India Considers Customized Two-Seater Variant of Russia's Su-57 Stealth Fighter with Local Production, Russian Media Reports

India's quest for advanced fifth-generation fighter jets has taken an interesting turn, with reports emerging from Russian media that India is considering the acquisition of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter.

The reports suggest that India is particularly interested in a two-seat variant of the Su-57, potentially manufactured locally under the "Make in India" initiative. This could involve joint development and technology transfer, further deepening defense cooperation between the two countries.

According to Russian military analyst Igor Korotchenko, the Su-57 outperforms its American counterpart, the F-35, in several key areas. He also highlighted potential risks associated with American systems, suggesting vulnerabilities in sensitive technology that could be exploited during conflicts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential deal is the proposed development of a two-seat Su-57 variant specifically tailored to India's needs. This configuration would be a first for a fifth-generation fighter, offering increased operational flexibility and unique advantages in training and complex missions.

The second seat could accommodate a weapons systems officer or a trainer, enhancing the aircraft's capabilities in electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and long-range strike missions.

India's interest in the Su-57 aligns with its broader defense modernization goals, as reported by Russian media. With the recent induction of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, India has demonstrated its willingness to diversify its military imports while maintaining strategic autonomy. Korotchenko emphasized the significance of a fifth-generation fighter in solidifying India's position as a global power, particularly as a nuclear-armed nation.

While these reports suggest a growing interest from India, several factors will influence the final decision, including cost, technology transfer agreements, and the potential impact on India's indigenous fighter jet programs.

Nonetheless, the possibility of India acquiring a customized, two-seat variant of the Su-57 with local production represents a significant development in India's pursuit of advanced airpower capabilities.

 

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[R. Singh]

We must make SU-57 (I) as we are making Su-30 MKI ! But all critical spare parts must also be produced in India to avoid dependency on OEM !

 

[sanket]

Several times I have said Bharat should buy a few squadrons of Su-57 until AMCA is inducted, and yesterday I said Su-57 may be offered under Make in India with export. Something is cooking, which might be known during Putin's visit in January 2025.

I also said Su-57 tech/features can be incorporated into the Super Sukhoi upgrade package. Second, HAL can upgrade its offer of 72 Su-30MKI instead of 72 Su-57, plus an AL-51 derivative engine can be integrated on Super Sukhoi. A customized Su-57 can be developed. There are two options if Dassault is unwilling to start a production line in Bharat with local private players (49%/51% stake with a complete ecosystem and does not agree to share ToT). Then, Su-57 can kill two birds with one stone: it can fulfill the MRFA requirement, plus, with a lower price offer, Bharat can induct 150 Su-57 under Make in India.

Plus, Bharat can fill the gap of a stealth fighter jet by the time AMCA becomes a mature platform. Overall, Bharat will get stealth as well as the numbers under MRFA (114 jets) from the Su-57 offer with local manufacturing with a complete ecosystem. The Su-57 offer will put pressure on MRFA contenders, that's for sure. Instead of buying 4.5-gen fighter jets under MRFA, at the same price or with a discount, Su-57 can be bought under Make in India with more numbers than 114 jets.

 

[Anonymus]

The Su-57 is a very capable jet. The only problem is not having serpentine air intakes. If somehow that problem can be solved, there will be no reason not to have this jet.

 

[Ray]

Now Russia is ready to fullfill all the demands that IAF made during FGFA days. They have digested 350 million dollars of Indian taxpayers money in the name of FGFA and returned nothing. So it's very sceptical that IAF would consider any such offer, if it's not any govt to govt deal.

 

[Ray]

The Su-57 is a very capable jet. The only problem is not having serpentine air intakes. If somehow that problem can be solved, there will be no reason not to have this jet.

That problem has solved with radar blockers. But there are several others problem and biggest one is engine. AL-51 is still under development. Plus it's also unknown the status of 38 other shortcomings out of 40 that IAF raised several years ago. Russia lack money to complete all the R&D and testing asap. And right now only india have money to Fastrack Russian 5th gen aircraft program. And they are trying very badly to milk Indian money like past.

 

[Kailash]

Several times I have said Bharat should buy a few squadrons of Su-57 until AMCA is inducted, and yesterday I said Su-57 may be offered under Make in India with export. Something is cooking, which might be known during Putin's visit in January 2025.

Won't happen. We are trying to disengaged from Russians, as we'll have limited strategic leverage against China. No major defence acquisitions will be entertained.

 

[Jessica Cheong]

Indian starting their buy buy buy pattern, just like I said before, Indian doesn't work for self development indigenous products, they don't have the ability and wisdom to do that.

 

[raju]

I am in favor of buying 36 Su-57s for the IAF. No ToT needed.

 

[Sos]

They have digested 350 million dollars of Indian taxpayers money in the name of FGFA and returned nothing.

When did we give 350 million dollar to Russia?

 

[Parthasarathi DasGupta]

Su 57 was offered many years back as PAKFA. We had paid around $ 300 million for research and prototype testing. Why IAF came out from the project is billion dollar question.

 

[Tailless Baboon]

We hd paid some hefty amount for contacting development.

What happened to that fund?

 

[Atharva Khalatkar]

While the Su-57 might provide a short-term solution, procuring it would reinforce India’s dependency on foreign technology, which contradicts the AMCA’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defense technology. It might also delay the domestic innovation necessary to produce the AMCA independently.
And if we small order then price would be going to be high...

