Major General Emphasizes 30/60/10 Rule for India's Potential Acquisition of Su-57 Fighter Jets

Major General S B Asthana recently addressed India's potential acquisition of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter, emphasizing the critical need for the Indian Armed Forces to maintain a balance of cutting-edge, current, and older military equipment.

He highlighted the "30/60/10 rule," which suggests an ideal composition of 30% state-of-the-art systems, 60% current-generation equipment, and only 10% obsolete inventory. This balanced approach, he argued, ensures operational readiness while allowing for continuous technological upgrades.

India is actively pursuing indigenous defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. However, acquiring certain advanced technologies remains a challenge. The Su-57, with its stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and fifth-generation features, represents an opportunity to bolster India's combat edge in the short term.

While India has made significant progress in domestic defence production, exemplified by the Tejas fighter and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, some areas still require external collaboration or procurement.

Maj Gen Asthana acknowledged this reality, stating that "there are certain systems where we have not yet developed the technology to the desired level. In such cases, acquiring proven platforms becomes essential to maintain operational readiness."

The Su-57, designed to compete with advanced fighters like the American F-35 and Chinese J-20, offers India a chance to enhance its air dominance capabilities. Its stealth features, supersonic cruise ability, and integrated avionics could provide a significant advantage in contested airspaces.

Unlike developmental projects that can take years to mature, procuring operationally ready equipment like the Su-57 allows for immediate integration into the force structure. Maj Gen Asthana emphasized this advantage, stating that "acquiring such equipment ensures its readiness for deployment the moment it is inducted."

However, he also cautioned that the decision to acquire the Su-57 must be carefully considered in light of India's strategic requirements, budgetary constraints, and the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This balanced perspective highlights the complexities involved in modernizing India's armed forces and the need for a strategic approach that balances immediate needs with long-term goals.

 

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[JB]

While India takes small baby steps towards self reliance it cannot afford to fall behind it's northern neighbor no matter the cost. But that is precisely what has happened and any skirmish will most definitely be unfavorable. The acquisition of SU 57s is a logical extension of its military hardware while maintaining a defensive posture at a justifiable and healthy cost benefit proposition.

 

[R. Singh]

Why not Bharat buy India specific 60+ Su-57 (I) ? But powered by latest gen engines not AL- engines !

 

[Vilas Raje]

Doesn't seems India has too many options..AMCA & Aatmanirbhar is very logical ,obvious & wishful solution but there are too many other aspects at stake...India is lagging far behind on 5th Gen Technology with China already having J20s in sizable nos in their inventory and Pakistan almost poised to get it any day from now, again in good numbers, India does not have an option to wait another 20-25 years. We need good 5th Gen Technology & need it NOW. Even if US offers this technology in form of F35 or any other option it cannot be reliable option..GE engines for Tejas is a classic case. There are hardly any options from Europe..That leaves only Russians along with somehow fast tracking AMCA.