India Can Quickly Mass Produce Su-57 5th-Gen Jet Domestically by Leveraging Existing Su-30MKI Production Line, Asserts Rosoboronexport

India could quickly upgrade its existing production lines of Russian-designed fighter jets to assemble fifth-generation warplanes, Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport has claimed. The statement comes as India seeks to modernize its air force and is being courted by both Moscow and Washington.

In a statement on Friday, the Russian company lauded its collaboration with India’s defense contractor, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has successfully produced over 220 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.

There exists a path forward for the large-scale domestic modernization of Indian-operated Russian aircraft, the statement said, and “if the Indian side makes a positive decision, the factories currently assembling the Su-30MKI could be swiftly adapted to produce the Su-57E.”

India’s air force currently comprises 31 active fighter squadrons but aims to reach 42 by 2035. Unlike neighboring China, however, it currently has no fifth-generation jets. Just last month, Rosoboronexport suggested that domestically produced Su-57Es would be insulated from potential Western sanctions, making them a viable option.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, however, President Donald Trump proposed US-produced F-35s as an alternative. The US aims to significantly bolster military cooperation with India, which has traditionally relied on Russia for advanced weaponry but has concerns about future Russian deliveries due to sanctions. The F-35 is typically reserved for America’s closest allies.

Both the Su-57 and F-35 were prominently featured at Asia’s largest air show, Aero India, held last month in Bengaluru, where some commentators likened their presence to boxers engaged in a tense stare-down before a bout.

At the Aero India event, Rosoboronexport stated said it had offered to partner with India on further developing the export version of the Su-57 and localizing its production in India. New Delhi was initially part of a joint Russian-Indian project for developing a fifth-generation aircraft but withdrew in 2018.

Source - Russia Today

 

[Somebody]

Good option, can make both SU-57 and SU-75 for export, but we only need 36-52.

 

[Anant]

Good option, can make both SU-57 and SU-75 for export, but we only need 36-52.

Nope. Firstly, the Su-57E in its final form isn't necessarily ready yet (mind you, Algeria is not going to reportedly receive their first Su-57 for quite a whole still). Secondly, the Su-75 doesn't exist beyond a few mockups and some design drawings, and short of Russia finding someone crazy enough to invest a few billion dollars into it, the type never will.

 

[Surfer]

Nope. Firstly, the Su-57E in its final form isn't necessarily ready yet (mind you, Algeria is not going to reportedly receive their first Su-57 for quite a whole still). Secondly, the Su-75 doesn't exist beyond a few mockups and some design drawings, and short of Russia finding someone crazy enough to invest a few billion dollars into it, the type never will.

The SU-57M is almost in 75% of its final form. If they add a flat nozzle, then it will become 90% stealth, better than any Chinese jets, but still not as stealthy as the F-35 because of its size and some ancient manufacturing methodologies. Nonetheless, it is slowly evolving into a great jet. We can do a lot to make it a 100% stealth jet; we have one of the best composite technologies in the world.

 

[Varaaah]

No foreign planes. Focus completely on the Tejas and its versions. Make it a great success. Make it 100% indigenous. After that, India will be able to quickly make any fighter.

 

[KPanda]

Nope. Firstly, the Su-57E in its final form isn't necessarily ready yet (mind you, Algeria is not going to reportedly receive their first Su-57 for quite a whole still). Secondly, the Su-75 doesn't exist beyond a few mockups and some design drawings, and short of Russia finding someone crazy enough to invest a few billion dollars into it, the type never will.

We ain’t getting 4th gen Rafale.

 

[PKPRS]

Let’s make 114-200 Gripen-E for MRFA with Dynamatic technologies, 90% probability, buy 50-60 F15 for GE engine and either buy 36-52 off the shelf F35/SU-57..

 

[PKPRS]

No foreign planes. Focus completely on the Tejas and its versions. Make it a great success. Make it 100% indigenous. After that, India will be able to quickly make any fighter.

We need a private company as a competitor to HAL, only through MRFA it is possible.

 

[Anant]

We ain’t getting 4th gen Rafale.

That is fine. I don't care particularly much.

As I have said before on multiple occasions, I do not care which aircraft gets selected under MRFA. I don't care particularly much either on whether it is a 4.5th generation jet or a 5th generation fighter. What is clearly visible using basic mathematics is that the 6 squadrons under MRFA will be needed to bridge the operational squadron number of the IAF, especially as we slowly pivot from aging types towards indigenous alternatives, the latter of which are facing some rather significant delays.

Let the IAF decide which fighter they want. My only locus standi on this whole matter beyond this is as follows:. If the IAF ends up preferring the Su-35, just build more Super Su-30MKIs with new engines, and eliminate the MiG-35 from the get-go, as we do not need a MiG-29 with minor upgrades and the serial numbers filed off to replace, among other types, older MiG-29s.

 

[Anant]

The SU-57M is almost in 75% of its final form. If they add a flat nozzle, then it will become 90% stealth, better than any Chinese jets, but still not as stealthy as the F-35 because of its size and some ancient manufacturing methodologies. Nonetheless, it is slowly evolving into a great jet. We can do a lot to make it a 100% stealth jet; we have one of the best composite technologies in the world.

If that happens, then as the saying goes, "Aapke muh mein ghee shakkar". Regardless, let's see what the IAF decides is the best fighter for our operational needs. I am only saying that it would be risky to procure a fighter that hasn't seen large-scale production or a bunch of operational experience.

 

[Pad UwU]

An Indianized version of the Su-57, with an IE (Indian Export) partnership or license production, is a way better option for us. ... But, to be honest, I really like the F-15EX, Gripen, and Su-57 😹😹😹.

If we choose this path, it's better for us than being undermined by Western tech, IMHO 😺.