How Russia's 142kN Izdeliye 177S Engine Could Boost India's Super-30 Upgrade and Bridge AMCA Mk2 Needs, But Unproven Risks Persists

Russia's United Engine Corporation (UEC), part of the state-owned Rostec, has presented India with a proposal for a new engine: the Izdeliye 177S (also referred to as Product 177S).

This advanced engine is being offered as a potential solution for two key Indian Air Force (IAF) programs: the ongoing Super-30MKI upgrade and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2. The engine was showcased at the Aero India 2025 exhibition.

The Izdeliye 177S represents a substantial upgrade from the existing AL-41F1 engine, which currently powers both Russia's Su-57 fighter jet and India's large fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI aircraft.

The 177S reportedly generates a maximum thrust of 142 kN (approximately 14,500 kgf), a significant increase over the 123 kN thrust of the AL-31FP engines currently used in the Indian Su-30MKIs.

The new engine also boasts an improved thrust-to-weight ratio of 9.5:1. It incorporates technology derived from the AL-51 engine, intended for the second-stage (Izdeliye 30) version of the Su-57.

Key improvements include thrust vector control (TVC) nozzles with stealth treatments to minimize radar and infrared signatures, greater fuel efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan, projected to surpass the 4,000-hour service life of the AL-31FP.

UEC has stated that the 177S is designed as a "drop-in" replacement, compatible with the existing Su-30MKI assembly lines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and has offered local manufacturing options under India's "Make in India" initiative.

For the Super-30 upgrade program, which initially targets the modernization of 84 Su-30MKIs, the 177S engine, combined with the indigenously developed Virupaksha AESA radar, could significantly enhance the aircraft's capabilities. This upgrade would effectively transform the Su-30MKIs into 4.5-generation fighters with some 5th-generation characteristics.

In the longer term, the 177S could serve as an interim engine for the AMCA Mk2. While the AMCA Mk1 is slated to use the General Electric F414 engine (producing 98 kN of thrust), India's long-term objective is to develop an indigenous engine in the 110-130 kN thrust class, likely in collaboration with either Safran or Rolls-Royce, with a target availability date in the mid-2030s. The 177S could bridge the gap until this indigenous engine is ready.

However, there's a caveat to Russia's proposal. Reports, including discussions on social media platform X, suggest that Russia may not proceed with flight testing of the 177S until a firm commitment is received from potential customers like India. This approach, reminiscent of some Cold War-era Soviet practices, prioritizes securing funding before completing development.

This contrasts with the development path of the Su-57, which underwent flight testing with the AL-41F1 before the introduction of the AL-51 (Izdeliye 30), which first flew in 2022.

Currently, the 177S exists only as a ground-tested prototype. Rostec's reluctance to invest further without a confirmed order could be due to budgetary pressures, potentially exacerbated by Western sanctions imposed since 2022, or a strategy to secure India's commitment.

This development strategy differs significantly from those used in the United States and China. For instance, the F-35's F135 engine underwent flight testing in 2000, years before entering full-scale production. Similarly, China's WS-15 engine has been tested on J-20 prototypes by 2023.

For India, the situation presents a strategic choice: commit to an engine that has not yet been flight-tested, with the promise of co-production and technology transfer, or wait for flight data that might not materialize without an initial investment.

The Russian offer comes at a critical juncture for India. The Super-30 upgrade program, which has faced delays, including those related to engine supply (HAL's delivery of only two Tejas Mk1As in 2024 was partially attributed to shortages of GE engines), requires a dependable and powerful engine to ensure the Su-30MKI fleet remains operational and effective beyond 2035.

The enhanced thrust and stealth capabilities of the 177S could provide a significant advantage over the F-16s and JF-17s operated by Pakistan's Air Force, particularly when combined with upgraded avionics and the integration of BrahMos missiles.

Online speculation also suggests that the 177S could potentially rival the thrust of China's J-20, although the capabilities of the J-20's WS-15 engine remain uncertain.

