57, Russia's advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter. This revelation highlights the existing infrastructure and expertise at the Nashik facility, which has been the production hub for the Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to Rostec officials, the Nashik plant, responsible for assembling approximately 220 Su-30MKI aircraft, can be readily adapted for Su-57 production. This is due to the significant overlap in tooling and machinery used in the manufacturing processes of both aircraft. This existing compatibility could translate to substantial cost savings for India, making the prospect of domestic Su-57 production more economically attractive.

Furthermore, Rostec has committed to a complete Transfer of Technology (ToT) as part of any licensed production agreement for the Su-57. This ToT would empower India to not only assemble the aircraft locally but also gain valuable expertise in design, maintenance, and production, bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities.

This offer aligns with Russia's strategic objective to strengthen defence cooperation with India and support its pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The potential ToT for the Su-57 could have far-reaching implications for India's aviation technology sector, providing Indian engineers and technicians with invaluable experience in fifth-generation fighter technology.

The possibility of licensed production of the Su-57 in India represents a significant advancement in India's air defence capabilities. The Su-57, with its advanced stealth capabilities, speed, and maneuverability, would substantially enhance the IAF's strategic air power, enabling it to effectively address evolving threats in the region.

This development comes as India continues to modernize its air force and seek strategic partnerships to bolster its defence capabilities. The Su-57 program has faced its own challenges and delays, but Russia remains confident in its capabilities. Should India decide to proceed with the Su-57 program, it would represent a major leap forward in Indo-Russian defence cooperation and significantly enhance India's position in the global aerospace arena.

 

[sanket]

In today's 5th gen jet era, a 4th gen jet does not make any sense. India should go for 3-4 squadrons of any 5th gen jet and then put the rest of the money entirely on Tejas MK2, AMCA, TEDBF and make it as fast as possible. This is the best scenario for India right now.

114 Su-57 under make in India. 3 or 4 squadrons will not be enough. 220 Tejas MK1A, 200 Tejas MK2, 200 AMCA. Then it will be 42 squadron strength.

 

[PKPRS]

Obviously, that facility can quickly produce SU57 since SU57 is a 4+ gen aircraft. It doesn't have any advanced tech or proper radar-absorbing skin. Pseudo 5th gen at best.

Still far better than what the Chinese have and getting better every day through incremental updates. By the time the MOD signs the contract and HAL starts making it, the SU-57 will become a 6th or even 7th gen aircraft.

 

[Double Tap]

114 Su-57, even 80% toT as per MRCA and AL-51 engine is a sweet deal.

 

[Preet]

The AMCA Should be put directly under Indian Air force supervision. Let the indigenous content be low initially for the sake of urgency. It'll be better than imported 5th generation aircraft. Slowly the indigenous content can increase.

 

[Enforcer]

India does have technology and can modify this aircraft and make it true fifth generational, with radar and etc. But if they can fast pace the AMCA like other countries do their programs (South Korea, China, Turkey, and etc. ) then certainly there would not be need to depend on others.

Buddy, When Sitara is delayed, Basic trainer is also delayed, Dhruv has critical issues, Prachand has no anti tank missile, We have no faith in HAL.

 

[Sandeep]

Unless Russia is offering 100% of their technology and to make it entirely in India with indigenous raw materials then India should avoid this jet. They are still developing and improving the technology so once they finish it we should have a comprehensive look and understanding on the technology and capabilities they use etc.

India needs to quickly develop a engine that can offer the cooperate

 

[Bhupesh Desai]

This is a great offer India should go for; this way HAL has experience with SU-30MKI and the Nasik plant can be reused for future work till AMCA comes along; maybe Russia can help with setting up infrastructure and the supply chain within India.

 

[Pankaj]

It's useless to buy a 4th gen jet under MRFA. MRFA was the thought of 10-15 years back, now the scenario has changed completely and the world is looking for more advanced jets, the 5th generation. Tejas mk1a and mk2 are enough under these categories. India must go for a 5th gen jet as the neighbours are also looking to induct 5th gen jets.

 

[tipoo2]

Trump said live that he'd provide India with F35s! India's moves will be interesting, but what is for sure is that no moves are worse than either one.

 

[tipoo2]

We should not buy large number of 5th gen jets from other countries. We will have our own AMCA. By the time it is not developed let us procure ~3 squadrons of Su57.

3-4 squadrons as a tide-over would be fine.

But we won't have even one AMCA squadron until 2040 I'd bet, so something is needed.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The Russians have brought a lower scale model of the SU-57E, the export version. If India buys the SU-57, it must buy the M version, which Russia is inducting into its air force. The assembly at Nasik must be done with the latest 7th, 9th, and 12-axis CMC machines purchased from America, Japan, and Germany to get precise precision and a robotic build.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

It's not we but they, I hope you know the difference. The Russians are tomtoming that SU57 is a fifth generation fighter aircraft, we are nobody to dispute or agree with them.

None of what you said made sense. Let them put it on a billboard for all I care, the truth is that it isn't a 5th-gen fighter. It's as simple as that.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

3-4 squadrons as a tide-over would be fine.

But we won't have even one AMCA squadron until 2040 I'd bet, so something is needed.

We will have LCA Mk2, 36 Rafales, and say 36-48 SU57s. Hopefully, SU30s will be upgraded with Virupaksha in the next 7-8 years.

 

[Mohitm]

In today's 5th gen jet era, a 4th gen jet does not make any sense. India should go for 3-4 squadrons of any 5th gen jet and then put the rest of the money entirely on Tejas MK2, AMCA, TEDBF and make it as fast as possible. This is the best scenario for India right now.

Money hi toh nahi hai. Infact bahot limited hai. 60% of the defence budget goes in paying pensions and salaries.

 

[Suresh Kamath]

For the IAF, the critical need of the hour is to very quickly ramp up its number of operational squadrons. Although the current approved strength is around 42 squadrons, the IAF must plan for atleast 50 squadrons. Add to this, some of the current squadrons will need to replace older aircraft. If this means that we opt for a combination of Rafales, SU57s and F35s then so be it.

The IAF needs top of the line aircraft in large numbers and quickly. Time is of essence now. Going by HAL's track record with the Tejas, it will take another 30 - 40 years for HAL to deliver the numbers the IAF needs. This political mollycoddling of HAL must stop. It's dangerous for our country's security.

 

[Foxbat]

There is no such thing like that. Get your facts right. I live in the USA and I have friends in Air Force and I spoke to them and they said there is nothing like that for domestic OR export versions of the jet.

The IAF and Indian bureaucracy has not really got down to business on this F35 just yet. But many are already having fear factor with having any in depth operational knowledge of the aircraft. If the aircraft needs source code on daily basis I don't think the Japanese, Koreans and Singapore Air Force would have procured this one of the world's powerful aircraft.