 

[Varaaah]

Russia is desperately seeking money to further develop this Su-57.

 

[Atharva Khalatkar]

Russia is desperately seeking money to further develop this Su-57.

And for Su75 too ... Production of su57 is also complicated as western parts in jet and Russian smuggling wouldn't be sufficient...

 

[skgs]

Now Russia is ready to fullfill all the demands that IAF made during FGFA days. They have digested 350 million dollars of Indian taxpayers money in the name of FGFA and returned nothing. So it's very sceptical that IAF would consider any such offer, if it's not any govt to govt deal.

No other option for India as Pakistan getting J-35a.

 

[Mohamed Suleiman]

Won't happen. We are trying to disengaged from Russians, as we'll have limited strategic leverage against China. No major defence acquisitions will be entertained.

Sounds like someone is pitching for the back stabbing, double crossing Americans.

 

[Anand S Jha]

China has hi-tech radars; in the Chinese air show, they must know how to detect the Su-57.The F-35 is coming to this Indian air show; check all the parameters by taking it on lease for the Air Force and Navy.The RCS of the F-35 is very low, which may give air superiority in Southeast Asia.

 

[Arvind Sharma]

Several times I have said Bharat should buy a few squadrons of Su-57 until AMCA is inducted, and yesterday I said Su-57 may be offered under Make in India with export. Something is cooking, which might be known during Putin's visit in January 2025.

I also said Su-57 tech/features can be incorporated into the Super Sukhoi upgrade package. Second, HAL can upgrade its offer of 72 Su-30MKI instead of 72 Su-57, plus an AL-51 derivative engine can be integrated on Super Sukhoi. A customized Su-57 can be developed. There are two options if Dassault is unwilling to start a production line in Bharat with local private players (49%/51% stake with a complete ecosystem and does not agree to share ToT). Then, Su-57 can kill two birds with one stone: it can fulfill the MRFA requirement, plus, with a lower price offer, Bharat can induct 150 Su-57 under Make in India.

Plus, Bharat can fill the gap of a stealth fighter jet by the time AMCA becomes a mature platform. Overall, Bharat will get stealth as well as the numbers under MRFA (114 jets) from the Su-57 offer with local manufacturing with a complete ecosystem. The Su-57 offer will put pressure on MRFA contenders, that's for sure. Instead of buying 4.5-gen fighter jets under MRFA, at the same price or with a discount, Su-57 can be bought under Make in India with more numbers than 114 jets.

Aptly reasoned out. Instead of investing in 4.5 gen platform, better to have a 5th weapon system. Developing a two seat variant is not a tough ask because they already have a trainer variant.
However, intriguing thing is that now a days every defence journalist puts in "with transfer of technology" and "Make in India" without realising, firstly the cost and time involved, and secondly the OEM has not spent money and time just for "Prasad Vitaran".
We are gradually developing a false sense of entitlement, something akin to "Annadata".

 

[Ray]

When did we give 350 million dollar to Russia?

In FGFA collaboration. We paid this amount while designing. Russia was asking 2 billion dollars (maybe more) for R&D and 4 prototypes.

 

[vamkris]

India shall buy 72 su57 and another 54 shall buy gripen e from saab so that india can tackle 2 front war with bangladesh and Pakistan in 2025

 

[paul_paul]

So a Russian saying how good a Russian product is? SU-57 wouldn't have a clue as to what killed it in a fight with an F35 because it won't ever see it from 150+ miles away. I would suspect the Chinese offering is better than it as well could you not buy from china as well?

 

[PKPRS]

We hd paid some hefty amount for contacting development.

What happened to that fund?

It is less than the price of one 4th gen Rafale F3R.

 

[Sos]

In FGFA collaboration. We paid this amount while designing. Russia was asking 2 billion dollars (maybe more) for R&D and 4 prototypes.

There must be some kind of deal in which me might have got some technology for amca or did we got total scammed?

 

[Renu Sri]

It is better for Russians to allow India access to tech it is requested. Indian money can improve SU 57, If not india will tilt towards west and Russian tech will be outdated due to lack of R&D

 

[Sheevom Doobey]

F35 is dire need of IAF at this moment & Trump can allow if pursued.

 

[kumar]

Whether Su57 is superior to F35 or not, it is superior to J35 of China, which Pak is going to acquire.
So we need F35 OR Su57 at the earliest.

 

[Ian Carter]

Hilarious. In Ukraine the SU-57 won't come anywhere near western air defence while the F35 simply flew into Iran and took out the S300s.

SU-57 uses a processor less powerful than an iPhone from 10 years ago...

Ukraine war has proven that most of Russian weapons are not very technologically advanced. Even when faced with older weapons from the Wests stores, let alone the latest or classified ones.

 

[rtnguy]

Buy 4 squadrons of Su 57E and 2 squadrons of Rafale and all problems solved. F35 is not an option as it needs an OTP like code from pentagon daily to start its engines which will not come if America does not want you involved in war. F35 will be the biggest mistake of IAF and GOI but looking at how corrupt the current government is, I would not be surprised if they take the F35 bait from Trump.

 

[Pad UwU]

It is better for Russians to allow India access to tech it is requested. Indian money can improve SU 57, If not india will tilt towards west and Russian tech will be outdated due to lack of R&D

Is GoI willing to pay the tech access with billion's of dollars not below $30~40b for tech transfer and special tools for production with a minimum order of 100 aircraft 😺