 

[manojzxc]

Imagine redesigned Tejas MK3 & AMCA MK2 wit AL-41-117s & AL-51.....they wil become true monsters

 

[Senapati]

177S engine is just fit for Super Su30 upgrade. May be in first phase of upgradation focus is on avionics flight control radar electrooptics .
In second phase they will take up new engine 177S mechanical systems like OBOGS.and indigenious wepons like Brahmos NG integration.

 

[P.K Senapati]

India is thinking of Make in India Su-57 with AL-51 engine.
At this moment, no plan of changing from AL-31F of Su-30. But later, as Super Sukhoi modernization, 177S can be a better choice.

 

[Vivek M. R]

If GTRE / Mod gets more data and there is mutual trust between two countries this project is worth the risk. Even if there is no TOT but with full agreement for Licence production in India like RD33 MK series 3 engine. We can even go for medium weight single engine stealth may be Tejas Mk3 stealth in future as we have almost all other technologies required for such a project.

 

[BORN FIGHTER]

Once this engine is ready, we can replace all American engines with this one.

 

[Yes]

Tech transfer and local production is enticing, Cost overruns and time delays are matter of concern.

 

[P.K Senapati]

This Russian engine can be a suitable second and parallel choice for India's AMCA. It will compete with the GE F414. This engine may be manufactured at BHEL's manufacturing plant. BHEL has extensive experience in utility gas turbines. It has one of the best global manufacturing technologies. It will provide healthy competition to the GE F414 engine. Meanwhile, in view of recent developments in the USA under the new president, Mr. Donald Trump, India must expedite the development of the Kaveri engine.

 

[coke]

AL-41F1S has also 142kN thrust, so what is good in it above AL-31?

 

[CoolTaurus]

SU 30 MKI is powered by AL-31 engine & not AL-41. Russia offered AL-41 engine last year for SU 30 MKI upgrade but was rejected by India. So now with increasing competition from USA the Russian's have offered Izdeliye 177S engine.

 

[AK S]

AL-41F1S has also 142kN thrust, so what is good in it above AL-31?

Stealth (IR signature suppression), efficiency and MTBH are superior.

 

[Kira]

Since the entire engine is unproven and Russia probably just wants to milk India for funds, I don't think this will be a good offer or even a real offer.

Finally, the main issue with Russian engines will persist, aka high maintenance and a higher amount of servicing required as compared to Western powerplants.

 

[Leo red]

Problem is, the more we look for higher technology in Russian weapons, the same copy will be available in China, but in no time. Then, the same copy will be available in Pakistan through China. Better to go for Make in India. Focus on drones.

 

[Prem Jain]

The offer can be taken with the risk factors provided the agreement must allow Indian engineers to make necessary modifications and innovations. We require India specific modifications and is a must. Even if Russia is expecting funds and the present parameters and performance of the engine is promising when evaluated by our engineers, we can take the risk. It’s a good offer and worth considering.

 

[kunites]

This engine is based on the proven AL41 core, so it may not be that big a risk to procure. India can buy in limited numbers and flight test it for the Super Sukhoi program before committing to larger numbers.

 

[Sandeep]

India has made it clear that they are not looking to buy an upgraded Russian engine for our Sukhoi jets as it will cost far too much. Keeping the current engine is a more affordable choice as we have already created an local ecosystem and market that can help to maintain, repair or overhaul the engines along with providing any spares, parts, LRU, servicing, upkeep and we have improved the performance and lifespan of it ourselves which is good.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Reading the article, I find that we will indeed be taking a high risk going for product 177S, which is very impressive on paper, but it is an unproven engine. We are in a desperate situation due to a shortage of tested, proven, and reliable engine solutions for the Mk2 and AMCA. The people involved in the selection of engines should do a thorough study on tested and proven systems and make stringent evaluations; otherwise, in a moment of despair, we could fall into a blind spot.