- Views: 27
- Replies: 1
Negotiations between India and Russia regarding the potential revival of fighter aircraft cooperation have reportedly reached an "advanced stage of technical consultations."
Central to these discussions is a proposal to manufacture the export variant of the Su-57 stealth fighter, known as the Su-57E, within India.
According to statements attributed to United Aircraft Corporation CEO Vadim Badekha, the roadmap involves licensed production at existing Indian facilities—likely the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) lines currently used for the Su-30MKI—with significant integration of Indian avionics and subsystems.
While the prospect of local production is significant, the core of the ongoing evaluation is a complex decision regarding the aircraft’s propulsion system.
Sources indicate that Moscow has presented New Delhi with two distinct engine options: the operationally proven AL-41 series or the newly developed Izdeliye 177 (Product 177) family.
This choice is timely, as Russian aviation officials recently confirmed that the Su-57 has successfully completed its maiden flight with the Izdeliye 177 engine, a major milestone in Russia’s long-standing effort to field a definitive "second-stage" powerplant for its fifth-generation fleet.
The Engine Dilemma: Proven Reliability vs. Future Performance
For the Russian Air Force, the Izdeliye 177 is intended to eventually replace the interim AL-41F1 engines currently powering early-production Su-57s. However, the situation presents a strategic dilemma for India.Although the Izdeliye 177 promises enhanced performance—including improved thrust and fuel efficiency—it is currently in the early phases of its flight test campaign and is not yet ready for mass production. Consequently, it is unlikely to be available for any immediate induction timeline.
Recognizing this, Russian negotiators have positioned a specific variant, the Izdeliye 177S, as a future-proof solution.
Recent open-source intelligence from the Dubai Airshow 2025 corroborates that the 177S is being marketed as a "drop-in" replacement, dimensionally compatible with the AL-31F and AL-31FP engines.
This compatibility is particularly relevant for the Indian Air Force (IAF), as it would theoretically allow the engine to be retrofitted onto the massive Su-30MKI fleet without requiring extensive airframe modifications.
Industrial Viability and Timelines
Practically, if India were to sign a deal in the near future, the initial batches of aircraft would likely be powered by the mature AL-41 engine, with a roadmap to transition to the 177S once it achieves certification.Industry experts estimate that serial production of the core 177 engine family is still several years away, potentially pushing widespread availability toward the end of the decade. Until then, the AL-41 remains the only option capable of supporting an immediate export manufacturing programme.
Beyond the technical specifications, Russia’s pitch leans heavily on industrial logic.
By proposing the use of active Su-30MKI production lines, Moscow is attempting to leverage its deep-rooted aerospace supply chain in India.
This approach aims to distinguish the Russian offer from Western fifth-generation alternatives by promising a level of technology transfer and industrial participation—specifically in critical subsystems—that Western partners have historically been reluctant to provide.
The Risks of Early Commitment
The current evaluation period is critical because the Su-57 programme is visibly evolving. The recent flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 signal that Russia is moving past its interim capabilities.However, the fact that this definitive engine is still in the testing phase highlights the risks of committing to the platform too early. India has faced challenges with delayed engine maturity in past defence programmes, making the "proven vs. promised" debate a sensitive aspect of these negotiations.
For Indian defence planners, the primary appeal of the Su-57E proposal is the potential for speed and scale. Licensed production could theoretically deliver fifth-generation airpower faster than the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
Yet, the engine uncertainty complicates this benefit. Accepting an AL-41-powered fleet today relies on a future promise that the 177S will mature on schedule and deliver the anticipated performance boost.
Ultimately, the ongoing consultations are less about a simple "yes or no" to the Su-57E and more about defining exactly which version of the fighter India would receive.
The choice between an immediate interim solution and a delayed, more advanced platform will define the operational relevance, cost capability, and timeline of the IAF's future combat fleet for decades to come.
